When I joined the U.S. Army, I became a 13B cannon crew member in the 2/3 Armored Cavalry Regiment. It was intense, challenging, and unforgettable. Every morning started early with rigorous physical training. Our days were filled with drills, practicing precision with heavy artillery, and learning to work closely as a cohesive team. At first, I thought firing a cannon would be all about power and explosions. Quickly, though, I realized it was about much more. It was about control, precision, teamwork, and discipline—skills that would become invaluable later in life.
Precision was crucial. Each cannon shot had to land exactly where it was planned. If we missed, it could mean failure—or worse, hurting the wrong people. This taught me the importance of careful planning, attention to detail, and the value of accuracy. I learned that power without precision could be dangerous, a lesson equally critical in the world of cybersecurity.
Teamwork was equally vital. Each person in the artillery crew had a clear, specific role. Trust was everything. I depended on my teammates to do their jobs perfectly, just as they depended on me. This reliance on one another built strong bonds and showed me the power of effective communication and trust.
The resilience I learned was perhaps the most lasting lesson. Artillery training was demanding. Mistakes were inevitable, and failure was frequent, especially in the beginning. But we learned quickly how to bounce back, adapt, and improve. Each setback became a stepping stone, teaching us persistence and determination.
After completing my military service, I felt lost. Transitioning to civilian life was harder than I expected. I missed the structure, the clear purpose, and the camaraderie I’d found in the Army. That’s when I discovered cybersecurity, specifically ethical hacking. It immediately sparked my interest.
Ethical hacking involves testing systems for weaknesses to prevent harmful cyberattacks. Just like artillery required precision, hacking required deep understanding and careful planning. Instead of physical targets, my new targets were computer systems and networks. Protecting them felt like defending territory—another parallel to my military experience.
In cybersecurity, understanding the "enemy" meant thinking like a hacker, anticipating moves, and staying one step ahead. I remembered how in the military, we had to understand the enemy’s tactics, predict their moves, and prepare accordingly. This tactical mindset became a huge advantage in my new career.
My first experiences in ethical hacking mirrored my early artillery training. Initially, I made mistakes. Each failure taught me something new. I spent hours learning, practicing, and refining my approach. The discipline and resilience I had developed as a soldier pushed me forward. Just like artillery training, success in cybersecurity required consistent effort, patience, and perseverance.
One memorable project involved helping a small business strengthen their online defenses. Their website had already been hacked once. My job was to find the vulnerabilities before hackers could exploit them again. It felt like scouting a battlefield, mapping out terrain, noting vulnerabilities, and preparing defenses. Through careful analysis, I uncovered weaknesses in their security and helped them build stronger protections. The satisfaction I felt was familiar—it reminded me of successful artillery missions.
As my cybersecurity skills grew, so did my interest in machine learning. This is a type of artificial intelligence where computers learn to recognize patterns and predict outcomes. It was fascinating because it combined precision, creativity, and strategic thinking—skills I had mastered in the Army.
I began building systems that could predict cyber threats before they happened. It felt like planning an artillery mission—predicting where and when threats would appear and how to effectively counter them. This innovative approach helped companies stay ahead of cyber threats, protecting valuable data and preventing costly attacks.
Throughout these transitions, emotional balance was essential. Leaving the structured life of the Army was challenging. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. My Great Dane, Max, became an integral part of my life. Max provided unwavering support and companionship. His calming presence helped ease the stress of learning new skills and adjusting to a civilian career.
Taking long walks with Max after hours in front of the computer brought balance and clarity. His companionship reminded me of the camaraderie I cherished in the Army. Max wasn't just a pet—he was a supportive friend who kept me grounded, providing emotional stability during challenging times.
My journey has taught me that success isn't just about discipline, precision, or innovation alone. It's about blending these elements with emotional balance and companionship. The skills I learned in artillery—precision, teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking—directly influenced my success in cybersecurity. Likewise, the emotional support provided by companionship, represented by my loyal Great Dane, was equally important.
I encourage anyone facing transitions—whether from military to civilian life, changing careers, or overcoming challenges—to embrace their diverse experiences. Combining discipline, technological curiosity, and heartfelt companionship can create a powerful foundation for success and fulfillment. By blending these different facets of life, we can navigate challenges more effectively and build meaningful, rewarding paths forward.