My journey began in a place most people wouldn't expect to lead to a career in technology: the United States Army. As a 13B cannon crew member in the 2/3 Armored Cavalry Regiment, my days were filled with loud noises, heavy machinery, and carefully planned missions. I learned quickly that firing a cannon wasn't just about explosions—it was about precision, discipline, and teamwork.
Every shot we fired had a purpose. We were trained to understand not only how to operate our equipment but also why each action mattered. Precision was crucial; even the smallest mistake could mean missing the target. It required us to be disciplined, always paying close attention to details and following procedures exactly as instructed. This disciplined approach stayed with me long after my military service ended.
In artillery, teamwork was equally important. Each crew member had a specific role, and we depended on each other to do our parts correctly. Just like parts in a complex machine, every person's task was essential. Our success relied on trust and clear communication. These skills—discipline, precision, and teamwork—became the foundation of my later career in cybersecurity.
After leaving the Army, I searched for a new career that could use the same skills I had developed in the military. Initially, I wasn't sure where to start, but one day I discovered something fascinating: cybersecurity. The idea of hacking, especially ethical hacking, caught my interest immediately. Ethical hackers are people who understand networks and computers deeply, identifying vulnerabilities so they can be fixed before criminals exploit them. It reminded me of my artillery training—understanding something deeply to control and protect it.
Ethical hacking isn't just about breaking into systems. It's about understanding how things work, finding weaknesses, and using knowledge to protect others. Just like artillery training taught me precision and control, ethical hacking requires careful attention and deep understanding of complex systems. For example, imagine a bank’s online system. An ethical hacker needs to think like a criminal hacker—looking for weaknesses in the system—but uses that knowledge to keep the money and information safe.
When I first began exploring IT and cybersecurity, I faced challenges. It felt overwhelming to learn all the new technical details, but the discipline I had gained in the Army helped me stay focused. Just as I had studied manuals and practiced drills until they became second nature in the Army, I began to study computer systems and practice hacking techniques tirelessly. Resilience—another skill I gained as a soldier—kept me from giving up even when things got tough.
One early lesson in cybersecurity reminded me exactly of my days as a soldier. I had to test a company's website to find security holes. It felt a lot like scouting enemy territory before an artillery strike. I carefully mapped out the site, noting every point of entry, just as I had noted every target and obstacle in the military. This parallel between scouting enemy terrain and analyzing computer networks became clearer and more exciting to me every day.
Alongside my growing passion for technology was another important factor in my life: companionship. After leaving the structured environment of the military, I felt a gap. That’s when I adopted Max, a gentle, giant Great Dane. His calm and comforting presence helped me adjust to civilian life. The loyalty and companionship Max provided reminded me of the camaraderie I'd known in the Army. He was always there for me, providing emotional support when the stress of learning new skills or transitioning careers felt overwhelming.
Max wasn't just a pet—he was part of my support system. After spending hours in front of computer screens learning new skills, taking Max for long walks helped clear my mind. His companionship taught me balance, helping me realize that success isn't just about hard work and discipline, but also about having emotional support and meaningful relationships.
As my skills in cybersecurity grew, so did my interest in machine learning—a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that teaches computers to learn patterns and solve problems. Machine learning fascinated me because, much like artillery and ethical hacking, it required both creativity and precision. I began developing programs that could predict cyber threats, much like anticipating enemy actions in the military.
Creating these programs felt similar to planning artillery missions. Both required thinking strategically, predicting outcomes, and preparing for multiple scenarios. In cybersecurity, predicting threats can save millions of dollars and protect valuable information. It felt rewarding to apply military-inspired strategic thinking to technology that could make people's lives safer.
Over time, my unique experiences as a soldier and cybersecurity expert allowed me to build a successful career. I realized that the best career paths often combine seemingly unrelated skills—like the discipline of artillery, the curiosity of hacking, and the creativity of programming. The emotional support of my loyal Great Dane, Max, made the transition smoother and taught me the importance of balance and companionship.
My journey taught me valuable lessons that I hope inspire others. Discipline, precision, teamwork, resilience, innovation, and companionship aren't just useful—they are essential. Whether you’re transitioning from military to civilian life, exploring a new career, or simply facing life's challenges, blending these diverse experiences can lead to a fulfilling and inspiring path forward.
Ultimately, I discovered that the best way to succeed is to embrace every part of your journey—the structured discipline of military service, the excitement of discovering new technologies, and the comforting presence of companionship. These diverse experiences come together to shape a fulfilling career and a meaningful life.