how to ex-military transitioning to tech checklist
Welcome to James Henderson’s guide on how ex-military transitioning to tech checklist. If you served in uniform and dreamed of building a tech career, you’ve come to the right place. This post weaves together James’s own journey from soldier to successful business leader, practical steps to guide your transition, and the emotional strength he drew from his faithful companion, Emma Rose, his Great Dane. By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable path and the inspiration to take each step with confidence.
James served with 2/3 ACR Cavalry as a 13B, Cannon Crew Member. He spent years mastering precision, teamwork, and leadership under pressure. When his service ended, he faced the challenge of translating those skills into a new industry. Like many veterans, he found that the structure and mission-driven life in tech mirrored the military in unexpected ways.
In this beginner-friendly guide, James breaks down his transition step by step. Imagine learning to code as similar to learning a new radio system in the field—it takes practice, patience, and a willingness to ask questions. With Emma Rose by his side, he discovered that companionship can turn a daunting mission into an achievable goal.
From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: James’s Story
James’s first civilian job was in sales, but he felt restless. His true passion lay in innovation and problem solving. Drawing on the discipline of artillery operations, he taught himself to code and launched his first startup. Within three years, he moved into leadership roles, guiding teams to build apps that solve real-world challenges.
His military background taught him resilience under pressure and the value of clear communication. Those lessons translated directly to leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced tech environments. Today, James leads a boutique consultancy, helping veterans and newcomers alike harness their strengths for success in technology.
Why Tech? Finding a New Mission
For many ex-military, tech offers a fresh mission: building software solutions that impact lives. Like following coordinates to a target, developers follow requirements to create value. The sense of purpose is strong, and you get to see tangible results when a project goes live. Tech also values continuous learning—the same mindset that keeps a soldier sharp in changing conditions.
Key Insight: Treat your transition as a deployment—you gather intel, make a plan, execute small missions, and adapt as you learn.
how to ex-military transitioning to tech checklist: The Core Steps
Below is James’s battle-tested checklist. Each item is a milestone you must conquer on your path to a tech career.
- Evaluate your military skills
- Translate skills into tech language
- Build foundational knowledge
- Gain hands-on experience
- Network with purpose
- Craft a tech-ready resume
- Practice interviews and soft skills
- Embrace continuous learning
- Seek mentorship and community
- Launch your career with confidence
1. Evaluate Your Military Skills
Begin by listing every skill you used in the military, from technical tasks like equipment maintenance to soft skills like teamwork and leadership. This self-assessment is essential—it’s the foundation of your transition. Picture your skills as tools in a pack; you need to know what you have before tackling the next mission.
2. Translate Skills to Tech Lingo
Once you have your list, rewrite each skill in civilian language. For example, coordinating artillery fire becomes "project coordination under tight deadlines." This translation makes it easier for hiring managers to see your value. Think of it as converting military grid coordinates into a city map—they’re different systems but describe the same location.
3. Build Foundational Knowledge
Choose a tech field—web development, data analysis, cybersecurity—and start with free resources or low-cost courses. Platforms like freeCodeCamp or Coursera offer structured paths. Dedicate at least an hour each day to study. Like daily physical training in the military, consistency builds strength over time.
4. Gain Hands-On Experience
Apply what you learn by building small projects: a personal website, a simple data dashboard, or a basic security audit of your home network. These side projects serve as live fire exercises, helping you practice and showcase your skills in a tangible way.
5. Network with Purpose
Attend local meetups, virtual hackathons, or veteran-focused tech groups. Introduce yourself as a former 2/3 ACR Cavalry 13B and share your goals. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about building genuine relationships. Think of it like forming a fire team; each member brings value and support.
6. Craft a Tech-Ready Resume
Your resume should highlight translated skills, completed projects, and any certifications. Use clear headings and bullet points. Emphasize results, for example, "Built a React app that reduced data entry time by 30%." A concise, achievement-oriented resume stands out.
7. Practice Interviews and Soft Skills
Technical interviews test problem solving and coding skills, but don’t neglect soft skills. Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms—just like briefing a squad before a mission. Strong communication and confidence can set you apart as a future leader.
8. Embrace Continuous Learning
Tech evolves rapidly. Commit to weekly learning goals—read industry blogs, follow tutorials, or take short courses. This habit mirrors ongoing training in the military and keeps you adaptable. Remember, staying curious is your greatest weapon.
9. Seek Mentorship and Community
Connect with veterans who have already transitioned. Their insights are invaluable. A mentor can help you navigate company cultures, interview processes, and skill priorities. Joining a community offers accountability and encouragement during challenging moments.
10. Launch Your Career with Confidence
When you land interviews, treat them as missions: research the company, prepare thoughtful questions, and highlight how your background brings unique strengths. Celebrate each offer and negotiate your terms. This final push is the culmination of your disciplined preparation.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Transitioning can feel like facing a sandstorm—uncertain and overwhelming. Imposter syndrome is common; you might doubt your coding skills or worry you won’t fit in. Remember: every expert started as a beginner. Use structured learning and small wins to build momentum. Lean on peers and mentors when storms hit.
Resources and Tools for Your Transition
- freeCodeCamp – Free web development curriculum
- LinkedIn Learning – Short courses in tech and business
- GitHub – Host and share your code projects
- Meetup – Find local tech and veteran groups
- Veterati – Mentorship platform for veterans
- Codecademy – Interactive coding lessons
- Coursera – University-backed specializations
- Stack Overflow – Community Q&A for developers
These tools helped James move from basic tutorials to leading teams in software development. Pick one or two to start, then expand as you gain confidence.
Lessons in Leadership and Innovation
James’s time with 2/3 ACR Cavalry taught him that leadership is not about rank, but service to your team. In tech, that translates to empowering colleagues, listening actively, and sharing credit. True leaders build trust and inspire others to reach new heights.
Leading with Empathy and Discipline
Just as a platoon thrives on clear orders and mutual support, tech teams succeed when members feel heard and guided. James uses daily stand-ups and one-on-one check-ins to foster transparency and accountability.
Innovative Thinking: A Soldier’s Mindset
In the field, soldiers adapt quickly to changing threats. Similarly, innovation in tech often emerges from rapid experimentation and learning from failure. Embrace a mindset of "test, learn, iterate" to drive projects forward.
The Emotional Strength of Companionship
Throughout his journey, James found solace in Emma Rose, his gentle Great Dane. Her calm presence after long coding sessions reminded him to breathe and stay grounded. Companionship, whether from a pet, friend, or fellow veteran, provides the emotional resilience needed in high-stress environments.
Real-Life Examples: Success Stories
James mentored fellow veterans who went on to become software engineers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists. One former infantryman built a drone monitoring system, while another developed a health-tracking app for veterans. These stories show that with the right mindset and support, the transition is not only possible but can lead to groundbreaking work.
Measuring Your Progress
Set clear, measurable goals: complete a coding project, attend three networking events, or earn a certification within six months. Track your progress in a journal or spreadsheet. Celebrate each milestone—small wins keep motivation high and reinforce your sense of achievement.
Putting It All Together: Your Transition Plan
Use this how ex-military transitioning to tech checklist as your roadmap. Start by evaluating your skills, then move through each step at your own pace. Share your goals with mentors and peers to stay accountable. Over time, you’ll see how your military discipline and leadership blend seamlessly with tech innovation.
Embracing the Journey: Final Thoughts
Your transition from service member to tech professional is a new mission—one that benefits from the same courage, teamwork, and dedication you showed in uniform. Keep Emma Rose’s calm strength in mind when challenges arise, and lean on your community for support. With each completed step on your checklist, you build momentum toward a fulfilling career in technology.
Ready to begin? Bookmark this guide, join a veteran tech group, and take the first step today. Share your progress and insights in the comments below—your story might inspire the next person on this path.