If you’ve ever stared at a blank resume wondering how firing artillery or managing convoy security translates to working in tech, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there—trying to explain my military experience to hiring managers who had never seen an MRE, much less a fire mission.
But here’s the truth: your Army background is gold. You just have to learn how to translate your skills into terms the tech world understands.
Let’s break it down—combat-to-code style.
Step 1: Understand What You Actually Did
Before you reword it, you have to see it for what it really was:
You weren’t just a gunner—you executed time-sensitive operations with high precision under pressure.
You didn’t just lead patrols—you coordinated logistics, ensured team safety, and responded to dynamic threats.
You didn’t just “follow orders”—you adapted in chaos, managed people, and made fast, high-stakes decisions.
Step 2: Translate Roles Into Tech-Relatable Language
Here’s a cheat sheet to reframe your MOS experience:
| Military Language | Tech Resume Language |
|---|---|
| Fire mission execution | Time-sensitive system operations |
| Convoy leadership | Project coordination & team leadership |
| Comms setup & radio ops | Network configuration & troubleshooting |
| Equipment maintenance | Hardware diagnostics & system reliability |
| Tactical decision-making | Incident response & real-time troubleshooting |
Step 3: Add Relevant Certifications or Learning
Hiring managers love action—but they also love signals of growth. So pair your military mindset with upskilling:
Linux? Mention your hands-on terminal work.
Python? Highlight any scripts or automation projects.
Git? Show your ability to manage change and version control.
You don’t have to be an expert—just prove you’re leveling up.
Step 4: Don’t Leave Out the Intangibles
Veterans bring more than tech skills. They bring:
Calm under pressure
Clear communication
Grit and follow-through
Loyalty to the mission
Relentless problem-solving
These don’t just belong on your resume—they belong in your cover letter, your interviews, and your personal brand.
Final Tips
Use bullet points that show action + impact:
“Led 8-member artillery team in 200+ successful missions with 100% equipment readiness”Quantify everything you can
Tailor your resume to each job using key terms from the job description
Final Thoughts
Your military experience isn’t a barrier. It’s your differentiator.
You're not starting over. You’re rearming for a new battlefield—this time, it’s digital.
Follow more at jameshenderson.online, where the fire mission becomes the function—and veterans take the lead in tech.