Let’s face it—when you transition out of the military and step into tech, it’s like being dropped into a foreign country.
You hear people talk about Git, Docker, APIs, Python, and you’re like... what language is this?
I’ve been there. I didn’t come from a computer science background. I came from a 13B artillery background—tactical, high-stakes, hands-on.
But what I lacked in formal tech knowledge, I made up for in discipline and drive. That’s what helped me quickly identify and master the core tools that really matter when you’re starting out in IT, cybersecurity, or software development.
And now I want to pass that roadmap to you.
Why Tools Matter
In the Army, we learned weapons systems, radios, and field gear—because tools win fights.
In tech, tools win careers.
So here are 7 foundational tools every veteran should start with if you're exploring tech.
🛠️ 1. Git + GitHub (Version Control + Collaboration)
- What it is: Git tracks changes in code. GitHub stores your code online and helps you collaborate with others.
- Why it matters: It's like your logbook and team comms in one.
- How to learn it: Use GitHub’s free learning lab.
Veteran analogy: Git is your after-action report. GitHub is your TOC.
💻 2. VS Code (Your Mission Command Center)
- What it is: A free, lightweight code editor.
- Why it matters: This is where you’ll write, test, and run your code. It’s user-friendly and powerful.
- How to learn it: Explore the built-in extensions and get comfortable with shortcuts.
🐍 3. Python (The Rifle of Programming Languages)
- What it is: A beginner-friendly language used in AI, cybersecurity, data, automation—you name it.
- Why it matters: It’s versatile, readable, and in high demand.
- How to learn it: Use Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, or Python.org.
🌐 4. Linux & Command Line (The Tactical OS)
- What it is: An open-source operating system commonly used in tech, especially security.
- Why it matters: It powers servers, cloud systems, and most cybersecurity platforms.
- How to learn it: Start with basic Bash commands and Ubuntu.
Veteran analogy: Linux is your base camp. Learn to move in and out like a pro.
🔐 5. Wireshark (Cyber Recon Tool)
- What it is: A network protocol analyzer.
- Why it matters: It shows you what data is flowing across a network—great for ethical hacking and cybersecurity.
- How to learn it: YouTube tutorials + official docs.
📦 6. Docker (Containers, Not Canteens)
- What it is: A tool to package and deploy applications quickly.
- Why it matters: It helps you replicate systems and environments with ease.
- How to learn it: Docker playground + TryHackMe environments.
📁 7. Markdown (For Writing Readable Docs)
- What it is: A lightweight way to format README files and documentation.
- Why it matters: Communication is key. Learn to make your work readable.
- How to learn it: Practice writing GitHub READMEs.
Final Thoughts
The tech world can be overwhelming at first, but so was basic training.
You don’t need to learn everything at once—just master one tool at a time.
And remember: you’ve already proven you can learn under pressure. These tools? They’re just your new gear.
Stick with me at jameshenderson.online, where vets turn chaos into code—and new missions start with just one terminal window.