For Veterans
Breaking Into Tech
Free, curated resources for veterans making the transition into cybersecurity and tech. No fluff. Just what actually helps.
Start Here
The Roadmap
If you're starting from zero, follow this sequence.
Get the Foundation
Start with CompTIA A+ or Network+ to build your fundamentals. These are vendor-neutral, highly respected, and many employers list them as baseline requirements.
Move into Security
CompTIA Security+ is the entry-level cybersecurity cert most employers recognize. It's required for many DoD positions and is a natural next step after foundational certs.
Get Hands-On
Labs beat lectures. TryHackMe and Hack The Box let you practice real techniques in safe environments. CTF competitions are even better. They're timed, competitive, and force you to problem-solve.
Build in Public
Document what you're learning. GitHub repos, write-ups, a portfolio site. These differentiate you from candidates with the same certs but nothing to show. Recruiters notice.
Personally Recommended
Resources Eduardo Has Used
These are platforms and programs Eduardo has used personally. He can speak to their value firsthand.
Gale Courses (Udemy)
FreeMost people have no idea this exists. If you have a public library card, you can access thousands of Udemy courses for free through Gale. Self-paced, wide catalog, no subscription needed.
How to Get Access →NPower
FreeFree tech training program for veterans and young adults. Structured courses covering IT fundamentals and cybersecurity, and they cover certification voucher fees. Eduardo went through this program personally.
Visit →ACT Now Education
FreeHosts a free meeting every Sunday covering resources for veterans and active duty members in detail. They sponsor certifications, host job fairs, provide mentorship, and give access to free Coursera content. One of the most underrated communities in this space.
Visit →LinkedIn Premium (Free for Vets)
FreeVeterans can redeem one year of LinkedIn Premium at no cost. Includes InMail credits, applicant ranking insights, salary data, and full LinkedIn Learning access. Claim it before you need it.
Claim Your Benefit →TryHackMe
Free TierGuided, beginner-friendly cybersecurity learning paths with browser-based labs. No setup required. This is where Eduardo started with hands-on practice and it is the best on-ramp he found.
Visit →Professor Messer (YouTube)
FreeFree CompTIA cert study material on YouTube. Video courses, study groups, and practice exams for A+, Network+, and Security+. This is the resource Eduardo used to prep for his certifications.
Visit →Network Chuck (YouTube)
FreeCovers networking, Linux, Python, ethical hacking, and cloud in a way that actually keeps your attention. Great for building a broad technical foundation without losing interest.
Visit →Also Worth Exploring
Eduardo Has Not Tried These Personally
He cannot speak from personal experience on these, but they come up consistently in the vet-to-tech community and have a strong reputation. Worth looking into.
Hack The Box
Free TierMore challenging and less guided than TryHackMe. Real-world machines and challenges for intermediate learners. Consistently recommended once you have some foundational skills built up.
Visit →PicoCTF
FreeBeginner-friendly CTF platform from Carnegie Mellon. Year-round challenges across cryptography, binary exploitation, web, and forensics. Good for getting CTF reps in at any pace.
Visit →Cybrary
Free TierVideo-based cybersecurity training with structured learning paths. Covers cert prep for Security+, CEH, and role-based tracks. Comes up often as a structured complement to hands-on labs.
Visit →SANS Cyber Aces
FreeFree foundational training from SANS Institute. Covers OS, networking, and systems administration basics. SANS is one of the most respected names in cybersecurity education.
Visit →SkillBridge
DoD ProgramAllows transitioning service members to gain civilian work experience during their last 180 days of service. Many tech and cybersecurity companies participate. Frequently mentioned as one of the strongest transition tools available.
VET TEC
VA BenefitVA program that covers tuition for high-tech training programs and coding bootcamps, plus a monthly housing allowance while in training. A way to use your VA education benefits specifically for tech skills.
VetSec
FreeNonprofit for veteran cybersecurity professionals. Offers free training resources, mentorship, a job board, and a community of vets working in security. Comes up regularly in vet tech circles.
CompTIA Veterans Program
DiscountedCompTIA offers discounted certification exams and study materials for veterans. Some certs map to military occupational specialties. Worth checking if you are pursuing CompTIA certifications.
A Note From Eduardo
The transition out of the military is hard. Nobody hands you a roadmap, and civilian hiring processes can feel foreign after years in a structured environment. Eduardo built this resource page because he wishes something like it had existed when he started.
If you're a veteran trying to break into cybersecurity and you want to connect, talk through a path, or just have someone in your corner, reach out. No agenda, no sales pitch.
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