Bridging the Gap Between Military Service and Cybersecurity Careers
Transitioning from military service to civilian employment can be a complex process, particularly in specialized fields like cybersecurity. Recognizing this challenge, Fortinet Veterans Program was established to provide veterans and their spouses with free training, certifications, and job-readiness resources tailored to the cybersecurity sector.
Through a strategic partnership with VetSec, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans build careers in information security, Fortinet has broadened its impact. The collaboration aims to ensure that no veteran pursuing a cybersecurity career remains unemployed, addressing both workforce shortages and the unique hurdles veterans face during career transitions.
Training, Certification, and Real-World Outcomes
The program offers self-paced online learning, hands-on labs, certification vouchers, and structured courses such as the Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp. These resources are designed to accommodate participants at all experience levels, from beginners to those with technical backgrounds.
Jeramiah Poff, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, credits the partnership for his successful entry into the sector. After leaving the military, Poff found it difficult to translate his experience into a civilian context. Through VetSec, he discovered Fortinet’s training, which included fundamental and associate-level certifications. He eventually secured a position at ArmorPoint, a managed security service provider focused on Fortinet tools, and now works as a security architect. “The training didn’t just give me knowledge. It gave me an edge and a future,” Poff said.
Similarly, Derek Zobler, who served in both the Marine Corps and Air Force National Guard, joined the Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp in 2024. Despite having a college background in networking, Zobler found the bootcamp deepened his expertise and provided practical examples for job applications. After completing the course in August, he was hired as a cyberthreat hunter in the electricity sector by September, attributing his success to the targeted, practical training he received.
Expanding Access and Addressing Industry Needs
Fortinet’s Veterans Program operates internationally, with partners across the Five Eyes alliance, enabling veterans and their spouses globally to access world-class training and real-world employment pathways. The program is part of a broader effort to address the cybersecurity skills gap, which remains a persistent challenge for both public and private sectors.
Both Poff and Zobler emphasized the importance of accessible training and a supportive community. Poff encouraged others to “start today,” noting that a tech background is not required, while Zobler highlighted the value that veterans’ discipline and problem-solving bring to the cybersecurity field.