Field-Tested Cyber: Why Veterans are Critical to Preserving America’s Cyber Advantage

By Paul Jordan, Principal Network Engineer

For many veterans, the move from government to the private sector is not just a career change but a transfer of knowledge across industries that strengthens the broader security landscape. Given today’s threat landscape and increased risk, organizations are turning to veterans to understand the complex security challenges.

Why the Cyber Battlefield Is More Vulnerable Than Ever

Today’s cybersecurity battlefield has become increasingly vulnerable. Attackers have become more advanced at bypassing traditional defenses and exploiting every weakness. Due to the overwhelming volume of attacks, it has become increasingly difficult to fill these roles with talent capable of working under such intense pressure and making risk-informed decisions in a split second. That is why cyber vets have been instrumental in using their training and purpose-driven mindset to help the industry defend itself against these rising threats.

The Retention Challenge Facing Military Cyber Units

Military cyber units are under increasing pressure to retain these skilled personnel. That is not because they are no longer attracting talent, but because their systems were built for mass mobilization and not long-term talent sustainment. Military leadership often underestimates the complexity of cyber work, believing that if a pilot can be trained quickly, then any specialty can be mastered on a similar timeline, but with this, you lose expertise.

There is no single factor for declining cyber retention rates, but it’s typically the result of ongoing frustrations that build over time. Military cyber retention suffers from tenure-based promotions, slow processes that delay progress, and a limited understanding of the demands of cyber technology. Similar challenges exist in civil service roles, where compensation often still falls short of private-sector opportunities, and shifting priorities can quickly leave employees feeling undervalued.

Creating Alignment Through Mission and Purpose

How can organizations cultivate a culture that enables veterans to thrive? Many veterans are motivated by the mission more than money or status, especially after years of serving in high-stakes environments. They are looking for a way to be part of something that feels bigger than just the job, and that is often what they miss most once they leave the service.

One of the most overlooked assets veterans provide is the ability to translate mission requirements across sectors. They are the bridge between government and industry. When organizations link their daily work to making a larger impact and define a unified purpose, veterans are more likely to stay engaged, contribute at a high level, and feel aligned with the team. They understand how government customers think and communicate. That shared fluency can resolve confusion and enable alignment. This is the type of asset that isn’t something you can learn from the company training videos but comes from lived experience in the field.

One of the government’s greatest vulnerabilities isn’t staffing shortages but the loss of these cyber experts. When these vets leave the field, the organization is left to focus on rebuilding, which will delay advancement. But there is hope in the private sector, where these vets can continue to strengthen America’s security while embracing the mission-first mindset ingrained in them.

Continuing the Mission at GRVTY

Cyber threats are escalating faster and are becoming more advanced. As these seasoned vets transition out of uniform and public service, they are best prepared to defend today’s digital battlefield. At GRVTY, veterans join our team not only as operators or engineers but as defenders. Their expertise allows us to support federal customers, navigate national security environments, and help us build trust in high-stakes situations.

If you are a cyber veteran who is ready to continue the mission, we would be proud to have you on the team.