Introduction

From Combat Boots to Cybersecurity: A Journey of War Stories and Wi-Fi

If you told me 23 years ago that I’d go from dodging bullets to tinkering with computers and building a home lab, I’d have asked you which sci-fi movie you were watching. Yet, here I am, 42 years young, with a family that’s growing faster than a Windows update, and a passion for tech that I’ve been nursing longer than my military career. This is the story of a soldier turned geek—a tale of war, wires, and a whole lot of Wi-Fi.

The Long March: 23 Years in the Army

Let’s start with the basics. I’ve been in the Army for 23 years. That’s more than two decades of early mornings, long marches, and enough acronyms to make your head spin. I’ve been deployed 15 times, which, if you’re counting, is roughly the same number of times as Windows has tried to push a mandatory update at the worst possible moment. Combat isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but it does teach you a few things—like how to stay calm when everything around you is exploding, or how to use duct tape to fix almost anything; And if you’re wondering, yes, I have seen combat. More than I care to remember, honestly. But those experiences shaped me, teaching me resilience, leadership, and how to think on my feet—skills that, surprisingly, transfer quite well to the IT world

Diplomatic Security and the CIA: How James Bond Wishes He Could Be

After years of dodging the enemy’s bullets, I was unlucky enough to see what it was like on the other side of the desk. I worked with the U.S. Department of State, primarily with the Diplomatic Security Service. Picture this: a soldier in a suit, still missing the days when camo was his main wardrobe, but now tasked with protecting diplomats who were as likely to cause international incidents as they were to avoid them. It was a bit like herding cats—highly intelligent, multilingual cats with access to state secrets. Then, just when I thought my career couldn’t get any more interesting, CIA was on the docket. Special Access Programs. I signed up before they finished the sentence. These programs are as secretive as they sound, but let’s just say they involved a lot of high-stakes scenarios, a few more acronyms, and a skill set that would make you a valuable asset in most situations.

Transitioning to Civvy Street: Medical Retirement and the Reality Check

As thrilling as it all sounds, 23 years of this takes a toll. I’m in the process of medical retirement now, courtesy of mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury), PTSD, spine injuries, and a laundry list of other minor injuries that I like to call “souvenirs.” You know you’re getting older when your injuries start coming with acronyms, too. Retiring from the Army isn’t just about leaving a job—it’s about leaving behind a way of life. It’s trading in combat boots for slippers, morning PT (physical training) for school drop-offs, and the thrill of deployment for the thrill of trying to assemble IKEA furniture without losing your sanity. What’s the hardest part you ask? Figuring out what to do next.

From Tactical Operations to Technical Operations: The Pivot to IT

I’ve always had a thing for computers. While some guys spend their downtime fishing or playing golf, I’d be tinkering with motherboards and purchasing little appliances to repurpose into hypervisors and servers. It was my way of unwinding—well, that and playing first-person shooters, because apparently, I can’t get enough of those. As I approached retirement, I realized that my love for tech wasn’t just a hobby—it was a passion I could turn into a second career, and so, I began my journey into the world of IT, with a particular interest in networking and cybersecurity. After all, if I could secure a base in a hostile territory, surely I could secure a network, right?

The National Security-Cybersecurity Connection: Bridging the Gap

Here’s the thing: national security and cybersecurity aren’t all that different (I know there are unique requirements in both domains, which vary greatly, but for the sake of time hear me out. There are some commonalities following…). Both involve protecting critical assets, whether those assets are physical or digital. Both require a keen understanding of potential threats, whether they come in the form of projectiles or malware, and both demand quick thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure—skills I’ve been honing for over two decades. In national security, you’re constantly on the lookout for potential threats, whether they’re from enemy combatants (which i’m most relatable to) or cyber-attacks (which is what the signal nerds are most relatable to) . The same goes for cybersecurity. In the Army, I learned to anticipate the enemy’s next move, to think like them in order to counter their tactics. In cybersecurity, that means thinking like a hacker—anticipating their moves, understanding their motivations, and staying one step ahead. Also, let’s not forget about teamwork. In the military, everything you do is part of a larger mission. It’s not just about your role, but how it fits into the bigger picture. Cybersecurity is the same. Whether you’re working in a SOC (Security Operations Center) or as part of an IT team, you’re all working toward the same goal – keeping your organization’s data safe.

Family Life: The Anchor That Keeps Me Grounded

Let’s take a step back from the professional stuff and talk about the real MVPs in my life—my family. I’m married to my best friend, and we have two kids with a third on the way. If you think dodging bullets is tough, try navigating the minefield of parenting. One wrong step and you’re in for a week of cold shoulders and “Dad, you just don’t get it.” As challenging as it can be, there’s nothing more rewarding. My wife is the rock that’s kept me steady through deployments, injuries, and the chaos of military life. She’s the reason I’m able to transition to civilian life with some semblance of sanity…And my kids? They’re the ones who remind me that no matter how stressful life gets, there’s always time for bubbles or mall runs.

Looking Ahead: The Future of IT

As I step into the IT world, I’m bringing with me all the lessons I’ve learned over the years—both on and off the battlefield. The world of networking and cybersecurity may be new territory, but it’s one I’m excited to explore. I’ve seen firsthand the impact that technology can have on national security, and I’m eager to contribute to that in a new way. Whether it’s securing a network from potential threats, managing a team, or finding innovative solutions to complex problems, I’m ready to take on the challenge. The military taught me to be adaptable, resourceful, and relentless in the pursuit of my goals—qualities that I know will serve me well in this new chapter of my life.

Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues

Well, i think that covers it…a soldier turned geek, a combat veteran turned cybersecurity enthusiast. The journey from the battlefield to the IT world isn’t exactly a straight line, but it’s one I’m excited to navigate. After all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 23 years of military service, it’s that the path may be tough, but the destination is always worth it.

And if all else fails, at least I can finally figure out how to set up a home network without calling tech support.

Here’s to the next adventure.