Cybersecurity skills gap? Think outside the box and hire veterans

I remember some time ago reading an ISC(2) article titled ‘5 ways to make sure you hire the right cybersecurity team member’. I wanted to offer an extension to that topic and share my own thoughts and experience, focusing on why we should extend our recruitment scope, and provide some insights to hiring managers on why the military talent pool is the best suited to this industry. 

It seems like a lifetime ago when I served as a professional musician in the Armed Forces, where I was privileged to have served in the Band of the Welsh Guards.  I spent some time wearing the famous scarlet (not red) tunic and I have been fortunate enough to have performed in so many great concert halls and theatres around the world. From this perspective I have so many unique insights into how we can close some of that gap.

I’m sure all of the readers of this article are well aware of that ever increasing skills gap, and regardless of which report you read, it is a reality that we must address holistically in the industry and think about how we can address it - don't wait for others. Military musicians, and other Armed Forces personnel for that matter might not seem like an obvious choice, however they possess a multitude of in-demand skills that employers seek. There is a side to Armed Forces personnel which you might not be aware - they have administrative tasks and other responsibilities which often go unseen by those outside; It's not just about the teeth. I want to use this article to help articulate why I think veterans make the best choice for cybersecurity personnel.

Values and Standards 24hrs a day

Many Organisations have a set of values which seeks to articulate the culture of an Organisation. Similarly, the Armed Forces have a set of values that are instilled into each and every person who has Served. These Values and Standards aren’t merely just adhered to as a tick box, these individuals live and breath them. What also makes them unique is that they live these 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; on and off-duty. These Values and Standards are enforced by leaders (or commanders) throughout the year, with consequences for those who fail to adhere to them. Another example that Values and Standards are baked into how the Armed Forces operate.

This is an important point and it's why I listed it first. Think of this as the fundamental core pillar if you like, which helps to guide everything else. It's what uniquely sets this group of men and women apart from all others.

Teamwork AND independent

You can’t think of the Forces without also thinking of teamwork. This is something that is fundamental in business today; businesses comprise of people and working cross departments is important to achive common goals and objectives. We need to not only be able to work as a team of course. Businesses need to rely on employees and trust that they can work independendly too. Armed Forces personnel are well versed in 'flipping the coin' to work independendly.

I mentioned earlier that there are other administrative tasks which they are resposoble for. One of these is preparing for and delivering classroom based lessons. Those who have become instructors will have passed the required internal courses and teach lessons to a diverse audience where lessons will need to be planned in advance.

A bunch of musicians would not exist of course without music. Music needs to be planned well in advance to allow rehearsal time. This is where the library comes in, which is one of many areas where musicians will naturally gravitate towards of course. There will be often be a senior manager here who leads a team which would typically comprise of a junior manager and other musicians assigned to this important area. The library really is the beating heart of the Band and the senior manager will work closely with the director. This is a real hive where teamwork is honed, along with management and leadership.

I'm getting emotional

Military musicians possess a unique set of skills that set them apart from professionals in the IT field. One of the key attributes that they bring to the table is a high level of emotional intelligence. This ability allows them to not only excel in their musical performances but also to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with finesse. Emotional intelligence is particularly crucial in scenarios where individuals need to interpret subtle cues and signals in order to make informed decisions. Military musicians are adept at recognizing warning signs, whether it's in the context of a performance that requires immediate adjustment or in a high-stakes situation where split-second decisions can make a difference. Moreover, the ability to understand non-verbal communication and underlying emotions is a valuable skill that military musicians possess. This skill enables them to gauge the reactions of their audience, anticipate their needs, and adjust their performance accordingly. Similarly, in a professional setting, being able to discern when a board member is not in agreement or when a team member is facing challenges is instrumental in fostering effective communication and collaboration.

With the rise of remote workforces in today's digital age, the importance of emotional intelligence cannot be overstated. Military musicians demonstrate that success is not solely dependent on technical expertise but also on the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. In a world driven by technology and procedures, the human element remains a critical factor in achieving sustainable success.

Challenging assumptions

Teams that lack diversity often share the same thoughts without questioning assumptions, preferring to maintain comfort by following the status quo. This can lead to a stagnant environment where new ideas are not encouraged, and innovation is stifled. On the other hand, members of the Armed Forces understand the importance of diversity and are skilled at interacting with and understanding different cultures. This exposure to diverse perspectives allows them to approach challenges from various angles, leading to more creative solutions and a deeper understanding of complex issues. By challenging assumptions and embracing diversity, the Armed Forces enhance their ability to identify risks and improve risk awareness throughout the organization. This proactive approach enables them to anticipate potential threats and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

In contrast, teams that lack diversity may struggle to recognize emerging risks and may be more vulnerable to unexpected challenges due to their limited perspectives. Furthermore, by valuing diversity, the Armed Forces avoid the trap of sticking to outdated practices. They understand that embracing new ideas and perspectives is essential for growth and development. This mindset of continuous improvement not only enhances their operational effectiveness but also fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability.

Closing thoughts

We need not only those who are suitably trained with the skills and knowledge, but we need those who are responsible and who truly understand what security is at a fundamental level who understand and live security - it's in their DNA. We need to think outside the box when looking to close that skills gap. This is an opportunity - the next time you’re looking for that next hire, consider tapping into these heroes.