Vets Who Code

Announcing big updates on Vets Who Code in our State of the Union Address! Get ready for an inspiring look at how we’re changing lives, one line of code at a time! ??

?? Speed Up Your Debugging Process with GitHub Copilot ?? Debugging code can be one of the most time-consuming parts of development—but what if AI could make it faster and more efficient? Enter GitHub Copilot: your new debugging assistant. ??? Here’s how GitHub Copilot can level up your debugging process: ?? 1. Real-Time Debugging in Your IDE No more hunting for syntax errors or dealing with uninitialized variables. GitHub Copilot flags issues as you type, suggesting fixes instantly, saving you hours. ?? 2. Interactive Debugging with Copilot Chat Use natural language to troubleshoot: "Why is this function throwing an error?" Copilot Chat gives you instant, context-driven answers and even offers suggestions for refactoring code for better performance. ?? 3. Analyzing Pull Requests GitHub Copilot goes beyond IDEs—integrate it directly into pull requests to identify potential issues before merging, suggest code improvements, and even generate test cases for your functions. ?? 4. Slash Commands for Faster Fixes Command your AI assistant with simple slash commands like /fix to apply quick fixes, /tests to generate relevant test cases, or /explain to break down complex code. ?? Why It’s Perfect for Veterans in Tech Transitioning into tech from military service often means juggling new tools, languages, and workflows. With GitHub Copilot, you can speed up your learning process, gain insights faster, and focus on writing better code. ?? Pro Tip: Even if you’re not actively job hunting, using tools like GitHub Copilot helps you stay sharp and efficient, which can set you apart during interviews and in your current role. Want to learn more? Try out GitHub Copilot for free and see how it can optimize your workflow today! ?? #VetsWhoCode #TechForVets #GitHubCopilot #VeteransInTech #AI #Debugging #TechCommunity #CareerGrowth #SoftwareDevelopment #CodingJourney #Veterans #AIinTech

Dr. Gladys West: The Mathematician Who Mapped the World ???? This Women’s History Month, VetsWhoCode proudly honors Dr. Gladys West, a pioneering mathematician whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for Global Positioning System (GPS) technology—an innovation that transformed the way we navigate the world. Shaping the Future of Navigation In the 1950s, at a time when both racial and gender barriers limited opportunities in STEM, Dr. West broke through. She joined the U.S. Naval Weapons Laboratory, where she was one of the few Black women in the field. Her mathematical expertise was instrumental in modeling the shape of the Earth—a key breakthrough that enabled the precise geolocation technology we rely on today for: ?? GPS navigation (cars, phones, aviation, military operations) ?? Satellite positioning for mapping and climate monitoring ?? Emergency response & disaster relief ? Military strategy and national defense Her calculations helped refine the accuracy of satellite orbits, ensuring the reliability of the GPS systems we use daily. A Legacy of Innovation & Perseverance Despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated and segregated industry, Dr. West’s contributions shaped modern technology. Her achievements highlight the critical role of diversity in STEM and serve as a reminder that innovation knows no boundaries. In 2018, she was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame, finally receiving the recognition she long deserved. Inspiring Future Generations Dr. West’s story is not just about math and technology—it’s about persistence, excellence, and breaking barriers. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor her brilliance and the path she paved for future generations in STEM, the military, and beyond. ?? Learn more about her extraordinary legacy in the first comment. #VetsWhoCode #WomensHistory #GladysWest #GPS #STEMInnovation #BreakingBarriers #WomenInTech

Elizebeth Smith Friedman: The Codebreaker Who Changed History ?????? This Women’s History Month, VetsWhoCode honors Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a pioneering cryptologist whose brilliance in codebreaking helped shape modern intelligence and secure Allied victories. Though often overshadowed by her husband, William F. Friedman, Elizebeth was a formidable cryptanalyst in her own right. Her groundbreaking work began in World War I, where she cracked enemy spy codes, safeguarding American lives. Her impact didn’t stop there: ?? During Prohibition, she decoded the encrypted messages of organized crime networks, leading to the conviction of major gangsters. ?? In WWII, she led the U.S. Navy’s cryptology unit, exposing Axis spy networks and securing Allied convoys. ?? Her work helped disrupt enemy operations, directly contributing to victory in the war. Despite her pivotal role in national security, much of Friedman's work remained classified for decades. Only recently has her incredible legacy been fully recognized, cementing her as one of the greatest cryptanalysts of the 20th century. Friedman broke through barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field, paving the way for modern cryptography and intelligence operations. Her determination, intellect, and patriotism continue to inspire coders, analysts, and security experts today. ?? Learn more about her impact in the first comment. #VetsWhoCode #WomensHistory #ElizebethSmithFriedman #Cryptology #UnsungHeroine #BreakingBarriers

?? SITREP Update – News from Vets Who Code ?? We just sent out our latest newsletter, and it’s packed with important updates: ?? Vets Who Code has officially joined the YouTube Nonprofit Program and GitHub Global Campus Program, unlocking new resources for our veterans. ?? Applications for the 2025 cohort are still open—this is your chance to break into tech this year. Make sure to do your prework! ?? We’re also sharing tips on navigating tech layoffs and staying competitive in the industry. If you missed it, catch up here: https://buff.ly/kv7i8sW ?? The next SITREP Deep Dive is coming soon—stay tuned for expert insights and valuable resources to help our community succeed in tech. ? Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to get it: https://buff.ly/pRP7Q0K #VetsWhoCode #TechForVets #CareerDevelopment #VeteranSupport #SoftwareEngineering #TechOpportunities

Celebrating Rear Admiral Grace Hopper: A Trailblazer in Technology and Service ?????? This Women’s History Month, VetsWhoCode salutes Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneer whose contributions reshaped both the U.S. Navy and the world of computing. Commissioned during World War II, Hopper was assigned to the Bureau of Ordnance Computation Project at Harvard University, where she worked on the Mark I computer, one of the first electromechanical computers. Her groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern programming and shaped the future of technology. Some of her most impactful achievements include: ?? Developing the first user-friendly business software in the 1950s ?? Creating COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), a programming language that revolutionized data processing and is still used today ? Becoming one of the first female admirals in the U.S. Navy, breaking barriers for women in military leadership Known for her bold and innovative thinking, Hopper lived by the motto: "It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission." This philosophy fueled her drive to challenge the status quo, push technological boundaries, and advocate for education and innovation in STEM. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that determination, intellect, and courage can change the world. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor Rear Admiral Grace Hopper—not just for what she built, but for the doors she opened for women in STEM, military leadership, and beyond. ?? Learn more about her lasting impact in the first comment. #VetsWhoCode #WomensHistory #GraceHopper #WomenInSTEM #InnovationLeaders #BreakingBarriers

?? Still planning to master the command line in 2025? Let’s make it happen! Back in January, many of you said you wanted to improve your command line skills this year. Well... we're now three months into 2025. How's that going? ?? If you haven’t started—or if you need a push to keep going—we’ve got you covered. Vets Who Code created a video, blog, and hands-on project board to help you learn the command line the right way. ?? Why does this matter? ?? The command line gives you efficiency and control over your development workflow. ?? It’s a must-have skill for working with cloud platforms, automation, and deployment. ?? Mastering it helps you stand out, whether you're breaking into tech or leveling up. ?? Watch the video now ?? (?? Links to the blog and Command Line Task Project Board in the first comment!) #VetsWhoCode #CommandLine #TechSkills #VeteransInTech #CareerGrowth #DevTools

Saluting the WASPs: Trailblazers in Military Aviation ?????? As we celebrate Women’s History Month, VetsWhoCode honors the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs)—a group of trailblazing women who took to the skies during World War II, proving that skill and courage know no gender. In 1942, when military aviation was dominated by men, over 1,100 women stepped forward to serve as pilots, taking on non-combat missions that were critical to the Allied war effort. Their duties included: ??? Ferrying aircraft from factories to bases ?? Towing targets for live anti-aircraft gunnery training ?? Transporting cargo and military personnel ?? Simulating strafing and target missions Despite facing skepticism and discrimination, the WASPs logged over 60 million miles in every type of military aircraft, proving beyond doubt that women were just as capable as their male counterparts. Their service was groundbreaking, yet they were not officially recognized as veterans until 1977. In 2009, they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, finally receiving the honor they had long deserved. The WASPs’ legacy is not just in the miles they flew, but in the barriers they shattered, paving the way for generations of women in military aviation and beyond. ?? Learn more about their impact in the first comment. #VetsWhoCode #WomensHistory #WASPs #WomenInMilitary #Trailblazers #AviationHistory

?? Mastering Prompt Engineering for JavaScript & TypeScript ?? Veterans, you know the power of clear commands and precise execution—and coding is no different. When working with AI like ChatGPT, the way you structure your prompts can mean the difference between frustration and efficiency. That’s why we put together a mission protocol for effective prompt engineering. These 12 tactics will help you write better prompts, get sharper responses, and level up your JavaScript & TypeScript development. ?? Be Specific – Clarity wins every time. Define the problem and constraints. ?? Iterate & Refine – Adjust your prompts like dialing in your aim. ?? Use Examples – Show, don’t just tell. ?? Chunk Complex Tasks – Divide and conquer for better results. ?? Set Scope & Context – Keep the AI focused on your mission. ?? Leverage Meta-Prompts – Direct the AI to think like an expert. ?? Incorporate a Feedback Loop – Adapt and overcome. Each of these steps is designed to make AI work for you, not the other way around. And just like in the military, it’s all about using the right tools and tactics to accomplish the mission. ?? Ready to optimize your prompts and build better code? Check out the full breakdown in our latest blog post! ?? (Link in the first comment! ??) #VetsWhoCode #JavaScript #AI #PromptEngineering #VeteransInTech

?? Happy Women's History Month! ?? This March, we’re celebrating the incredible women who’ve shaped the world of technology—those whose innovation, resilience, and leadership continue to inspire us every day. From pioneers like Grace Hopper, the U.S. Navy Rear Admiral who helped shape modern computing, to Jean Bartik, one of the original ENIAC programmers, and Dr. Marva Collins, an educator whose groundbreaking work in teaching inspired generations of young minds to dream big, we recognize the women whose legacy continues to guide future generations of tech leaders. ?? Throughout this month, we’ll be celebrating the contributions of women in tech and women veterans—particularly those who’ve broken barriers, overcome challenges, and forged new paths in the tech world. ? And a special shoutout to the women currently serving and transitioning into tech roles—you’re making it happen, and we’re so proud to support your journey in the world of software engineering and beyond. ???? Let’s continue to uplift, inspire, and champion the women making waves in the tech industry. We’re just getting started! #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInTech #WomenVeterans #TechForGood #STEM #DiversityInTech #HerStory #WomenInSoftware