Closing the Cybersecurity Skills Gap: Why Veterans Are Australia’s Hidden Talent for a Secure Future

Australia faces a growing crisis in its cybersecurity industry. With over 30,000 vacant cybersecurity roles predicted by 2026, the country is struggling to meet the demand for skilled professionals who can defend its digital landscape against increasing threats. But in the midst of this talent shortage, one solution remains largely untapped—military and police veterans.

At Solve Transition, we believe veterans hold the key to closing the cybersecurity skills gap. Veterans possess unique and highly transferable skills that, when paired with targeted training, can rapidly bridge this growing divide. Our mission is to build the bridge between veterans’ expertise and the future of cybersecurity, empowering both veterans and organisations to thrive in this critical field.

Veterans possess unique and highly transferable skills that, when paired with targeted training, can rapidly bridge this growing divide

Australia’s Cybersecurity Skills Crisis

The rapid pace of digital transformation has significantly outstripped the available talent pool. Cybercriminals are evolving, and businesses—along with government institutions—are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated attacks. With the rise of ransomware, state-sponsored hacking, and other forms of cyber threats, organisations need highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. Yet, many cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.

The traditional routes of recruiting cybersecurity talent are simply not enough to meet the demand. Universities and short-term technical programs struggle to produce graduates quickly enough. But there’s an untapped resource that can fill this void: military and police veterans.

Why Veterans Are the Perfect Fit for Cybersecurity

Veterans bring a wealth of experience that translates seamlessly into cybersecurity roles. Here’s why they’re a natural fit:

• Leadership Under Pressure: Veterans are trained to operate in high-pressure environments, where quick decision-making is crucial. This skill translates directly to incident response and crisis management in cybersecurity, where rapid and effective action is critical to defending against breaches.
• Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking: Veterans are accustomed to assessing complex situations, determining potential threats, and creating strategies to neutralise them. This mindset mirrors cybersecurity operations, where anticipating and mitigating risks is key.
• Discipline and Accountability: Veterans’ adherence to strict protocols, combined with their sense of duty, makes them ideal candidates for roles in governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). They excel in environments that require precision, diligence, and a commitment to security.

But beyond these individual traits, what makes veterans particularly valuable is their ability to adapt quickly to new environments. This adaptability, combined with targeted training and mentoring, means veterans can quickly become proficient in cybersecurity roles.

Through our partnerships with organisations like Fortinet and the Mosse Cyber Security Institute, veterans can earn micro-credentials and certifications that make them job-ready faster

Engaging Veterans’ Desire for Cybersecurity Careers

While veterans may have the transferable skills necessary for cybersecurity roles, it’s essential to address their internal motivation or “want” to pursue these careers. Veterans often enter civilian life with a desire to continue serving a mission, and cybersecurity offers them a way to continue protecting their country—this time in the digital battlefield.

At Solve Transition, we actively work to align veterans’ intrinsic motivations with the opportunities in cybersecurity. Our personalised mentoring, workshops, and success stories show veterans that cybersecurity offers them not just another job but a new mission. This connection to a purpose-driven career resonates deeply with veterans who are looking for meaningful work post-service.

Our approach to sparking their desire for a cybersecurity career is multi-faceted:

• Highlighting the Mission-Oriented Nature of Cybersecurity: By framing cybersecurity as a way to continue protecting national interests, veterans see a clear alignment with their previous roles.
• Connecting Veterans to Their Peers in the Industry: Hearing success stories from fellow veterans who have successfully transitioned to cybersecurity inspires others to follow. This peer-to-peer engagement fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
• Tailored Career Paths and Realistic Assessments: Through our AbilityMap? Capability Assessment, veterans are given a clear understanding of how their existing skills align with cybersecurity roles. This practical, results-driven approach reduces uncertainty and gives veterans the confidence to pursue the field.

Measuring Veterans’ Fit for Cybersecurity Through AbilityMap and SFIA

One of the key tools we use at Solve Transition to ensure the right fit between veterans and cybersecurity roles is the AbilityMap? Capability Assessment, which incorporates the globally recognised SFIA (Skills Framework for the Information Age) framework. This powerful combination provides a structured, data-driven method to assess how veterans’ innate skills and capabilities align with the technical demands of cybersecurity.

The SFIA framework offers a clear, level-based approach to measuring skills, enabling veterans and employers to understand how closely they align with industry standards. By using AbilityMap?, we go a step further by assessing the ease with which veterans can adapt to these roles based on their innate capabilities. This alignment reduces training time and ensures a smoother transition.

In practical terms, AbilityMap? not only measures technical competencies but also assesses personal attributes like problem-solving ability, adaptability, and leadership—all of which are critical in cybersecurity. This dual-layered approach gives employers a comprehensive understanding of the strengths a veteran brings to the table, while also guiding veterans toward roles where they can excel.

By hiring veterans, you gain professionals who bring not only technical skills but also leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence

Unlocking the Potential of Police Veterans in Cybersecurity

For police veterans, their investigative backgrounds bring even more specialised value to cybersecurity teams. Police veterans are experts in the continuity of evidence, investigative techniques, and crime theory. These skills align perfectly with cybersecurity roles in areas like digital forensics and incident response, where the ability to follow protocols and understand legal frameworks is critical.

Imagine a police veteran leading a digital forensics team, leveraging their expertise in preserving the chain of evidence during a cyber incident. Their investigative mindset ensures that the data collected post-breach is legally sound and can be used in litigation or criminal proceedings. This level of expertise strengthens any cybersecurity team and provides organisations with an extra layer of confidence in their security posture.

Solve Transition’s Leadership in Veteran Cybersecurity Pathways

At Solve Transition, we are pioneering a comprehensive, tailored approach to transitioning veterans into cybersecurity roles. By combining assessments like AbilityMap? and SFIA? with personalised mentoring, technical training, and industry connections, we’ve created a unique model that positions veterans—and their employers—for success.

We collaborate with government bodies, educational institutions, and industry leaders to ensure that veterans receive the most relevant and up-to-date training possible. Through our partnerships with organisations like Fortinet and the Mosse Cyber Security Institute, veterans can earn micro-credentials and certifications that make them job-ready faster.

Our holistic approach to veteran transition has already made waves in the industry. We’re not just closing the cybersecurity skills gap—we’re setting a global standard for how veterans can be successfully integrated into this vital field.

A Call to Action for Veterans and Employers

Veterans, if you’re ready to explore a career in cybersecurity, your journey begins here. With our tailored support, cutting-edge assessments, and industry connections, Solve Transition is here to unlock your full potential and help you find a new mission in defending Australia’s digital future.

Employers, if you’re struggling to fill critical cybersecurity roles, look no further. By hiring veterans, you gain professionals who bring not only technical skills but also leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Reach out to Solve Transition today to discover how veterans can enhance your cybersecurity teams and safeguard your organisation.