How do I go from military IT to civilian IT.

Hello there! As a caveat I'd like to say that I'm new to the forums and really had no idea on where to place this particular question. I'm a Staff Sergeant in the Army currently and made the decision, after ten years, to make the transition to civilian life for my family.

That being said, I've been doing IT for those ten years but more in a 'learn this now!' sense when things are thrown in front of me. I've also run a 'helpdesk' of over thirty personnel in the past for a few years.

The military is finally giving me the ability to go for my certifications, and I've already recieved my Security+ and am testing for my Network+ tomorrow.

That being said, the military is all about CompTIA and I've gotten the vibe that the civilian side is more about Cisco than anything else, am I right on that?

With that assumption, I'm thinking it might be hard to make myself marketable to employers with just a Network+ and Security+ certification, especially considering I would like to make $50k+ when I transition.

So I guess my real question is, what are the certifications I should really be trying to get before I leave the service in nine months? I've found that I have a particular affinity for the security side of things but I really don't know which route to take to get either on the Network tech or Security side of things.

If anyone could provide me with any information regarding the paths I should take for either line of certifications it would be appreciated.

Also, is it better to pay for classes to get these certs or simply go off of books and exam preps? Like I said, total newb to the civilian way of doing things.

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View Boot Camps

Comments

spicy ahi

Mrock4 wrote: »

Maui Mikes! Does Maui mike (the hobo) still hang out outside staring with a blank expression? Miss The island..

Yes he does. Although now that Walgreens and Teddy's Bigger Burgers opened up across the street, I see him over there sometimes in the afternoon when the sun is a bit strong. Dang. I'm headed up to NCTAMS this afternoon to bring my daughter out to her volleyball practice. Maui Mike's sounds like a good afternoon snack. Maui Wowie Melt FTW!

SteveLord

afcyung wrote: »

This thread has been very informational. It has reaffirmed my current goals and plan to separate from the Air Force in two years.

Ha...I might re enlist in two years if I can! (Air Guard...coming from 8 years of infantry.) I keep thinking it would be wise to do another 12 years and have that fourth income when I retire.

Mrock4

Not to mention, for those with a family, you cannot beat TRICARE!

spicy ahi

@SteveLord - good deal!

@MRock - yep, Tricare more than makes it worth sacrificing a weekend a month and 15 days for training (although if you're good at what you do, you'll end up doing more time than that

) Having base/commissary privileges in some areas is worth it as well.

Mrock4

My personal experience only relates to AD TRICARE, but either way, I think it's definitely worth it. I don't regret getting out at all, but my wife still reminds me TRICARE was way better than our current insurance!

JockVSJock

SSG Cyltin, tried to drop you a PM, however you might not have that option enabled.

Its weird, in the private sector, no one gave a damn about any of the CompTIA certs that I have, however in the Army everyone seems in awe. I'm not sure why.

In two years, I will be in your position and will be ETS'ing too. I feel there are too many contractors doing the work, and that is the line of work that I want to do.

Cyltin

Well I'm in my next certification class, A+ this time. I know all the CompTIA certs are considered 'entry level', but might as well get as many as the Army is willing to pay for me. Looking at Windows 7 and Server+ in November.

That being said, this thread has been invaluable to me, and has helped me get a plan together regarding what to certify on and what I'm looking for job-wise. Currently looking at a job that prefers the GSEC certification, so I'm seriously considering going out and grabbing that although the cost is rather high (somewhere near $5000 for the class and certification test together). I'll be looking up more information on that shortly. I'm hoping that I have enough experience in the field to pass something that advanced, or the class can cover down on my shortcomings.

@JockVSJock: I have the same experience with the typical Soldier thinking the CompTIA certs are unattainable and taking on that thought that certified Soldiers can 'do anything'. Like it gives us super-computer-powers or something.

And, I enabled my PMs once more for those that were trying to contact me.

Thank you again to all of those that have taken their time to reply with their experiences and advice.