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At i3Secure, we’re proud to work alongside veterans who bring a unique mindset, resilience, and leadership into the world of cyber security. Andrew’s story is one many will recognise; a transition from military life into a new career that can feel uncertain at first, but ultimately reveals just how valuable those experiences are.
In this piece, Andrew shares his honest reflections on transitioning from the Royal Marines to cyber security, adapting to civilian life, and discovering that the fundamentals of success remain the same, even in a completely different environment.
A New Chapter After the Corps
Five months ago, I swapped my flashes for a laptop, and my tribe of Royal Marines (Bootnecks) became a team of security professionals many of whom, I’ve discovered, have suspiciously strong opinions about boats, military policing, and not sleeping outside in a swamp “for funsies”.
Leaving the military after years of living and breathing it is a strange experience. One day your routine is measured by orders, trips away and how many hot wets (coffees) you can squeeze into a 10 minute stand easy. The next, it’s entirely on you. No Orders Group. No last minute briefs. No one reminding you, loudly, that you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just a calendar, a to-do list, and the quiet realisation that you’re now the one responsible for your own structure.
That shift is bigger than it sounds.
It’s not just a new job. It’s a whole new lifestyle. The humour and camaraderie don’t disappear overnight. For a time, you exist somewhere in between. No longer a Bootneck, not quite yet civilian. Unsure if you’re overprepared or underdressed, and dubious of anyone who works past 12pm on a Wednesday (If you know, you know). This can feel like you’re in free fall and leave you feeling entirely unsure about how or when you’ll adapt.
What Carries Over
What made the transition easier than expected was realising how much actually transfers.
Mission focus, still there. Team mentality, stronger than ever. Calm under pressure… turns out the corporate world isn’t so different after all. Just fewer bergens, and noticeably drier socks.
The biggest surprise? How familiar it all feels. Many of my new colleagues are veterans, with far more experience than I, and yes, they may have had softer beds and significantly better coffee (allegedly), but the mindset is identical. Protect the mission. Look after your people. Stay calm when the pressure’s on.
These days, nobody cares how fast I can move with a bergen. But they care deeply about resilience, leadership, and a good work ethic. Those things don’t come off with the uniform. Because at its core, this world runs on the same things: integrity, preparation, discipline and delivering results. The context has changed. The fundamentals haven’t.
Learning the New Normal
I’m five months in and I’m still learning. Still adapting. Still working out what “normal” looks like without Monday morning inspections and sleeping under a poncho. But I’m not starting from scratch, and neither will you.
If you’re in the process of transitioning out of the military, or considering a new challenge on the outside, here’s what I’d tell you: the skills you think are just for the military are often the ones the civilian world needs most. The trick isn’t becoming someone new; it’s translating who you already are. You can learn, and you will grow into it.
The uniform comes off. The lessons don’t. Yes, it’s a different chapter, but it’s the same standard.
Cheers dits.
Supporting the Transition into Cyber
Andrew’s experience reflects what we see every day at i3Secure: veterans don’t start from scratch, they bring a foundation that’s incredibly valuable in cyber security. With the right support, guidance, and opportunities, that foundation becomes a successful and rewarding career.
At i3Secure, we’re committed to helping veterans translate their skills, build confidence in a new environment, and thrive in the cyber domain. Because while the setting may change, the mindset that drives success remains exactly the same.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or actively looking for your next role, you can discover cyber security careers at i3Secure and take the next step today.
Alongside this, organisations like the Forces Employment Charity and the TechVets programme can provide additional structured support to help you navigate your transition with confidence.
