Retired military members are uniquely suited to fill vacant cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. government and private sector, according to a top State Department official.

In the pre-recorded observations held at or Atlantic Council Event On Friday, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick said veterans’ military training prepared them for cyber-focused careers once they transitioned from active duty.

“With a global cybersecurity talent shortage in the millions and a relentless pace of innovation from criminals and attackers, the skills you’ve acquired from your service and the dedication to a cause you’ve demonstrated are extremely important to help us address this challenge,” he said.

There are over 500,000 unfilled cyber jobs in the US alone, conformable at the White House. Biden administration from July 2023 national cyber security strategy said it’s important to fill these vacancies to defend against an anticipated increase in cyber attacks and recommended improving veterans’ participation in the cyber workforce.

“Because the military has already provided them with the opportunity to gain skills and experience, veterans may have a reduced need for employer-sponsored training and a higher success rate in their first year of employment,” the strategy said. “Many veterans leave the service with active security clearances, making them good candidates for sensitive cyber jobs.”

To help maximize those opportunities, Matt Noyes — director of cyber policy and strategy for the U.S. Secret Service, who spoke at Friday’s event — said veterans should take advantage of their GI Bill benefits to go to school and fully prepare for their next career. He noted that many open federal positions include hiring preference for veterans and that more than 20 percent of Secret Service personnel are retired.

“You have a lot more power in choosing your job. helped by the military … and you have to lean into it and accept it and recognize the ongoing effort that has to be made to define the one that’s right for you,” said Noyes, who was a former infantry officer in the U.S. Army and now serves as a major in the Army Reserve.

He added that taking on more cyber-focused roles while on active duty can also help open up more career opportunities for veterans after transitioning back to civilian life.

When he was in graduate school, Noyes said he attended an event that included the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was surprised when the officer said that cybersecurity roles were the most critical to fill.

“That seemed to me to be the most absurd response when you have two active conflicts going on and you need help with the thing that has never killed anyone,” Noyes said. “So I took that as a sign that he must really need help then.”