Computer Science Training for Veterans

Transitioning back into a civilian lifestyle after serving in the military will challenge even the toughest veteran. After all, life on base includes strict rules, schedules, and guidelines dictating what a soldier does daily. Once outside of those confines, many vets find themselves struggling to find direction for their lives. Some spend years “lost in the wilderness,” trying to fight their way back to a meaningful existence. Thankfully, a little poke in the right direction is all some need. 

For example, choosing a rewarding and high-earning career path can help many vets rebuild their civilian lives and get back on track. For some, tech-based fields might be just what the doctor ordered, as subjects like computer science provide a broad range of study with many fascinating topics and job opportunities. In this way, live, online computer science classes help soldiers start this journey and complete it ready to make a massive difference in the world. 

Thankfully, schools like Noble Desktop make this process a lot easier. They not only offer intensive and engaging lessons but accept multiple financing options as well. For instance, they’ll work with veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (Chapter 31), and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) to make paying for their education an easier and effective process.

Important Computer Science Key Insights for Veterans to Consider

Veterans reading this article might be asking themselves this question: “Why learn computer science?” This powerful, diverse, and in-demand skillset provides learners with so many fantastic personal opportunities. Rewarding new careers, better personal projects, and new creative skills are just a few reasons why mastering computer science is such a brilliant idea. Here are a few basic things readers should know before jumping head-first into their training.

Very Broad Industry 

Vets doing even cursory research will quickly identify a myriad of common industries that use computer science. These include information technology (IT), healthcare, education, finance, energy, software development, game production, web design, and network security. Positions within this field include web designers, general programmers, user interface specialists, and research analysts. Surely, there’s something for just about everybody in computer science!

Many Diverse Uses 

Computer science remains a broad and fascinating career field with plenty of potential uses. Some people prefer practical applications, including developing software, producing video games, and handling network security. Others might focus more on theoretical elements, such as creating better processor and hardware designs. Whatever facet of computer science interests a vet, there’s likely some job that will appeal to their unique interests and abilities.

Future-Proof Work

Vets who learn computer science skills put themselves in an excellent position for success. Put simply, while AI generation tools can help create some basic code, they’re not at the point yet (and will never be good enough) to produce creative and innovative coding solutions. As a result, mastering computer science provides veterans with a future-proof career that ensures they don’t have to scramble to find work. At the very least, they can transition into AI positions.

Easy Financing Support

Veterans interested in learning computer science might quickly discover that their courses cost thousands of dollars. While they’re well worth taking, some might balk at those expenses or feel unable to pay them. Thankfully, most schools accept GI Bill financing options to cut back on their costs. Even non-veterans can apply for loans, scholarships, and payment plans that cut back on class prices and make it easier for them to master computer science and other skills.

What is Computer Science? A Quick Guide

The term “computer science” is pretty broad and might confuse many veterans. So, what is computer science, and why is it such a great field to pursue? Strictly defined, computer science is an expansive technological market that focuses on anything related to computers. For example, it covers creating software tools, internet platforms, and network systems. However, it also includes hardware production and more general computer science research projects.

So, a computer science expert could work in web development, software engineering, systems analysis, IT management, hardware production, research projects, data science, machine learning, and video game creation. As a result, computer science courses often cover many diverse subjects, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, C++, React, Django, Git, Python, R, Go, and much more. That said, most courses focus on pretty specific topics within this industry. 

Therefore, vets serious about mastering computer science should research what kind of job feels most interesting to them. After all, some people might not enjoy coding but really dig into web design, hardware production, or even research. To help students find subjects that interest them, most bootcamp providers offer placement services and assessments that give veterans who don’t know much about computer science the insight into this field that they need to learn.

Why Is Learning Computer Science Great for Veterans?

Vets may spend a lot of time studying how to learn computer science but may not ask why. There are so many different high-quality career paths they could take that this might not seem like a natural fit. However, veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive in a computer science role. Often, the skills they learn in their courses mirror their military experience or prepare them for jobs in this market. Here are a few reasons this is such an excellent topic for vets.

Diverse Enough for Many People 

The military is filled with people from many walks of life, including tech-oriented individuals and those with little to no experience in these fields. That’s okay because computer science is adaptable enough to just about anybody! Yes, it helps to have a background in technology and other related skills when getting into this market. However, it’s approachable for just about anybody willing to put in the hard work to master complex theories and ideas for their careers.

Makes Sense to Most Military Personnel 

Many people in the service use complicated targeting UIs, machines, and computers almost daily. For example, artillery experts work with intricate and precise systems that help them accurately find targets. As a result, many vets may find computer science relatively easy to understand during their programs. Even if they didn’t study coding or related subjects while in service, their time working with these technology tools can prepare them for their lessons.

Uses Strict Rules and Guidelines 

Anyone coming out of the military is used to working in strict and specific ways. For example, they probably have to get up at particular times, go to sleep at the same hour every night, and attend work when demanded. While civilian life follows similar schedules, they’re nowhere near as strict. However, computer science sticks to standard guidelines and might feel comfortable to former soldiers who miss the structure that military life imposed on them while in service.

Offers Creative Opportunities

Computer science might not seem as immediately creative as writing, painting, or other hands-on skills. After all, there are specific coding formulas people follow to produce consistent and practical work. However, programmers, hardware designers, web developers, and database experts must use these guidelines to deliver creative, innovative projects. Veterans who served in planning, logistics, and higher-end military fields might find computer science makes sense.

Transitions Into Contract Work 

Vets who want to transition into contract work with their former branch may find computer science works wonderfully. That’s because many military graduates return to the service to do high-paying labor, which often helps them get government jobs. Since the American military is one of the most high-tech organizations in the world today, they obviously need a lot of computer science experts to handle complicated coding and hardware production work.

What Can Veterans Do with Computer Science Skills? 

Most vets who take computer skills bootcamps are likely hoping to transition into a rewarding career in programming, web development, or similar trades. However, that’s not always the case. Some people may simply take these classes to learn something new, start a business, or enhance their personal projects. Thankfully, there are many things vets can do with computer skills that not only improve their day-to-day lives but prepare them for a new job. It’s a win-win!

Create Fun Personal Projects

Computer science is such a vast and engaging field that it’s easy for vets to get lost trying to understand what they can do. However, once they “get” it and know what they’re doing, they have an unlimited world of fun projects to try out. Maybe they want to create engaging websites or market themselves with automated emailing messages. Computer science bootcamps can teach them how to handle these and many other tasks, opening them up to many new ideas.

Produce Apps for Extra Cash 

Creative military vets who felt unable to express themselves while in the service might find computer science very rewarding. They could use these skills to produce exciting and profitable programs for computers, cell phones, and tablets. Now, they could just make apps to share with their loved ones or to play themselves. Or they can put them up on app stores and earn some extra income. If they’re lucky, they might program a minor hit, go viral, or even hit the big time.

Support Their Friends and Family

There’s always that one person in any social group who knows everything about computers, networking, and security. They can help their friends and family members get rid of viruses, set up new systems, install new software, and ensure their internet runs smoothly. Military veterans who learn computer science can perform that role for their loved ones for free or make a little cash. Not much, of course, but enough so they feel appreciated, and their family saves money.

Are Their Computer Science Support Options for Veterans?

One of the best things about military service is the myriad of benefits and bonuses vets receive when they complete their tour of duty. These include not only their salary and extra pay after leaving their platoon but also includes multiple amenities that make transitioning back to civilian life more manageable. For example, there’s plenty of support for veterans who want to pay for their education without breaking into their savings or getting into financial trouble after service. 

Tools like the GI and Forever GI Bills provide funding that makes education far more affordable. Vets can use this cash to pay for their computer science training in subjects like Python, Java, JavaScript, and React. Furthermore, they can tap into programs like VET TEC to more easily identify high-quality teams that serve their needs. Here’s some information about these tools that should help veterans from every branch identify GI Bill-approved training opportunities.

What Are the GI and Forever GI Bills?

World War II left much of the planet shocked and devastated. While the United States mostly avoided battles on its soil beyond Pearl Harbor, many veterans returned to a country that had moved into what felt like a futuristic new market. The technological advances created by the war left many unable to transition into rewarding careers after their service. Thankfully, the GI Bill set up college tuition stipends and other benefits to give these soldiers a leg up after their bravery. 

Furthermore, the expanded Post-9/11 GI Bill helped extend benefits to their families and is open to anyone who served on or after September 11, 2001. It was set up to make it easier for vets to find career training to get their lives back on track after being overseas. However, it also applied to their children and partners, meaning their wives or husbands could use that GI Bill money to train for a rewarding career to support themselves while their loved ones were away.

Finally, the Forever GI Bill of 2017 extended benefits beyond their initial 15-year period and also set up the VET TEC program. As a result, vets who, for whatever reason, didn’t use their GI Bill benefits within 15 years can tap into them to fund their education or that of a family member. That’s a huge benefit that makes military service highly rewarding and beneficial for anyone who can’t afford college or training expenses. But what exactly is VET TEC, and how can it help?

How Does VET TEC Help Veterans?

The Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program helps former soldiers narrow their training down to GI Bill-approved options. These include facilities like colleges, universities, private training teams, tech schools, and much more. VET TEC works with the GI and Forever GI Bill, meaning vets can use these funding options to pay for training. In this way, they can avoid heavy personal expenses and get the educational support they need. 

Thankfully, since computer science qualifies as a technology subject, military service people can use VET TEC to identify qualifying programs. Schools like Noble Desktop, among others, offer in-person education and online courses that make this process easier. As a result, it should be simple for most serious veterans to identify a class that makes sense for their needs. Virtual programs, in particular, provide many advantages, including low costs and ease of access.

What Are the Benefits of Learning Computer Science?

Vets learning computer science receive many benefits, such as:

• Potential to Change the World: Many former soldiers joined the military to make a positive difference and might feel little opportunities for that in their civilian life. However, mastering computer science makes it easier to help others by creating new apps.

• Remote Work Opportunities: Most people who work in computer science can easily find remote or hybrid job options that suit their lifestyles. For veterans still trying to find their feet, being able to stay home and work is a fantastic opportunity for success.

• Diverse and Fascinating Skills: Computer science is about far more than just coding and programming languages! Veterans will study subjects like networking, security, cryptocurrency, and other exciting and innovative concepts in their bootcamps.

• Broad Knowledge Base: Learning computer science requires veterans to learn not only industry-specific concepts but also master critical soft skills for their careers and lives. These include communication, teamwork, scheduling, and other essential abilities.

• Transferable Techniques: While computer science might seem like a particular “niche,” many things vets that learn in these courses can transfer quickly to other fields. For example, knowing how to network transfers well to almost any big industry!

• High Job Satisfaction: Four years or more of military service may leave a veteran feeling underappreciated or unsatisfied with their life. By contrast, computer science specialists report a higher than usual job satisfaction rate compared to other fields!

• Personal Development: After completing their service, some vets might feel their skills are too focused on the military lifestyle. Learning computer science and other related techniques can bolster their professional and personal development in powerful ways.

Why Should Veterans Choose a Computer Science Skills Bootcamp?

Vets serious about mastering computer science should carefully research not only this field but also their potential training options. For example, they should know that the computer scientist job outlook is excellent now! They should also decide what training programs work best for them. Bootcamps offer an experience they will understand intuitively because it mirrors their early service days by focusing heavily on fast-paced training (without pushups, thankfully).

Thankfully, computer science training for veterans at Noble Desktop is fully GI Bill-approved and can help prepare learners for a staggering array of exciting careers. While a single bootcamp isn’t enough to fully master these skills, it gives vets the best chance of kickstarting their job search, breaking free of their post-service malaise, and taking the reins of their life. Here are a few exciting and rewarding fields that former soldiers can look forward to joining after training: 

• Software Engineering positions that focus heavily on coding and programming 
• Web Development specialists who produce attractive and functional websites
• Data Analyst pros who work heavily with large amounts of information and databases
• User Experience Design experts that ensure products work efficiently for users
• Database Administrator roles that focus on storing data safely and securely
• Computer Scientist jobs that work heavily on the theoretical side of this industry
• And much more

Is Computer Science Hard for Veterans to Learn?

Depending on which branch veterans study, mastering computer science can be tricky. They’ll have to study complex subjects, like coding languages, and master utilizing networking tools and cloud databases to share information with their customers and co-workers. However, a high-quality bootcamp typically takes several months to complete and provides foundational abilities that should make learning this subject a lot easier for most veterans to handle.

How Long Will It Take Veterans to Learn Computer Science?

Fully mastering computer science isn’t going to take a few days or weeks for most veterans. In fact, it can take about six months at best and a few years at the most for many learners to feel comfortable starting a career. Thankfully, most bootcamps not only last a few months to streamline this process but come with learning suites that users can tap into for extra practice. That’s the big thing about learning any subject: practice makes perfect and sharpens skills!

What Skills Will Veterans Learn in Computer Science Bootcamps?

Whether vets take intensive, high-quality computer science bootcamps or tap into beneficial free learning resources and tools, they’ll walk away from their education with skills like:

• Programming languages, like Python, Java, JavaScript, and C++, to code successfully
• Cloud computing tools, including Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform
• Software development concepts, including Agile, DevOps, Git, and GitHub
• Web design, which is often the primary focus of computer science experts today 
• Technical writing skills to produce readable and efficient documents for users 
• Data analysis concepts, including Pandas, Python, R programming, and statistics
• Networking tools that help connect large groups of computers into a single team
• Security concepts, such as firewalls, that help protect data from getting hacked

Learn Computer Science at Noble Desktop

As the leading training team in New York City, Noble Desktop offers high-quality educational opportunities for veterans from all walks of life. Their small-scale programs focus on tight-knit classes led by true professionals. Most offer 1-on-1 mentoring with a professor who profoundly understands their topic. Even better, each course comes with a free retake if students fail their certification exam, as well as comprehensive supplementary educational resources. 

In this way, Noble Desktop’s veteran-friendly training options give former soldiers the chance to rebuild their lives after four or more years in the military. Noble’s intensive computer science classes include software engineering programs, JavaScript coding opportunities, and even full stack development courses. Students serious about their career training should carefully research each of these options, narrow their choices down logically, and pick wisely.

Software Engineering Certificate

Software Engineering Certificate teaches vets about topics as diverse as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Python, Django, and Node.js. Students get 1-on-1 mentoring through a structured curriculum culminating in a high-quality creative portfolio showing off their work. In each session, students get personalized support to ensure they walk away ready to apply for software engineering jobs. This class costs $11,000 and lasts about six months full-time.

JavaScript Development Certificate

JavaScript Development Certificate lasts 14 weeks full-time and costs about $6,000. It teaches veterans how to build web applications using JavaScript, an internet-based coding language that helps provide interactivity and excitement to otherwise dull sites. Vets also learn to add APIs, third-party frameworks, and other design elements. Even better, they’ll get portfolio support and professional development to master tools like Node Package Manager (NPM).

Full-Stack Web Development Certificate

Full-Stack Web Development Certificate teaches former soldiers how to create, code, and maintain websites and applications from both the front and back end. They’ll not only produce visually appealing designs but integrate database tools to sync their sites to the web. Throughout the course, they’ll craft professional-level applications to build a portfolio that helps them stand out. Vets can use their GI Bill funding to pay $8,000 for 17 weeks of training.