Machine Learning Training for Veterans

Are you a veteran returning to civilian life or a member of a veteran’s family aiming to avail yourself of entitlements and benefits? This article will help you navigate your options for taking advantage of these services, so you can enter a professional training program and learn the machine learning skills you’ve always wanted.

Machine learning is a hot career choice now, either as a primary focus or as part of a broader computer science career. Many recent vets study machine learning (ML), as it fits in their wheelhouse with the high-tech equipment training they gained in the military.

Read on to learn what you can do with machine learning skills and whether it matches your existing skill set.

What is Machine Learning?

Machine learning (ML) is one of the best-known subcategories of artificial intelligence (AI). This complex multidisciplinary field can require training in programming languages like Python, databases like MySQL, and natural language processing (NLP). Common ML careers include Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, and Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts.

Machine learning is often associated with Python programming and data science. Popular uses of ML in daily activities include voice recognition tools like Siri, recommendation lists from Amazon or Netflix, and user engagement icons on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 

Read more about what machine learning is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Machine Learning Skills?

Machine learning algorithms dominate today’s internet. Websites gather information based on search, social, and shopping. Top ML applications include:

• Social media - Meta Platforms was one of the first well-known companies to use ML to measure user activities. Other social media platforms using ML include Twitter and TikTok.

• Recommendation Engines - If you use Amazon or streaming services, you’ve seen the You May Like feature. Companies like Apple and Netflix use ML algorithms to customize experiences.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP) - Analyzing text includes steps like identifying the language, syntax parsing, and sentiment analysis. Machine learning is essential to NLP.

Support for Veterans

Military veterans who wish to get experience in the private sector can benefit from support programs for vets. While the GI Bill (now called the Post-9/11 GI Bill) is the most publicized program, additional programs can also be helpful.

One such program is the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Assistance Act. Also known as the Forever GI Bill, this program expands or enhances educational benefits for veterans. Another program worth checking out is VET TEC, which stands for Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses.

You can visit the Noble Desktop machine learning courses for veterans page to check out all the options for VA-supported education. There you will see course descriptions for programs like their Data Science Certificate and Software Engineering Certificate. Please note that VA-supported programs require attendants to participate in person within the New York City metro area.

Why Learn Machine Learning

A career that features machine learning—or includes it as part of a broad data science or development role—can help military veterans of all kinds. Many service people gain high-tech training while still on active duty. Network Systems Operators, Signals Intelligence Analysts, and Radio Operators are a few roles that can help prepare veterans for ML careers.

Transitioning from active duty to civilian life can pose challenges for some service personnel. Advanced computer science training, however, can help vets succeed in many industries, from artificial intelligence or cybersecurity to manufacturing, finance, or transportation.

Active service personnel and those soon to retire from the military often research the private sector before leaving active service. Popular roles include:

• IT Security Analyst
• Software Developer
• Database Administrator
• Network Architect
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer

Why Choose a Skills Bootcamp?

Among the most common methods of training for a machine learning (ML) career are:

• Skills bootcamp
• Career-Certificate program
• Four-year college or university degree

Veterans returning to civilian life may have vastly different goals and skill sets. The type of training that suits you best may depend on factors like:

• How long have you served in the military?
• What skills did you gain during active duty?
• What are your career goals?
• Are there other personal factors like budget or family obligations?

To determine whether to choose a college, a skills bootcamp, or a certificate program, consider the unique advantages and drawbacks of each.

Skills bootcamps have become one of the most popular methods to study machine learning technology. Courses on machine learning typically include it as part of a broader data science or development curriculum. If you start learning about ML in a bootcamp, chances are you will also have to learn tools and skills like Python libraries and frameworks.

The only possible disadvantage to skills bootcamps is that they don't always provide enough training to get a job from attending one. Fortunately, many career-certificate programs can fill that role. For example, the Data Analytics and Data Science Certificate programs from Noble Desktop both include multiple skills bootcamps. Attendees learn through a Python Machine Learning Bootcamp and SQL Bootcamp, among others.

Still, some companies require a four-year college or university degree to qualify for some of their ML positions. These programs have the advantage of being necessary for some careers. However, the most apparent advantage certificate programs have over college programs is their length. While certificate programs typically run for a few weeks or months, college or university never takes less than two years, and most are four-year programs.

Learn Machine Learning at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers in-person and live online bootcamps and certificates featuring machine learning (ML), like:

• Data Science Certificate - This program provides data science fundamentals before advancing through ML, Python for automation, and Structured Query Language (SQL).

• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp - Programmers already comfortable with Python data science can save by taking this bootcamp as part of the Data Science Certificate.

• Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp - This bootcamp combines ML and Python training modules from the Data Science Certificate but without the SQL bootcamp. 

• Check out Noble Desktop's full-time and part-time data science programs here.

Key Takeaways

• Machine learning (ML) is a hot career choice now, either as a primary focus or as part of a broader computer science career.

• ML is one of the best-known subcategories of artificial intelligence (AI).

• Top roles for machine learning expertise include:
  • IT Security Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • Database Administrator
  • Network Architect
  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer

• Top skills for ML professionals include:
  •  Python
  • MySQL
  • Natural language processing (NLP)

• Top applications for ML expertise include:
  • Social media
  • Recommendation engines
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP)
  • Facial or voice recognition
  • Data analysis

• Veterans interested in a machine learning career should consider support programs like:
• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Forever GI Bill
• VET TEC

• Top methods of training for a machine learning (ML) career include:
  • Skills bootcamps
  • Career-Certificate programs
  • Four-year college or university degrees

• You can receive comprehensive machine learning training through Noble Desktop. Top programs include:

  • Python Machine Learning Bootcamp
  • Python for Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp
  • Data Science Certificate