Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

For over 30 years, I had the privilege of serving my country in uniform, leading soldiers both domestically and overseas, and steering significant technological shifts as the head of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency. However, the transition from military to civilian life can be a mission in itself. The structure and identity that come with military service don’t simply vanish upon retirement. Once you step into civilian life, it’s like starting a new chapter where you have to craft your narrative while actually living that experience.

Every year, more than 200,000 service members go through similar transitions. Interestingly, almost half of post-9/11 veterans find it harder than they anticipated, not due to a lack of discipline or skill, but because it’s challenging to convey their military experiences in civilian terms.

For instance, a resume doesn’t truly capture what it’s like to lead a team under pressure, tackle high-stakes problems, or adapt quickly. These skills are invaluable, yet hard to express fully on paper.

This Veterans Day, Let’s Go Beyond “Thank You”

Our nation has faced similar challenges in the past. After World War II, millions of veterans were looking to build new careers in a quickly evolving economy. We didn’t leave them to fend for themselves; we enacted the GI Bill. By 1947, nearly half of college students in America were veterans.

This investment not only assisted veterans but also contributed to the emergence of the modern American middle class, fueled the space race, and produced an impressive number of scientists and engineers. Veterans didn’t seek handouts—they needed a pathway, and when provided with one, they forged successful futures.

After the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, we saw a recurrence of this need. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ VET TEC program has successfully trained over 20,000 veterans for careers in software development, cybersecurity, and IT. When given the opportunity, today’s veterans—just like those who came before them—have embraced new skills and worked diligently towards a stable future for their families.

Now, we find ourselves at another turning point. Artificial intelligence is transforming various industries, from logistics to healthcare and national security. Employers are not only looking for AI skills—they are prioritizing them. Job openings that require AI fluency have tripled over the last year.

People, Not Technology, Win Wars

A recent poll by OpenAI indicated that three-quarters of small businesses consider AI skills essential for their future. Over 70% of leaders prefer hiring a less experienced candidate who knows how to use AI over a seasoned one lacking that skill.

This isn’t about replacing people. Research from MIT and Stanford has shown that AI tools can boost productivity by 15%, and even more than 30% for individuals new to the field. This is particularly significant for veterans entering unfamiliar roles and environments. AI can serve as a bridge, helping translate their existing skills into the civilian workforce.

Veterans don’t crave benefits; rather, they deserve an equitable chance at future job opportunities.

This is precisely why OpenAI is launching new promotions for transitioning service members and veterans. We’re offering a year of ChatGPT Plus for free to all military personnel in their final active duty year, as well as those in their first year post-discharge. Additionally, we provide tailored onboarding support designed by veterans, including examples based on real-world tasks and guidance through the OpenAI Academy.

Simple Support for Veterans’ Ongoing Efforts

• Resume writing and civilian language translation
• Job interview preparation
• Learning new technical skills
• Understanding benefits and education options
• Financial planning, housing, and relocation assistance
• Access to support anytime, without waiting for appointments

Veterans’ skills in leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and purpose persist even after their military service. The real question is whether we, as a nation, will evolve alongside them.

Fortunately, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Veterans already excel at learning and adapting under pressure. The most effective measure we can take now is ensuring they have access to tools like ChatGPT, which are shaping the modern work landscape.

As someone who has experienced this transition, I can affirm that this is a straightforward way to reinforce faith in our veterans and prepare them to lead in the evolving economy.