SANS Institute’s inaugural class of ADF veterans has graduated from its Veteran Cyber Academy in a ceremony at The Australian War Memorial in Canberra. 

The global cyber security training and certifications provider, which launched its 16-week cyber training program in 2021, drew in multiple Australian veterans who wished to transition into civilian IT careers. The training involved practical simulations and team exercises to provide the necessary experience for ADF veterans to embark on a successful security career. 

“SANS is focused on providing practical — yet technical — hands-on cybersecurity training to individuals and organisations,”Country Manager for Australia at SANS Institute Steven Armitage said. 

“The Veteran Cyber Academy’s objective was to reskill Australian veterans and provide them with opportunities to re-enter the workforce, after they’ve moved on from the ADF. This also helps to support and empower Australian veterans, which has never been more important than it is today.” 

Mr Armitage also stated that the students of the program have shown an incredible level of high achievement, with GFACT exam scores well above the industry norm. 

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As the program was designed for those with little or no prior experience in cybersecurity, the experience gained from the program opens up new career opportunities beyond the ADF. 

ADF veterans who participated in the program were able to graduate with three industry-recognised certifications from the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC): the GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT), GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), and GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH). 

Royal Australian Navy veteran Jose Hernandez, who has graduated from the Veteran Cyber Academy, noted the benefits of building new skills for a career transition. 

“Stepping out of this role, I recognised the value of having a multifaceted skillset that opens the door for my next position in an exciting and challenging industry,” he said. 

“By graduating from the academy, I’ve laid the foundation to begin my cybersecurity career as an ICT security consultant with Securus, a key IT security partner for Defence and other government agencies.“ 

Some of the graduated veterans have been able to secure a position with the SANS Institute’s official partners, the Securus Consulting Group and Bluerydge, while others are currently applying for cyber security positions with Telstra, Fortescue Metals, and the Australian Signals Directorate. 

“Through the academy, Securus was able to fill a critical cyber security capability gap in its team supporting Defence,” Managing Director at Securus Patrick Campbell-Dunn said.

“Our newest recruit has been trained by the best in the industry and not only demonstrates aptitude, integrity, determination, and passion, but also brings valuable life experience underpinned by his SANS studies – all of which are key to a high performing cybersecurity team.” 

Aside from re-skilling ADF veterans, the training program was also aimed at encouraging new talent into the country’s cybersecurity sector, which is currently being boosted by the Australian Government through the Cyber Security Strategy. The Veteran Cyber Academy has been supported by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Atlassian, Department of Premier and Cabinet, WA Police, and Woolworths.   

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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