How Fortinet Training Helped Veterans Launch Cybersecurity Careers

Veterans can bring discipline, resilience, and leadership to every role they take on. But transitioning from military service to civilian careers isn't always straightforward, especially in specialized industries like cybersecurity. That's why Fortinet created the Veterans Program to provide veterans and their spouses with free access to the kind of training, certification, and job-readiness support they need to succeed in cybersecurity roles.

Through strategic partnerships like the one we have with VetSec, a nonprofit organization committed to helping veterans build careers in information security, we're expanding that impact. VetSec's mission is clear: No veteran pursuing a cybersecurity career should go unemployed. Fortinet helps advance that goal by offering self-paced learning, certification vouchers, and structured programs, such as the Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp, to guide veterans into high-demand cyber roles.

Two individuals who've benefited directly from this partnership are Jeramiah Poff, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, and Derek Zobler, a former Marine and Air Force National Guardsman. Each came into the program at a different stage of his journey but both emerged with the training, credentials, and confidence they needed to secure meaningful cybersecurity roles.

Q&A with VetSec Members: The Benefits of Fortinet Cyber Training

Jeramiah, tell us about your background and how you found your way into cybersecurity.

Jeramiah Poff: I served in the U.S. Air Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom. When I left the military, I didn't know what was next. Like a lot of veterans, I struggled to translate my experience into a civilian career. I wanted something meaningful, something that gave me purpose, but I didn't know where to start.

That's when I found VetSec. I joined hoping for some direction and ended up discovering so much more. It was a full support system, and through them, I learned about the Fortinet Veterans Program. They offered free cybersecurity training, hands-on experience through online labs and certifications, something I didn't even know was possible.

What did your training path look like once you started with Fortinet?

Jeramiah Poff: I didn't have a formal background in cybersecurity, so I started from the beginning with Fundamentals. Then I moved through the Associate level. Each certification built on the last, giving me a stronger foundation and more confidence.

Eventually, I applied for a position at ArmorPoint, a Fortinet-focused MSSP, and got the job. It was a huge moment for me. I was working directly with Fortinet tools, reviewing logs, feeding data into SIEM systems… doing real cybersecurity work. Today, I'm a security architect. That wouldn't have happened without Fortinet and VetSec. The training didn't just give me knowledge. It gave me an edge and a future.

Derek, how did you get involved with the Fortinet training program?

Derek Zobler: I was in the Marine Corps and later the Air Force National Guard. In 2024, I joined Fortinet's Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp through the VetSec partnership. It was a weekly course that started with basic networking concepts and quickly moved into more advanced material.

I had a college background in networking, but this training took it to the next level. It helped me deepen my knowledge and, more importantly, it gave me examples I could apply on the job and share with others.

What happened after the bootcamp?

Derek Zobler: I completed the course in August, and by September, I was hired as a cyberthreat hunter at a company in the electricity sector. The training gave me exactly what I needed to stand out in the interview process. I was able to speak clearly about core concepts, and I had fresh, practical knowledge that applied directly to the role.

What would you say to other veterans who may feel uncertain about entering this field?

Jeramiah Poff: Start today. You don't need to have a tech background. The Fortinet training gives you a clear entry point, and VetSec provides the support system. It's not easy, but it is absolutely worth it.

Derek Zobler: Don't hesitate. The transition can be overwhelming, but this field needs people like us, people who understand structure, mission, and problem-solving. Be patient, stay curious, and take the first step. The rest follows.

Re-Skilling the Cyber Workforce One Veteran at a Time

At Fortinet, we're committed to bridging the cybersecurity skills gap while honoring the potential of those who've served. To date, we have Veteran Program partners across the Five Eyes, enabling veterans around the world and their spouses to gain access to world-class training, hands-on labs, certification vouchers, and pathways into real-world roles. With the support of partners like VetSec, we're proud to help shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Learn more about the Fortinet Veterans Program.