Combat to Code: Ja’Corey’s Tech Journey

From Combat to Code: How Ja’Corey LaSane Transitioned from the U.S. Army to Software Development

Are you a veteran looking for a high-paying career in tech? Transitioning from military service to a civilian role can feel like navigating a battlefield without a map. You have the discipline and the grit, but translating those skills into the software industry is a challenge many vets face.

Ja’Corey LaSane stood in those exact boots. After over six years in the U.S. Army as a 25L Cable Installation Technician, Ja’Corey knew he wanted to bridge the gap between his tactical IT background and the world of modern software development. He chose Skillspire, and his journey serves as a blueprint for every veteran looking to break into tech.

The Mission: Overcoming Transition Challenges

Even with a strong military IT background, Ja’Corey faced the classic "civilian gap." His experience was rooted in hardware, satellite communications, and structured cabling. While he was an expert in maintaining secure networks and resolving 85% of help desk issues on the first attempt, the world of Full-Stack Development, building responsive web apps from scratch, was a new frontier.

The challenge wasn't just learning to code; it was finding a program that respected his military leadership while providing the hands-on training required for today’s developer roles.

The Training: The Skillspire Experience

Ja’Corey enrolled in the Full-Stack Immersive Program , a rigorous curriculum that he describes as a "great experience". The coursework covered:

• Front-End: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and React.js.
• Back-End: Python, Flask, and Django.
• Methodology: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Agile teamwork, and UX/UI design principles.

Ja’Corey noted that the "knowledgeable and supportive" instructors helped him build the confidence to transition from an IT support background into software development.

The Bridge: Internship & Post-Graduation Support

Skillspire doesn't just hand you a certificate; we provide a bridge to the industry. For Ja’Corey, the Skillspire-arranged internship at NTC Tech LLC was the turning point.

As a SharePoint & Power Platform Developer Intern, he worked on impactful projects including:

• Task & Training Tracker Apps: Built using PowerApps and integrated with SharePoint lists.
• Automated Workflows: Utilizing Power Automate to streamline internal business processes.
• Data Visualization: Embedding Power BI dashboards for real-time reporting.

Ja’Corey credited this internship with giving him the hands-on experience needed to move into developer-focused positions that emphasize problem-solving and automation.

From Soldier to Software Developer

Today, Ja’Corey is a success story. He successfully bridged his background in military communications with modern low-code app development and REST API integration. He is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Software Development and plans to become a versatile developer bridging secure system design with traditional coding.

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10 core advantages of transitioning to tech as a veteran

1. High Demand for Security Clearances

For many tech and IT companies, a veteran's existing security clearance is a major financial and strategic asset.

• Trust Indicator: Clearances serve as a "trust indicator" for employers managing sensitive systems.
• Financial Advantage: IT specialists with security clearance earn an average of $108,611, which is often 7-9% higher than their non-cleared peers.
• Hiring Speed: Active clearances expedite the hiring timeline, saving employers the significant time and financial resources required to sponsor new background investigations.

2. Leadership DNA

Veteran leadership experience translates seamlessly to managing complex IT and engineering projects.

• Inspiration & Vision: Effective project leadership involves creating a vision and motivating teams, skills ingrained in military leaders.
• Synergy: Veterans excel at creating high-performing teams focused on success through shared aspirations.

3. Advanced Problem-Solving Skills

Troubleshooting under pressure is a core military discipline that mirrors the software debugging process.

• Critical Thinking: Veterans are trained to use critical thinking to quickly identify and resolve root causes of failures.
• Resilience: The military environment fosters a solution-driven mindset essential for handling hardware bugs or cyberattacks.

4. Discipline & Reliability in Agile Sprints

Agile frameworks (like Scrum and Kanban) emphasize teamwork and iterative progress, concepts now being adapted back into military action planning for their effectiveness.

• Strategic Adaptability: Veterans are disciplined enough to follow structured sprints while remaining flexible when plans fail.
• Mission-First: This mindset ensures high return on assets and lower operating expense ratios in tech organizations.

5. Strong Technical Foundations

Many military technologies, such as ARPANET (the precursor to the internet), established the technical foundations of the modern cloud, including TCP/IP and packet switching.

• Network Resilience: Veterans often have experience with decentralized communication and protocol standardization, which power today's global servers.

6. GI Bill® Education Benefits

As noted in the Skillspire program, veterans can leverage government funding (Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35) to cover 100% of their tuition costs.

• Free Training: Programs like TechVets also offer free training tailored specifically for veterans to help them bridge any skill gaps.

7. Remote Flexibility

Tech careers offer unique flexibility that allows veterans to manage personal lives and household needs more effectively.

• Productivity Boost: Studies show remote workers can be 13% more productive than in-office counterparts due to quieter environments and zero commutes.
• Geographic Freedom: Remote work eliminates the need to relocate, allowing veterans to stay in their communities while working for global companies.

8. Superior Adaptability

In an era of "Software Defined Warfare," the winner is often the one with the quickest iteration cycle to adapt to dynamic changes.

• Rapid Learning: Veterans are trained to master new systems, from electronic warfare to command systems, in cycles measured in weeks.

9. Precision & Attention to Detail

Success in both military inspections and UI/UX design depends on meticulousness and organization.

• User Focus: Just as military leaders must imagine themselves in their soldiers' positions, UX designers must have the empathy to solve user puzzles.
• Meticulousness: "Pixel-perfect" design requires the same detail-oriented behavior found in military technical roles.

10. A New Mission & Continued Purpose

Transitioning to tech allows veterans to find a new mission in defending national infrastructure or building tools that empower others.

• Strategic Impact: Many veterans have a "strong passion" for defense and data protection, making cybersecurity a natural fit for their career aspirations.

How Skillspire Helps Veterans (VA-Funded Training)

Skillspire is proud to be fully approved to accept VA education benefits. If you are a veteran or transitioning service member, you can use your benefits to enroll in our Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or AI programs.

We accept:

• Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
• Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
• Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill®
• Chapter 35: Survivors’ & Dependents’ Education Assistance

Note: Per VA regulations, veterans using these benefits must attend classes in-person at our SeaTac, WA campus. Address2800 S. 192nd St. Ste 206, Seatac, WA 98118

Our Team Will Help You:

• Understand your benefit options.
• Walk through the VA.gov application process.
• Submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and enroll.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I really learn to code with no prior experience?

Yes! Ja’Corey transitioned from cable installation to full-stack development. Our curriculum is designed to take you from fundamentals to real-world application.

2. How do I find Skillspire on the VA website?

Go to the GI Bill® Comparison Tool on VA.gov and search for "Skillspire". Filter by Washington State to see our approved programs.

www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool

3. Is there job support after the program?

Absolutely. We provide mentorship and arrange internship opportunities, like Ja’Corey’s role at NTC Tech, to help you gain the "hands-on" experience employers look for.

4. What if I’m unsure which tech path is right for me?

Our admissions team is here to guide you. Whether it's Software Engineering like Ja’Corey or Cybersecurity (where his CASP+ cert would be vital), we help you choose.

5. Are there other scholarships if I’ve used my GI Bill®?

We encourage you to talk to us! While we prioritize VA benefits for vets, we are dedicated to helping the military community find the right path into tech.

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GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

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