Sitreps Contributors: Free Ebooks
Guides and ebooks written by veterans in our community, sharing firsthand knowledge and hard-won lessons.
Free Cybersecurity Training for Veterans: What Helped Me Break Into the Field
Free Cybersecurity Training for Veterans: What Helped Me Break Into the Field
A military veteran now working in cybersecurity, leveraging a security clearance and certifications earned through free veteran training programs. Shared anonymously at the author's request.
A first-hand account of using free veteran training programs — VetsinTech and Syracuse University's Onward to Opportunity — to earn Security+ and CISSP certifications and break into cybersecurity. Covers what the boot-camp-style training felt like, why these programs exist, what certifications can and can't do for you, and where to focus today (hint: add cloud and AI/ML to the mix).
Cleared MBA Resume Reference
Cleared MBA Resume Reference
Eight-year U.S. Army Military Intelligence officer who commanded a 200-person cryptologic company at the NSA, with deployments to Afghanistan and Europe. Now an MBA student at Wharton focused on defense technology, venture capital, and national security investing.
A one-page companion for cleared veterans translating classified experience into MBA-ready resume bullets. Covers the writing workflow (mining OERs and FITREPs, structuring experience into Inputs / Process / Outputs), the Action + Scope + Stakeholders + Constraint + Outcome formula, cut-vs-keep guidance, how to convey scale when numbers aren't safe, and a final pre-submission checklist. Designed to help applicants explain impact without revealing sources, methods, or sensitive details — the principle being "move one level up."
The Seven-Year Transition: From Active Duty to Strategy Consulting
The Seven-Year Transition: From Active Duty to Strategy Consulting
Strategy Consultant at Schneider Electric on their North America Strategy team. Transitioned from active duty through the National Guard, an MBA, Amazon, and Private Equity operations before finding his path in corporate strategy.
A candid account of a seven-year transition journey from active duty to strategy consulting. Covers the culture shock of a first civilian job at Amazon, the power of mentorship, navigating Private Equity, investing in self-development through HBS Executive Education, and ultimately landing a strategy role at Schneider Electric. Includes practical takeaways on building a network, staying the course, and leveraging military discipline for career growth.
The Veteran's Guide to Crushing MBA Admissions
The Veteran's Guide to Crushing MBA Admissions
Ground intelligence officer in the Marine Corps (2021-2026). University of Maryland graduate and NROTC leader. Led multiple intelligence teams including a deployment to Australia, and commanded a company of 175 Marines. Accepted to NYU Stern School of Business, starting his MBA in June 2026.
A concise, no-nonsense roadmap for veterans pursuing an MBA. Covers why an MBA makes sense for veterans, how to leverage the GI Bill advantage, step-by-step guidance on GMAT prep, school selection, application strategy, essay writing, and interview preparation. Built from firsthand experience applying to top-15 programs, networking with 30+ MBA veterans, and working with Service 2 School and Sitreps 2 Steercos.
Heading into Tech: A Veteran's Playbook
Heading into Tech: A Veteran's Playbook
Field Artillery officer with seven and a half years of active duty service including two deployments. Transitioned from manufacturing into a technical software role at Deloitte's AI lab, now modernizing DoD software stacks.
A firsthand playbook for veterans breaking into tech — covering self-taught coding bootcamp strategies, resume rebranding for technical roles, leveraging your security clearance, and landing interviews at top firms. Includes guidance on Kubernetes, Docker, AWS/GCP/Azure, daily LeetCode prep, and how to position yourself as a builder in the tech world.
Why You Should Get an MBA on the Mediterranean
Why You Should Get an MBA on the Mediterranean
Veteran and MBA candidate at IESE Business School in Barcelona. Previously stationed in Spain, Joseph pursued a European MBA for a truly international experience and network. Active member of the IESE Veterans Business Club.
A candid guide for veterans considering an MBA in Europe. Covers GI Bill usage abroad, recruiting differences vs. US programs, MBB and investment banking pipelines, visa considerations, one-year vs. two-year programs, and life as a veteran MBA student in Barcelona. Includes a detailed FAQ addressing common concerns about European business schools.
Beyond the Default: Why I Traded a "Safe" Transition for an Elite MBA
Beyond the Default: Why I Traded a "Safe" Transition for an Elite MBA
Served as an M1 Abrams crewman and Senior Communications Sergeant with 7th Special Forces Group. Currently an MBA student at UT McCombs.
A raw, honest account of rejecting the "safe" transition path in favor of an elite MBA. Covers why default transition programs often fall short, how veteran communities like Sitreps changed his perspective, and tactical advice on networking, crushing imposter syndrome, and finding high-impact career paths in defense tech, finance, and operations.
Mastering the Pivot: A Veteran's Guide to the Post-Consulting Job Search
Mastering the Pivot: A Veteran's Guide to the Post-Consulting Job Search
Military veteran, MBA graduate, and five-year McKinsey consultant. Transitioned from MBB consulting into a private equity-backed operations leadership role.
A strategic guide for veterans navigating the post-consulting job search. Covers how to leverage search leave, target private equity and operations roles, build a networking-driven job hunt, and treat the search like a full-time mission. Includes lessons on headhunter dynamics, the hidden interview, and why your next job offer may come from a former client.