Python for Beginners: Your Learning Guide

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TLDR: Python is one of the most beginner-friendly and versatile programming languages you can learn. It’s used in everything from web development to data analysis and AI. With free courses, tutorials, and challenges available, it’s never been easier to start learning Python and build the skills you need to launch a career in tech.

Are you new to the world of coding or considering a career change to tech? Python offers the flexibility, ease, and community you need to get started for free.

Why Learn Python?

Python is known for being easy to read and write, which makes it perfect for beginners exploring coding. Here’s what makes Python stand out from other programming languages:

  • Easy to Learn: Python’s syntax is straightforward and reads like plain English, making it accessible for those with no prior coding experience.
  • Widely Used: Python is used in a wide range of fields, including web development, data science, automation, machine learning, and more.
  • In-Demand Skill: Professional software engineers and employers value Python because it’s powerful, versatile, and great for solving real-world problems.

Top Resources for Learning Python

Getting started with Python is simple thanks to a wide range of beginner-friendly resources. From online courses to YouTube tutorials and coding exercises, you’ll find plenty of support and practice.

Take Free Online Python Courses

Online courses are a great way to learn Python at your own pace. Here are some free options that are beginner-friendly and great prep if you’re considering a coding bootcamp:

  1. Intro to Coding (Code Platoon): This free, self-paced course is designed with beginners in mind. You’ll get over seven hours of interactive instruction covering Python basics with coding exercises to start practicing right away. Code Platoon also offers a live, online version three times per year.
  2. Learn Python (Codecademy): Learn Python with 23 hours of hands-on lessons covering Python syntax, functions, loops, and more.
  3. Python for Everybody (Coursera / University of Michigan): Introduces Python with a focus on data handling and is especially well-suited for beginners interested in data science.

Follow Along with Python Tutorials on YouTube

YouTube is another powerful (and free) way to learn Python without the commitment of a full course. Here are some great channels for beginners:

Practice with Python Coding Exercises

Practice is key when learning to code. Coding challenges are a great way to sharpen your skills and reinforce what you’ve learned. Some great platforms are:

  • HackerRank: A beginner-friendly collection of Python exercises that walk you through common Python problems and logic challenges.
  • Codewars: Offers Python coding challenges that range from basic to advanced. You can even compare your solutions to others and learn new techniques in a collaborative community.

Python: Your Launchpad to Tech

Python builds a strong foundation for future learning. Whether you want to build apps, analyze data, or automate tasks, Python has you covered. So, start small, practice often, and when you’re ready to go deeper, consider taking the next step with a coding bootcamp like Code Platoon. Bootcamps provide structured training to help you transition into a tech career, equipping you with the hands-on experience needed for a successful tech career.

Why We’re Moving to a “Pay What You Can” Scholarship Model

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At Code Platoon, our mission has always been clear: help Veterans, Servicemembers, and military family members launch new careers in tech with as little out-of-pocket cost as possible.

As a nonprofit, everything we do is driven by our mission, including how we handle tuition. That’s why we’re excited to share a big update: we’ve simplified our scholarship program into one clear message—“Pay What You Can.”

Why the Change?

In the past, we offered multiple scholarships with different criteria and funding levels. While those programs helped many students, we realized they could also cause confusion. We kept hearing the same questions: “Am I eligible?” “How much support can I actually get?”

So we decided to make it simpler—and fairer.

With Pay What You Can, every accepted student is eligible for a scholarship. There’s no need to prove financial hardship or fit into a specific scholarship category. Once you’re in, we’ll ask you one simple question: “How much can you reasonably contribute to your tuition?”

That’s it. No minimum payment. No gimmicks. No hidden fees. Just a conversation.

Whatever you can’t cover, our scholarship will fill the gap. And once you’re awarded a scholarship, you’ll have up to a full year to make your contribution, so finances don’t get in the way of your future.

What about VA Benefits?

If you’re eligible for VA benefits like the GI Bill® or VR&E, those can fully cover your tuition at Code Platoon. Our full-time and part-time programs—including remote options—are approved for both. If you choose not to use VA benefits or aren’t eligible, our scholarship model is here to make sure you still have a clear, affordable path.

How is this Possible?

Our scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, foundations, and corporate partners who believe in what you bring to the tech world. They know Veterans and military families have the drive, discipline, and problem-solving skills that today’s tech companies need—and they’re investing in your success.

The Goal: More Access. Less Confusion.

This new model gives every student more clarity and confidence as they plan for Code Platoon. It’s easier to understand what kind of financial support is available and how to move forward. It’s all about meeting you where you are and removing the barriers between you and a meaningful new career in tech.

If you’re thinking about applying, do it. You don’t need all the answers right now. Just choose the program that fits your goals, and submit your application. Once you’re accepted, we’ll work with you to finalize your scholarship or VA benefit path and get you moving forward.

It’s that easy.

Built Together: A Father-Daughter Story of Belief, Service, and Impact

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When Randy Aires left active duty, he had something many Veterans don’t: a clear path.

“I was fortunate,” he recalls. “I knew I was going to law school. I had a plan, and the confidence to follow it.”

But over the years, as a Navy JAG Corps Reservist and civilian attorney (and, later, a lobbyist), Randy saw just how rare that certainty can be. “Transitioning out of the military isn’t just about employment,” he says. “It’s about finding your footing in a world that doesn’t always make room for your experience.”

That understanding is what drew him to Code Platoon. And today, it’s what keeps him giving.

For Randy, supporting the military-connected community is personal because it’s not just his story anymore. His daughter, Katherine Byrnes, works on Code Platoon’s Career Services team.

“I get to see every day how our students grow – technically, professionally, and personally,” Katherine shares. “They come in looking for direction, and they leave with real skills, real confidence, and real jobs. My dad believes in this mission, and I feel proud to help deliver on it.”

Together, Randy and Katherine represent two sides of the same commitment: building a stronger future for those who served and their families.

“Code Platoon isn’t just teaching people to code,” Randy adds. “They’re helping them build lives. They’re combining tech skills with the professional and personal development employers care about. And now, they’re opening the door even wider by including adult children of Veterans. That’s not just generous. It’s strategic.”

As we celebrate how Code Platoon is “Built Together”—by students, donors, instructors, employers, and families—Randy offers a reminder of why it matters:

“Not everyone knows their next step. But when we invest in someone’s future, we help them build it with clarity, confidence, and purpose.”

Is a Coding Bootcamp Right for You?

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Many people are considering jobs in the tech industry, and rather than pursuing traditional computer science degrees, they’re enrolling in coding bootcamps to get there. Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated path into tech careers, but they aren’t for everyone. Before you apply, ask yourself and your coding bootcamp these six questions to determine if a program is the right fit.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Coding Bootcamp

1. Can You Commit to an Accelerated Learning Experience?

Coding bootcamps are intense. In a full-time program, you’ll spend 10–12 hours a day, five days a week, learning full-stack software engineering at a pace similar to military training. It’s a fast, immersive experience that requires focus, discipline, and determination.

What if you can’t put life on hold?

If you have work, family, or other commitments, a part-time bootcamp might be the better fit. Evening & Weekend Bootcamps cover the same in-demand skills but on a longer timeline. This allows you to balance your responsibilities with transitioning to a tech career.

2. Can You Push Through Challenges?

Immersive coding bootcamps provide you with a learn-by-doing approach in a collaborative environment. You’ll spend hours coding complex projects that simulate real-world work experience. Because of this hands-on approach, some coding bootcamps have demonstrated placement rates comparable to top four-year colleges.

The key to success in a coding bootcamp isn’t talent—it’s resilience. If you’re determined to problem-solve and keep learning, you’ll thrive. If you’re willing to embrace the challenge, ask questions, and keep iterating, you’ll find that every challenge makes you a stronger developer.

3. Do You Work Well with Others?

Tech is a team-driven industry. While movies might show coders working alone in dark rooms, the reality is most software engineers collaborate daily.

At a coding bootcamp, you’ll work on real-world coding challenges with your classmates. You’ll pair program, debug projects, and build real-world software projects like you would in the workplace.

If you enjoy solving problems and working with others, you’ll fit right into a coding bootcamp and the tech industry.

4. Does the Bootcamp Offer Career Services?

The best coding bootcamps don’t just teach you to code. They help you land a job.

When comparing programs, look for:
✔ Strong job placement rates
✔ Apprenticeship or employer partners committed to hiring bootcamp grads
✔ Resume workshops, interview prep, and mentorship from tech professionals

A coding bootcamp is an investment in your future. Make sure the program you choose comes with a strong return.

5. Does the Curriculum Align with Industry Needs?

To land a high-paying tech job, you need real-world skills that employers want. A strong Full-stack Software Engineering bootcamp curriculum should teach:

  • Front-end development: Building great user experiences with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.js.
  • Back-end development: Storing and managing data with Python, SQL, and databases like PostgreSQL.
  • Agile workflows: Working in sprints and iterating like real software teams.
  • AI and Prompt Engineering: Leveraging AI tools for debugging, automating, and optimizing your work.

Make sure your bootcamp prepares you for the future of tech, not just today’s trends.

6. Does the Bootcamp Set You Up for Success?

Not all bootcamps are created equal. Some programs enroll anyone, whether they’re ready or not. A quality coding bootcamp ensures you’re prepared before you start. Look for a bootcamp that offers pre-work or a prep course. A bootcamp that genuinely cares about your success will help you build a strong foundation before your first day.

Are You Ready for Coding Bootcamp?

Choosing a coding bootcamp is a big decision, and finding the right fit takes careful consideration. A great program will challenge you, prepare you with real-world coding skills, and provide the support and structure needed to help you succeed. 

Take time to research your options, connect with graduates and staff, and make sure the program you choose aligns with your goals, learning style, and career aspirations. No matter where you are in your coding journey, by asking the right questions, you can find a bootcamp that truly supports your transition into a rewarding career in tech.

Kayla Elkin is the Marketing Content Manager at Code Platoon. In this role, she brings skills developed from previous positions in higher education and educational technology. Kayla has degrees in English and Sociology from Clemson University and completed the Study in India Program (SIP) at the University of Hyderabad. Outside work, she enjoys playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons with her friends.

Celebrating 9 Years of Transforming Lives

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This year, Code Platoon celebrates nine years of empowering Veterans, military spouses, and now military dependents to transition to tech careers through our immersive coding bootcamps. As we hit this milestone, we’re reflecting on the impact our program has had on the lives and careers of our community.

From alumni and staff to mentors and hiring partners, their stories highlight the heart of our mission: equipping the military community with skills for meaningful careers in technology.

Empowering Individuals to Achieve the Extraordinary

Code Platoon changes lives. Neka Blair, a Whiskey cohort alum and Air Force Veteran, shares:

“I’ve seen a dramatic increase in how I view myself. For so long, I focused on what I couldn’t do. Code Platoon showed me what I can do.”

Before joining Code Platoon, Neka never imagined herself as a software engineer. Today, she thrives at Microsoft. Her story is proof that hard work and community support can unlock limitless potential.

Fostering a Network of Support

The Code Platoon community is more than a network—it’s a family. Will Minshall, a Navy veteran and TANGO cohort graduate, puts it best:

“I’m proud to be part of an alumni network of Veterans. Our shared experiences create a bond that continues the camaraderie and teamwork we had in the military.”

Whether it’s through mentorship, career guidance, or alumni connections, Code Platoon ensures no one walks this journey alone.

Changing Lives and Careers

For many, Code Platoon is a turning point. Jordon West, a Navy Veteran and Juliett cohort graduate, describes it this way:

“This program flipped my life in the best way. Now, I want to help others achieve what I’ve done.”

Jordon’s passion for giving back led him to become an instructor for our Evening and Weekends program, sharing his expertise with the next generation. His story reflects the ripple effect of Code Platoon’s mission—alumni paying it forward to create lasting change.

Bringing Value to Companies

Our hiring partners see firsthand the unique value Veterans and military spouses bring to their teams. Holly Maurizio, VP of People at Cecilian Partners, shares:

“Code Platoon has positively impacted our company culture. It’s not just about hiring talent—it’s about embracing the discipline, dedication, and leadership that Veterans naturally bring.”

These partnerships demonstrate how Code Platoon graduates contribute to a thriving tech workforce.

Building Lifelong Relationships

Mentorship at Code Platoon often leads to incredible outcomes. Don Bora, Partner at Eight Bit Studios and a longtime board member reflects on one such success:

“I mentored Michael Dorsey, a student who went on to start his own company. Today, he serves on the Code Platoon board. Watching him grow has been one of my proudest moments.”

This story illustrates how the bonds formed at Code Platoon extend far beyond the classroom.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate nine years, we’re excited for the future. From integrating advanced technologies like AI into our curriculum to welcoming military dependents, the opportunities ahead are boundless.

“Hearing about Code Platoon’s plans to support more people excites me,” says Neka Blair. “Expanding to include Veterans’ children means even more success stories in the tech world.”

A Heartfelt Thank You

At its core, Code Platoon is about more than coding—it’s about transformation, opportunity, and connection. The stories of our alumni, staff, and partners remind us why we do what we do.

To everyone who’s been part of our mission —students, graduates, mentors, hiring partners, staff, and supporters—thank you for helping make these nine years unforgettable. Here’s to the next chapter of impact, innovation, and growth.

Happy 9th birthday, Code Platoon! 🎉

How VR&E Supports Veterans Transitioning to Tech

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For Veterans with service-connected disabilities, the journey to find stable, fulfilling employment can be challenging. But there’s a VA program out there that many don’t know about: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E). It provides the resources and support needed to transition into a new career. For Navy Veteran and Code Platoon graduate Marion Gordon, VR&E was a game changer. It allowed him to move from a physically demanding healthcare job to a tech career that aligns better with his strengths and well-being.

Marion’s story starts in the Navy, where he served for eight years as a physical therapy tech. “Healthcare was all I knew, so it felt too scary to venture into something new,” he recalls. After leaving the military, he landed a job in a Chicago hospital, working in in-patient physical therapy. But after four years, the chronic joint pain he developed during his service made it impossible to continue in the medical field.

“I knew I needed a career change, but I had no idea VR&E even existed,” Marion admits. “Even though I came out of the military with a disability rating, nobody told me what benefits were available.”

“When I was accepted to Code Platoon, I planned to use VET TEC, but it ran out of funding right before I started. Luckily, a friend told me about VR&E, and I had enough time to start a VR&E application.”

The path to securing VR&E support isn’t always straightforward. After applying, the next step is being assigned a VR&E counselor. But this process can vary significantly based on your location or even the counselor you’re assigned. Marion offers some advice for Veterans preparing for that crucial first interview.

“The most critical step is to come to the interview ready to explain why you need VR&E and how you’ll use it. For mine, I explained ‘My service-connected disability doesn’t support the physical labor necessary for the field that I’m in. I’ve already been accepted to Code Platoon where I can learn Full-stack Software Engineering and be ready for a tech job after 15 weeks.’ Code Platoon was on my counselor’s list of pre-approved training programs, so my plan was accepted.”

In addition to paying for Marion’s tuition, VR&E provided him with a subsistence allowance similar to the GI Bill. When he started experiencing dental pain while searching for a job after Code Platoon, VR&E covered his dental care. Finally, he was offered job search services through the VA.

“Although resume and interviewing support was available through VR&E, my counselor had no experience with coding bootcamps or the tech sector. So I took advantage of Code Platoon’s Career Services instead,” Marion says. “The Career Services team is who helped me get my amazing Software Engineer job in Travelers Engineering Development Program (EDP).”

If Marion could change one thing about the VR&E process, it would be the responsiveness from the counselors: “I’ve heard from others that some counselors are better than others. My counselor was pretty good, but my dental care took a few months to access.”

“For anyone looking into Code Platoon or VR&E, I would say do it 100%. My life has improved so much since I took advantage of these opportunities. It’s the biggest life-changing thing I’ve ever done.”

Marion’s story is a testament to the power of using available support for Veterans to make a meaningful career change. If you’re considering using VR&E for a career change, don’t wait to get started! Learn more about VR&E or hear more of Marion’s story on our Service to Software vodcast on YouTube.

Kayla Elkin is the Marketing Content Specialist at Code Platoon. In this role, she uses her marketing, writing, and editing skills developed from previous higher education and educational technology positions. Kayla has degrees in English and Sociology from Clemson University and completed the Study in India Program (SIP) at the University of Hyderabad. Outside work, she enjoys playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons with her friends.

X-Ray Platoon Final Projects

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Representing Code Platoon’s twenty-fourth Full-stack Software Engineering: Immersive cohort, the X-Ray Platoon graduates recently presented their final projects. This time, our graduates applied all of the front-end, back-end, and software project management skills they developed during the program to produce four hands-on capstone projects ranging from an AI-integrated eCommerce site, to an event management platform, and even a mobile game. Join us in this blog as we recognize our graduates’ dedication and celebrate their impressive final projects. 

The first team, Bonsai, developed an ambitious software engineering project including an ecommerce site to buy and sell bonsais, a social platform for the bonsai community to publish and share attributed blog posts, and an AI-powered “Zen Master” chatbot to help users care for their bonsais and even themselves.

“We built our ‘Zen Master’ using Haystack LLM framework pipeline and OpenAI. We used advanced components and imported documents, specific embeddings, and custom prompts,” Dustin, Navy Veteran and X-Ray Platoon graduate, says, “We taught the LLM Bonsai knowledge, Zen, and the real-life history of a legendary samurai to not only provide advice but also to make it respond with the depth and wisdom of a former warrior who has embraced a peaceful path. Zen Master’s unique responses are rooted in history, mindfulness, and tranquility while always bringing the focus back to bonsai.”

Other features implemented by the Bonsai team include mobile optimization and integration with APIs like Google Maps, PayPal, and OpenWeather to improve their users’ experiences while buying, selling, and caring for their bonsais. Check out their final project below!

The next team built Foundations of Programming (FOP), a class management tool for Code Platoon students and instructors. Features of their application include unique student and instructor course creation, question adding, and a Visual Studio Code Integrated Development Environment directly in the application. 

FOP uses React.js, Tailwind CSS, and Daisy UI on the front end. A Django REST framework makes up the back end. Programming languages used include JavaScript, Python, and CSS.

To facilitate a clean code base and prevent merge conflicts during their project, the team built a GitHub repository and internal review system with a feature branch based development cycle: “Whenever someone came up with a new idea, they would create a branch, do their work, then submit it through a pull request,” Navy Veteran and FOP team member Brandon says. “The request would be under review to a minimum of two reviewers before we would merge it to main.”

The Event Master team created a comprehensive full-stack web application for users to discover and organize events. Their users can search for events via keyword and location-based searches. Event organizers can generate links to ticket purchases and venue information directly in the application via the Ticketmaster API. Users can also see all of the events they’re attending and organizing on their user profiles, which are saved to Event Master via a PostgreSQL relational database management system.

All of this was created by a team of three transitioning Active Duty graduates who completed X-Ray Platoon via the SkillBridge program. 

“We had some difficulties managing our small team size, different time zones from Hawaii to EST, and two-week time frame to create Event Master,” Mickey, a transitioning Soldier and X-Ray Platoon graduate, shares. “Organizing our goals and making sure we were on the same page was essential. We took our daily stand-up and stand-down meetings seriously, so we knew our goals and who was working on what parts of the application.”

The last project in our showcase is Deal or Dragon, a mobile game with an AI “battle” system. Users put their creative writing skills to the test by convincing characters powered by the team’s AI assistant to purchase an item in a limited number of turns.

“I trained the AI bosses to adapt to player actions, ensuring that every interaction felt unique and challenging,” Erika, a military spouse, says. “The AI assistant has a data set of example conversations and decision-making scenarios. It includes a variety of player actions like persuasion attempts, logical arguments, or even emotional appeals and the assistant learns how to handle each of them differently.”

“Working on this project was an incredible team experience. Everyone collaborated, not just on isolated components but on every aspect of the game. We had to work very closely to make sure everything fit together smoothly. Every single one of the pages and parts of the databases has code from every member of the team. It brought its challenges but also enriched the project.”

Code Platoon Graduate Outcomes 2024

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Code Platoon is committed to supporting Veterans, Servicemembers, and military families as they transition into tech careers. Over the past year, we’ve seen a slight dip in our six-month and one-year employment rates. Still, our graduates continue to leverage their skills and resilience to secure software engineering roles with a median starting salary of $80,000.

Our graduates’ continued success speaks volumes about the strength of our approach.  Our flexible learning options and dedicated support have helped Veterans and their families transition smoothly into new careers.

“Code Platoon continues to be the go-to path for Veterans and military spouses to break into tech,” Rod Levy, Executive Director of Code Platoon, says. “We’re always evolving our curriculum and career services to keep pace with the ever-changing tech landscape, ensuring our graduates are ready to hit the ground running.”

Code Platoon Graduate Outcomes 2024

  • In 2024, 61% of Code Platoon graduates secured jobs in tech within six months of completing the program, with a median starting salary of $80,000. 
  • One year after graduation, that placement rate increases to 72%
  • The median salary jumps to $102,000 after two years in the industry. 
  • Code Platoon continues to be recognized as a top coding bootcamp by Course Report and SwitchUp. This year, we also earned new designations as the #1 Best Coding Bootcamp of 2024 by College Consensus and a Military Friendly School by VIQTORY.

In-Demand Skills Employers Seek

Code Platoon graduates excel in tech because they master the skills employers demand. Our Full-Stack Software Engineering curriculum covers essential programming languages like Python and JavaScript, along with popular tools such as Docker, React, and PostgreSQL. This year, we added artificial intelligence training to our core curriculum, equipping students with one of the hottest skills in software engineering today. Our specialized DevOps and Cloud Engineering training also dives into continuous integration, configuration management, and automation—ensuring graduates can make an immediate impact in their new roles.

“In my seven years of tech experience, practical knowledge is the biggest asset. Nobody I’ve worked with has treated me differently because I don’t have a degree.” James, an Army National Guard Veteran and Technical Team Lead at Procore Technologies says.

Navigating the Job Market with Confidence

While the tech industry has seen shifts and challenges, Code Platoon graduates continue to stand out because of their unique combination of in-demand technical skills and lived experience from their military backgrounds, including discipline, leadership, and problem-solving. This combination continues to make them highly sought after by our corporate and hiring partners, including Caesars Digital, Travelers Insurance, and Cecilian Partners.

As the tech landscape evolves, our comprehensive Career Services help graduates take on the job search with a clear strategy and well-prepared materials. Our dedicated Career Services team provides personalized support, including 1-on-1 mentorship, resume workshops, LinkedIn optimization, and mock interviews, preparing our graduates to present their military-to-tech transition stories to future employers.

“Code Platoon prepared me for the job market better than a degree,” Megan, a Navy Veteran and Software Engineer at DRW, says. “The program gave me a good sense of communication skills and how to explain my work experience.” 

Companies that Hire Code Platoon Grads

Is a Career in Tech Right for You? A Guide for Veterans and Military Families

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If you’re a Veteran, Servicemember, or military spouse wondering whether a technology career might be a good fit, you’re not alone. Technology roles offer rewarding opportunities with significant job growth, financial stability, and a chance to leverage the skills you’ve honed during your military background. Let’s explore why a tech career may be your ideal path, where to find the best jobs in tech, and how to prepare for a tech career.

Why Consider a Technology Career

High Demand and Growth

The U.S. tech industry is rapidly expanding, making it a prime time to enter the field. With roles ranging from software engineering to cloud computing, technology careers are in high demand across various sectors, offering long-term career growth and stability.

Strong Salary Prospects

One of the key advantages of a technology career is the earning potential. The median annual wage for computer and IT jobs in the United States is significantly higher than the national median wage for all occupations. If financial security is your priority, a tech role offers a path to a stable and lucrative career. 

Veteran-Friendly Industry

Many tech companies recognize the unique skills that come from military service and actively seek to hire Veterans and military spouses. This makes technology careers particularly welcoming to those with military experience, where adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving are already second nature.

Where to Find the Best Jobs in Technology

You might be surprised to learn that jobs in technology are open to more than just the tech industry. Many sectors are experiencing a growing demand for tech professionals:

  • Banking and Finance: With the rise of mobile banking, fintech, and cybersecurity, this sector has a high demand for software engineers.
  • Healthcare: The shift to electronic health records and the rise of telemedicine have made healthcare a major player in the tech job market.
  • Retail and E-Commerce: The online shopping boom has increased the need for sophisticated logistics software, driving demand for tech talent in this sector.
  • Government and Public Sector: With ongoing digital transformation initiatives and the growing focus on cybersecurity, government agencies are increasingly seeking tech professionals.
  • Manufacturing and Industrial: As automation becomes more prevalent, tech employees are essential in manufacturing and industry.

Top Technology Roles for Veterans and Spouses

Veterans and military spouses often bring transferable skills that make stepping into entry-level tech roles easier. Here are a few of the best jobs in tech for those with a military background:

  • Full-Stack Developer: These professionals work on both the front-end and back-end of applications, adapting to various challenges like a multi-functional unit in the military.
  • DevOps Engineer: DevOps Engineers—akin to logistics officers—bridge the gap between software development and IT teams, ensuring smooth operations.
  • Cloud Engineer: Cloud Engineers manage complex cloud systems, drawing on problem-solving and strategic planning skills honed in the military.
  • Junior Software Engineer: Junior developers—the newest recruits—start with foundational skills and progress to more complex coding challenges with guidance from senior developers.
  • Project Manager: Project Managers oversee software products or other technical projects, keeping their teams on track and within budget. Their role requires strategic planning, communication, and leadership skills—making it a great fit for Veterans accustomed to managing complex missions.
  • Data Analyst: Data Analysts gather, interpret, and report on data to help organizations make informed decisions by leveraging their problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Software Architect: Software Architects excel in systems thinking and long-term planning. They design the overarching structure of software applications and ensure each part aligns with the intended goals.
  • Video Game Designer: For those with a creative and technical bent, Video Game Designers combine storytelling with tech skills to create interactive gaming experiences.

How to Prepare for a Tech Career

If you’re ready to start a career in technology, coding bootcamps offer accessible access to quality technical training. Bootcamps provide hands-on training in high-demand areas like software development and DevOps, making them practical and affordable alternatives to pursuing a college degree.

Is Technology the Right Path for You?

Every journey into tech is unique, but for many Veterans and military spouses, the industry has proven to be both rewarding and impactful. As you weigh your career options, consider the ways your skills and experience might fit into this high-demand field. Whether it’s through exploring free online courses, connecting with tech mentors, or attending information sessions for technical programs, small steps can help you gauge whether tech is the right choice for you. 

With the right training and support, a career in technology could be the next step that aligns with your military experience and future ambitions.

Kayla Elkin is the Marketing Content Specialist at Code Platoon. In this role, she uses her marketing, writing, and editing skills developed from previous higher education and educational technology positions. Kayla has degrees in English and Sociology from Clemson University and completed the Study in India Program (SIP) at the University of Hyderabad. Outside work, she enjoys playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons with her friends.

Foxtrot Evening & Weekend Platoon Final Projects

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At Code Platoon, the culmination of our Full-Stack Software Engineering: Evening & Weekend program is nothing short of spectacular. Our Veteran and military spouse graduates spend 28 rigorous weeks mastering coding, and their final projects are a testament to their hard work, creativity, technical skills, and real-world problem-solving developed during coding bootcamp. We are thrilled to highlight the projects our graduates programmed and deployed during their three-week final project sprint. Let’s dive into their full-stack creations.

Reputable Restrooms: Find and Review Public Restrooms

Reputable Restrooms is an application designed to help users find the cleanest, closest, and best-reviewed restrooms based on their location. Users can view restroom location pins, read and submit reviews, and see average ratings all laid out on a clean map UI built with Google Maps API.

Although the team was more versed in JavaScript from the Evening & Weekend program, they elected to challenge themselves by using TypeScript on the front end of their final project: “We decided to use TypeScript because it’s versatile and gave Reputable Restrooms a modern touch. After we put things together, we were able to use HTML and CSS for the page’s styling easily. In the long run, I think it saved us a lot of time,” Charles, a Navy Reservist and member of the Reputable Restrooms team, says. 

The project also leveraged React and Bootstrap on the front end, and Python and Django on the back end. The development team comprised two Army Veterans and a Marine Corps Veteran alongside Charles.

Trek Tracker: A Guide to National Parks

Trek Tracker is the next project in the showcase. It was developed by two Army Veterans, an Air Force Veteran, a Marine Corps Veteran, and a military spouse.

“Our motivation for this project was to promote discovery of national parks, educate people, and create lasting memories for friends and family,” Raymond, a Marine Corps Veteran, says. “In the future, we want to implement a way for Trek Tracker users to plan and share trips with family and friends in the application.”

Trek Tracker provides information for visiting national parks in the United States, including available activities and customized weather and news alerts for each location. Users can log their past visits, plan future trips, and even keep a diary of their experiences. Trek Tracker uses the National Parks Service API, the National Weather Service API, and the graduates’ in-house API to create and save park reviews to their PostGreSQL database.

Evently: Event and Guest Management App

The final project demonstrated during the Foxtrot Evening & Weekend Platoon graduation is Evently. Evently simplifies event planning and guest management while sending automatic email notifications via Django’s STMP capabilities. The app also features an event calendar and event windows with details, guest lists, and location maps, enhancing the overall user experience.

Dylan, an Army Veteran, reflects on his learning experience while creating Evently: “When developing our front end with React Material UI, we found that it was easy to box ourselves in, especially when working with its reusable components. If we were starting from scratch again, we should’ve considered scalability earlier.”

“I don’t know if we would have finished had we not deployed early and often. Learning how to set up and configure Terraform was my biggest challenge, but it made it much easier to test,” Matt, an Army Veteran, said.

The rest of the Evently team comprised of an Army Reservist and a Navy Reservist.

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward

Our graduates’ dedication to learning and ingenuity are truly inspiring. As they enter the tech industry, we’re confident they will continue to code and contribute to the future of the tech industry. Congratulations to our Foxtrot Evening & Weekend Platoon graduates on their significant accomplishments!