Have Questions? We’ve Got Your Answers

The AI Cloud and DevOps Engineering Program is a 28-week, part-time bootcamp built for Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military families.

You’ll learn to design, automate, and manage cloud-based infrastructure that powers real-world software systems. The program combines DevOps, cloud computing, and applied artificial intelligence, preparing you for high-demand roles in cloud and AI engineering. See the AI Cloud and DevOps program coursebook for more details.

The Full-Stack Program focuses on coding and software development (writing and building applications). The AI Cloud and DevOps Program, on the other hand, teaches you to deploy, automate, and scale that software using cloud infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and AI-powered systems. In short, full-stack developers write the code, while cloud and DevOps engineers make it run reliably, securely, and at scale.

Code Platoon runs two AI Cloud & DevOps cohorts per year. Check our program calendar for the next start dates and application deadlines.

Classes meet live online via Zoom four days a week over 28 weeks:

• Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM CT
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT (1-hour lunch break)
  

This flexible, remote schedule allows students to balance career development with work and family commitments.

Tuition is $20,000, and most students use GI Bill® or VR&E benefits to fund their AI Cloud and DevOps Engineering training. You’ll also qualify for a pay-what-you-can scholarship if you need one.

This program is designed for Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, military spouses, and adult military dependents who:

• Want to upskill into high-tech roles without quitting their current job or daytime commitments.
• Are organized, analytical, and detail-oriented.
• Enjoy problem-solving, teamwork, and working behind the scenes to improve processes.

You’ll master the tools that power modern software, automation, and cloud AI systems through hands-on projects, live instruction, and team-based challenges. The curriculum blends core cloud and DevOps skills with applied AI engineering to prepare you for real-world cloud and DevOps roles.

Core Cloud & DevOps Skills

• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)
• Automation with Ansible
• Containerization using Docker
• Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines with GitHub Actions
• AWS compute, storage, and networking fundamentals
• SQL & NoSQL databases, scaling, and backups

Applied AI Engineering

• AWS AI Stack: Amazon SageMaker and Bedrock workflows
• MLOps Fundamentals: model training, deployment, observability, and rollback
• AI-Driven Solutions: build chatbots, automation agents, and ML endpoints
• AI Ethics & Security: responsible and secure deployment of AI systems

Yes, you’ll prepare for the AWS AI Practitioner certification, an industry recognized credential that demonstrates your ability to design, deploy, and manage AI-powered cloud systems.

Graduates are qualified for roles such as:

• Cloud Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Platform Engineer
• Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
• Network Engineer

Many students also continue into apprenticeships or positions with Code Platoon’s Preferred Hiring Partners.

Our application has two parts that help us get to know you and your coding skills.

• Part One: Background information, program preference, and funding options.
• Part Two: Coding exercises, short-answer questions, and a brief video response.

You’ll need to complete both parts before your preferred cohort’s deadline. Check the program calendar for upcoming deadlines.

The time needed depends, but expect to take at least:

• Part One: 10–15 minutes
• Part Two: 4–12+ hours (depending on your coding experience)

Yes, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of Python or JavaScript to complete your application. If you’re new to coding, we recommend starting with our Intro to Python course, which covers Python fundamentals and algorithmic problem-solving to help you get started. 

Applicants who practice coding before applying typically perform better on their application and in their programs than those who don’t.

There’s no strict time limit, but all parts of the application must be completed before your chosen cohort’s application deadline. Explore our application deadlines on our calendar page.

In the short answers section, you’ll share:

• Why you want to join Code Platoon
• Your career goals and motivation
• Your professional or life experience

In the short video, you’ll:

• Explain one of your coding exercise solutions. Tip: Save your coding answers before submitting so you can reference them.
• Describe your learning style and interest in coding

Yes. If you haven’t submitted Part Two yet, you can select a different cohort when you submit the form. If you’ve already submitted Part Two, contact us and request to switch cohorts.

We review applications on a rolling basis. You’ll usually get an update within two weeks of submitting both parts of the application. Watch for an email update from our enrollment team with your next steps.

The DoD SkillBridge Program allows active duty Servicemembers to spend their final 180 days of service gaining civilian work experience through industry training. Code Platoon is an approved SkillBridge provider, which means eligible Servicemembers can attend our Full-stack Immersive program during SkillBridge. Learn more about SkillBridge.

Eligible Servicemembers can apply to attend one of our Full-Stack Software Engineering: Immersive cohorts as a SkillBridge student, as long as it fits within their 180-day separation window.

You’ll need approval from your unit commander or education office, and the process varies by branch and command structure. You should connect with your base Transition Assistance Program for guidance. Code Platoon provides an introductory letter and command approval template to make the process simpler. Contact us if your command requires additional documentation for your SkillBridge application.

No, the SkillBridge program itself doesn’t provide funding, but you can use GI Bill®, VR&E, or a pay-what-you-can scholarship to cover the cost of your Code Platoon training.

Apply to Code Platoon and SkillBridge at the same time, ideally 3–6 months before your desired start date. Early coordination with your command ensures your paperwork and approvals are ready before Day 1 of your program.

We recommend using a MacBook running macOS 12 (Monterey) or higher for the best compatibility and performance during your program. Using macOS ensures a smoother setup for tools like Git, Python, Docker, and VS Code, which are standard across our curriculum. A MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with at least 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage meets all technical requirements.

Yes, but we strongly recommend a MacBook because it’s the standard development environment for most Code Platoon instructors and students. If you prefer using Windows or Linux, contact your instructor before your program starts for setup instructions and software requirements.

Foundations of Programming (FOP) is a free, live online prep course offered to accepted Code Platoon students. It helps strengthen your coding fundamentals and ensures you’re ready to succeed once your program begins.

FOP covers key programming concepts that challenge new developers, including:

• Python and JavaScript syntax
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Debugging and problem-solving strategies
• Study habits to manage workload and prevent burnout.

FOP isn’t required, but it’s highly recommended. Students who complete FOP typically start their cohort with greater confidence and stronger foundational coding skills.

FOP runs before every Full-Stack Software Engineering: Immersive cohort. Classes meet Monday through Friday, 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. CT, via Zoom. Students can attend remotely from anywhere.

No, FOP is not VA-approved, but it’s free for accepted Code Platoon students.

Yes, you can include FOP in your SkillBridge window if your command approves it. Check our SkillBridge page for more guidance on getting approved for SkillBridge.

Yes, even experienced coders benefit from FOP because it helps you get used to a bootcamp’s pace and structure. You'll:

• Review core programming concepts
• Get familiar with Code Platoon’s teaching methods
• Join the student community before your cohort begins

Yes, every Code Platoon graduate receives comprehensive Career Services support, from finding your first job to long-term career growth. You’ll work one-on-one with our Career Services team to:

• Build a standout resume and LinkedIn profile
• Prepare for technical and behavioral interviews
• Practice networking and salary negotiation
• Connect with industry mentors and employers in tech
• Participate in weekly one-on-one check-ins to refine your job search strategy and applications

Our goal is to help you confidently transition into a rewarding tech career after bootcamp.

The Code Platoon apprenticeship program gives graduates the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience through paid, 3-6 month apprenticeships with our Apprenticeship Partners. You’ll gain hands-on industry experience and continue developing your skills in a professional tech environment. Many apprenticeships lead to full-time job offers. The number of apprenticeships varies by cohort, and there is no guarantee that there will be apprenticeship opportunities for every cohort.

Yes, every student is paired with an industry mentor, often a Veteran working in software engineering, DevOps, or other tech roles. Mentors provide guidance on:

• Technical skill-building and project feedback
• Career development and networking
• Transitioning from military service to civilian tech careers

Mentorship continues to be a cornerstone of the Code Platoon experience, helping graduates build confidence and professional connections in tech.

Software engineers and AI Cloud professionals remain in high demand across all industries, including technology, finance, defense, logistics, and healthcare. Code Platoon alumni are hired by major companies, including  JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, Deloitte, and DRW, as well as various startups and government agencies.

Code Platoon graduates report a median salary of $85,000 within six months of graduation and $115,000 after two years. These results demonstrate the earning potential of our alumni and the value of our career-focused coding education. Check our latest student outcomes report for more information.