What does a realistic transition from military service into technology look like? John and Victor speak with Mike about VetsinTech, a nonprofit that connects veterans and military spouses with technology training, employer relationships, networking, and entrepreneurship support. The conversation focuses on practical ways to explore tech careers, including options that do not require using the GI Bill.
Mike explains why employer-hosted, in-person training can be valuable for building relationships and pursuing job opportunities. The discussion covers cybersecurity, defense technology, drones, satellites, biotech, and other fields where military experience may be relevant. It also explores VetsinTech’s chapter meetups, events, SkillBridge-related transition support, and startup network for veteran founders.
John and Victor also cover California’s military retirement tax changes, a discussed property-tax proposal for 100% disabled veterans, veterans’ disability appeals, the proposed FORWARD Act for retiree TSP contributions, Army assignment-policy discussions, projected military COLA, and Space-A travel planning. As always, legislative and benefits discussions reflect the episode conversation and should be verified before making decisions.
Episode Timestamps
00:06:43 Introducing VetsinTech
00:12:31 Employer-hosted training and tech careers
00:15:49 Training without the GI Bill
00:24:53 Moving from military service into technology
00:28:53 Veteran startup network
00:31:13 California military retirement tax exemption
00:36:32 Disabled-veteran property-tax proposal
00:44:43 SkillBridge and transition support
00:54:34 Veterans Coffee Connection and career planning
00:58:08 Bottom Line Up Front transition book
01:00:18 Benefits appeals and DoD school libraries
01:04:56 FORWARD Act and retiree TSP contributions
01:06:35 Army longer assignment discussions
01:08:02 Projected 2026 military COLA
01:15:55 Space-A ground transportation
01:17:29 Travel costs beyond airfare
01:19:31 Military Retirement Group on Facebook
Key Topics
• VetsinTech training, events, local chapters, and employer connections
• Technology career paths for veterans and military spouses
• Veteran entrepreneurship, mentors, investors, and pitch opportunities
• Transition planning during the final year of service
• California military retirement and disabled-veteran tax discussions
• H.R. 4996, the FORWARD Act, and TSP contributions after retirement
• Space-A travel, AMC grams, and ground-transportation budgeting
Resources Mentioned
• VetsinTech online courses, events, chapter meetups, and startup network
• Veteran Coffee Connection
• Bottom Line Up Front, What You Need to Know When You’re Leaving the Military
• Military Retirement Podcast Space-A resources and AMC gram references
• The Green Logbook and the Military Retirement Group on Facebook
If you are preparing to separate, retire, change careers, launch a business, or plan Space-A travel, this episode offers grounded ideas and resources to help you take the next useful step.