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Breaking into the tech world can seem daunting — especially for those without the expected education or qualifications. But for veterans, it may be more attainable than one would expect.
On Yahoo Finance’s Warrior Money podcast, EdgeRunner AI CEO and founder Tyler Saltsman explained that veterans have a pathway to join the world of defense tech after being discharged — even without higher education.
“[Veterans] don’t need the traditional four-year degree,” Saltsman stated (see video above or listen below). “If they can just showcase they can learn something or they can build something … they need to just reach out, hit us up on LinkedIn, send us messages, and let us know what they’re about because the world is changing. … We want people with real-world experience and, more importantly, with the shared values that we all have.”
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EdgeRunner AI is currently working to create an artificial intelligence system that can be tailored to individuals’ roles in the military. The startup aims to provide intelligence in the field that is accessible without an internet connection.
“We’re creating a single common operating picture,” Saltsman explained. “With that baseline intelligence, I think it allows us to be on the same page better.”
Saltsman claimed veterans don’t need to go back to school to break their way into AI development. He pointed to his own nontraditional path to becoming an AI executive after eight years in the US Army.
“We want you to be with us,” he said, addressing newcomers and veterans. “You don’t need that sort of [traditional] background. What you need to do is showcase you can lead, you can build a team, you have a vision, and that you can execute, and that you have a plan.”
“I think as veterans, we’re wired that way,” he continued.
For veterans considering pivoting to defense tech, Saltsman encouraged them to “lean in on their superpower” and reach out to his company or others like it to pitch how their particular skill set can be beneficial.
“Tell me what your experience is, your MOS [military occupational specialty],” Saltsman said. “What did you do? What are you proud of? What have you built? How did you innovate on a mission? I think if you can communicate that, you’ll be able to break into tech, no problem, because we need the diversity of thought and then different skill sets.”
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