From Military to Energy Defense Careers: Your Transition Blueprint
The Strategic Shift: From Defense to Energy Security
The military’s relationship with energy is changing dramatically. The Department of Defense (DoD) now sees energy security as a vital part of national defense strategy.
Why the Defense Industry Supports Energy
The DoD uses more energy than any other federal agency. It accounts for 76% of the government’s total energy costs. The Pentagon sees energy efficiency as a “force multiplier” that helps troops cover more ground and last longer in the field. This reduces the number of combat forces needed to protect energy supply routes.
The DoD wants its operational energy strategy to cut energy use while making weapon systems and forces more capable. The Army leads by example – it now uses more than 500 hybrid vehicles and 4,000 low-speed electric vehicles at its U.S. bases to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Energy Resilience as a National Security Priority
Reliable energy delivery forms the backbone of national security, economic growth, and public safety. Every critical infrastructure sector relies on energy to function properly.
The Department’s base energy strategy focuses on three main areas: cutting energy use through better efficiency, adding on-site power generation for mission security, and strengthening power grids and storage systems. These steps help DoD bases perform better, save money, advance technology, and make missions more successful.
The military keeps adding renewable energy projects to meet these goals. Fort Hood in Texas shows what’s possible – its combined solar and wind energy project will save about $168.00 million over the contract period.
Veterans as a Workforce for the Energy Transition
Veterans have unique skills that make them ideal candidates for the growing renewable energy sector. Their technical expertise, leadership abilities, and adaptability help them meet America’s expanding energy transition needs effectively.
Veteran Representation in Energy Jobs
Veterans continue to make vital contributions in clean energy sectors of all types. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that nearly 750,000 veterans work in the energy workforce nationwide. Veterans make up 9% of the national clean energy workforce—exceeding the 6% veteran employment rate in the overall economy. The Midwest shows even stronger numbers at 10.8%.
More than 20,000 veterans work throughout the United States solar industry, making up 8% of all solar workers. The wind industry has 9% veteran workforce participation. Michigan ranks first with 13,535 veteran workers, while Indiana tops the percentage list at 12.5%.
Underemployment and the Need for Better Arrangement
Many veterans still struggle to find suitable employment after service, despite their strong representation. Military spouses face unemployment rates 4-6 times higher than the national average. Active-duty families must relocate every three years, which creates this disparity.
Companies should create cultures and policies that truly value military talent. Veterans bring these critical attributes to the clean energy sector:
- Leadership skills and team-building capabilities
- Technical expertise and problem-solving under pressure
- Cross-cultural experience and adaptability
- Strong work ethic and accountability
Opportunities in Defense Tech Energy and Infrastructure
The renewable energy sector provides promising growth paths for veterans. Wind turbine service technician stands as America’s fastest-growing job, with projected growth of 60% by 2033. Solar photovoltaic installer ranks second with 48% expected growth.
Several programs support these career transitions. The U.S. Army works with Airstreams Renewables Inc. to provide the Renewable Energy and Communications Tower Technician Program. The Solar Ready Vets Network helps veterans find solar career training and job opportunities.
The transmission, distribution, and storage sectors employ over 90,000 veterans, representing 7% of that workforce. This commitment shows in the Department of Energy’s recognition as America’s #1 Best Federal Employer for Veterans in 2024.
Bridging the Gap: Training and Transition Tools
Many programs help military personnel start new careers in renewable energy. These programs acknowledge how military experience naturally fits with the skills needed in the renewable energy sector.
Programs that Ease the Transition
The Solar Ready Vets Network (SRVN) is the life-blood program funded by the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. This program connects veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with career training and job opportunities in the solar industry. The DoE’s original Solar Ready Vets pilot started in 2014 and helped more than 500 students graduate.
The Department of Defense SkillBridge program has proven valuable by letting service members train for new careers in their final months of service. They continue to receive military pay and benefits during this time. This setup benefits both parties – companies get skilled workers at no initial cost, while veterans gain valuable industry experience.
Minimal Training, Maximum Effect
Veterans often have skills that directly apply to renewable energy work. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) created efficient Veterans Pathways to certification to build on this advantage. Veterans can qualify for certifications by submitting their Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) code with just six months of relevant military experience.
The GI Bill covers all NABCEP solar credentials. By 2022, more than 100 veterans earned NABCEP certification through these pathways.
Airstreams Renewables offers a fast-track 240-hour Renewable Energy and Communications Tower Technician Program for hands-on training. This complete program teaches the basics of wind energy and communication towers to prepare veterans for entry-level positions.
State Level Initiatives and Fellowships
Project Vanguard works with the American Clean Power Association to create career paths specifically for military talent. They help veterans become leaders in America’s clean energy future through education, community connection, and advocacy.
The Department of Energy sets a strong example with veterans making up 38% of its workforce. This dedication extends throughout the energy sector, where veterans make up about 10% of workers – well above the national average of 6%.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Real people with successful transitions from military service to renewable energy careers stand behind these statistics. Their experiences show how defense backgrounds create paths to energy breakthroughs.
From Combat to Energy leadership
Kevin Johnson’s renewable energy path started during his Army service in Baiji, Iraq. The daily attacks on oil infrastructure he witnessed sparked his determination to work “on the other side of that fight”. His determination led him to found CleanCapital, an investment firm that focuses on clean energy projects.
Will Thompson, an Iraq war veteran, shared a similar vision and co-founded Nexamp with fellow veteran Dan Leary in 2007. Their garage startup has evolved into a leading solar innovator that develops, builds, owns, and operates solar assets.
Veteran Startups in Renewables
Veterans are not just joining existing companies—they’re creating them. The White House recognized veteran Elizabeth Perez-Halperin who founded GC Green Incorporated, a green building contracting and consulting firm.
Project Vanguard’s founder Kevin Doffing believes veterans are “forged in service, united in purpose” as they create clean energy solutions. His organization connects veterans with renewable energy careers while organizing advocacy for energy policies and projects.
How Military Spouses Benefit
Military spouse unemployment runs 4-6 times higher than national averages. Notwithstanding that, the energy sector provides unique advantages for these families.
Serena Hahn combined her Air Force veteran and military spouse roles by securing a project management position with McKinstry through the Solar Ready Vets fellowship while relocating with her active-duty husband. She manages commercial rooftop solar projects in California and Washington.
Energy companies with nationwide service territories provide flexibility for military families who face frequent relocations.
Conclusion
America’s veterans have found their next calling in the renewable energy sector. Their technical know-how, leadership skills, and adaptability match perfectly with what clean energy industries need. Military experience creates professionals who excel under pressure, tackle complex problems, and lead teams of all sizes. These are exactly the qualities renewable energy companies need right now during their growth phase.
The numbers tell an impressive story. Veterans make up 9% of the renewable energy workforce compared to 6% in the overall economy. This shows both their natural fit and how much the industry values their skills. This partnership helps veterans find meaningful work and strengthens our national security through energy independence.
Military leaders see climate change and energy security as key defense priorities. Extreme weather has caused billions in damage to military bases, and heat-related illnesses among troops keep rising. Military leadership now sees renewable energy as crucial to keeping operations running smoothly, not just an environmental concern.
The energy sector opens doors for military spouses too. Energy companies operate nationwide, which lets spouses keep their careers even when moving frequently. Programs like Solar Ready Vets Network welcome military spouses and help tackle their high unemployment rates.
Veterans like Kevin Johnson and Elizabeth Perez-Halperin show how military experience leads to success in renewable energy. They’ve built thriving companies that boost America’s energy independence and create meaningful jobs for fellow veterans.
Special transition programs help bridge the gap between military service and civilian energy careers. DoD SkillBridge, Solar Ready Vets Network, and various certification paths help service members use their existing skills while learning industry specifics. The path from military service to renewable energy careers gets clearer each year.
America faces two big challenges: building reliable clean energy systems and supporting our veterans. The shift to renewable energy is a chance to tackle both at once. Veterans bring discipline, technical skills, and focus to this vital sector. Supporting their move into clean energy careers helps both the veterans and our nation’s strategic goals.
Our service members spend years protecting American interests overseas. Their next chapter in protecting America’s energy future combines personal growth with continued service to the nation. This partnership creates benefits that reach far beyond individual careers.