As the data center industry faces an unprecedented talent shortage, companies are turning to a valuable and often underutilized talent pool: military veterans. Learn more in this article by Brian Green, EdgeConneX EVP Data Center Operations & Engineering, initially published in 
Data Center Knowledge.
Veterans possess a unique set of skills and discipline that are both transferable and essential in the high-growth environment of data centers. From project management to crisis management and a strong work ethic, these attributes are highly sought, especially as the industry grapples with the growing demands of AI and high-density deployments.
Rapid technological advancements and an aging workforce exacerbate this talent gap. According to an Uptime Institute 2023 survey, 58% of data center operators struggle to find qualified candidates, while 40% face challenges in retaining existing staff.
Military Professionals: Future of Work
Veterans transitioning to civilian roles can help address this talent shortage. Their unique military experiences provide them with robust skill sets that align well with the demands of data centers. Military professionals are adept in roles requiring meticulous attention to detail, adaptability, and technical aptitude – all crucial in maintaining the 99.999% uptime that data centers strive for.
As AI and other web-intensive applications drive massive growth in infrastructure needs, the sector requires expert engineers and technicians. Veterans are particularly well-suited to fill data center roles including these and others:
- High-density system management
- AI-driven infrastructure development
- Advanced cybersecurity measures
- Engineering and solutions architecture
- Complex project management
- Service delivery and support
- Crisis and contingency planning
- Operations and security
Words of Wisdom
By tapping into a veteran workforce, organizations can remain competitive and sustain growth. EdgeConneX pays tribute to our veterans through our award-winning EdgeConneX Salute series, designed to honor these women and men and tell their stories in a way that guides other veterans in their transitions from the military into the data center industry. In their own words, hear from some of the EdgeConneX team members who are veterans – about highly transferable skills to the data center industry. Learn more Ways to Skill Up!
Jeremy Dillard, EdgeConneX Critical Systems Engineer [Army]
Adaptability is crucial in an environment where technology and processes are constantly evolving. Teamwork is essential for collaborating with various departments to ensure seamless operations. Problem-solving skills are necessary to quickly address and resolve technical issues. Leadership is important for guiding teams and managing projects efficiently. Together, these skills help create a resilient, efficient, and innovative data center operation.
Which military disciplines are helpful for data center careers? Military disciplines such as Communications, IT, and Electrical have significant applicability in the data center industry. Communication skills ensure secure, efficient information handling and connectivity. IT expertise supports robust infrastructure through network management and troubleshooting. Electrical knowledge maintains reliable power supplies and system efficiency, all contributing to data center operational excellence.
The data center sector offers a promising career path due to its rapid growth, job stability, and dynamic work environment. It involves specializations like operations, management, network engineering, and cybersecurity, allowing professionals to continuously develop their skills and stay at the forefront of tech innovation.
Utilize your military educational benefits to achieve degrees for your data center career. Many veterans have successfully transitioned into the data center industry by leveraging their military-acquired skills and furthering their education through specialized degrees and certifications. These qualifications can open doors to advanced positions and enhance your expertise in the field. Take advantage of programs such as the GI Bill, which can cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses, to build a strong foundation for a career in the ever-evolving data center industry.
Kellie Dinkelman, EdgeConneX Solutions Architecture [Army]
As a veteran, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the skills honed during military service—such as structure, attention to detail, sense of urgency, and teamwork—are invaluable in the data center industry. These attributes help ensure operational excellence and pave the way for long-lasting, fulfilling careers.
I’m proud of my service and of all veterans serving their countries around the world. And while all my past experiences helped guide me to where I am today, I wish I could have had the right resources to help me leverage my military skills into civilian roles. Telecommunications, security, electrical work, and mechanics roles translate seamlessly into the data center sector, offering veterans meaningful paths to contribute and succeed.
Dave Foss, EdgeConneX SVP Data Center Operations [Marines]
EdgeConneX has hired veterans since the start of our company, and currently, we have many veterans at all levels across all areas. For the Data Center Operations team, we find that both recent and older veterans (like me) can fit into our organization due to their great match in skills and the needed attitude and work ethic.
- Veterans are typically used to hard work and odd hours while looking for challenges.
- Veterans are used to working with mature standards and processes that mirror how we keep our Data Centers running 24×7.
- Veterans are comfortable working in a team environment and are driven to take the initiative to solve complex problems.
- Most arrive with directly applicable skills, such as Equipment/Generator maintenance and repair, fiber and IT skills needed for customer support, and other technical skills required to maintain and operate data centers.
- Travel and global work are second nature to most veterans and are a regular part of Operations work.
As a growing global company on the leading edge of technology deployment and support, EdgeConneX is always looking for great people who seek challenges, want to learn new skills, and want to be part of a great team.
Steven E. Hill, EdgeConneX Senior Director Solutions Architecture [Army]
Quite a few skills transfer exceptionally well from military service to the data center industry. While many of these skills are valuable in any critical environment, they are essential in our field.
- Attention to detail is crucial. Precision is key in military operations and data center management, ensuring systems run smoothly and securely. Just as military procedures must be executed with exactness, MOPs (Methods of Procedure) in data centers must be carried out with the same level of precision, especially for repeated tasks or unique efforts.
- Additionally, project management is another significant skill. The experience in planning and executing “the mission” translates into managing data center projects effectively and within timelines. This experience, combined with the ability to handle emergencies and crises, is invaluable when dealing with project delays, managing outages, or addressing security breaches in data centers. The adaptability of a typical service member in planning and executing allows them to react during crises in a measured and cool-headed manner.
- Discipline and work ethic, instilled deeply in the military, are essential for maintaining data center operations. The military breeds a powerful sense of responsibility and a solid work ethic necessary for maintaining data center operations. A focused service member entering the civilian workforce will undoubtedly build value in any position they fill. The work needed to succeed in the military requires discipline and a can-do attitude, vital traits in the data center industry.
Lastly, I’d like to emphasize the unique experience that young service members gain. Where else can an 18, 19, or 20-year-old get the experience, responsibility, and accountability for million-dollar gear? This early exposure to high-stakes situations equips them with the skills and mindset needed to excel in the data center sector.
Marco Escobar, EdgeConneX Customer Service Delivery – LATAM [Marines]
As a Generator Technician in the Marine Corps, I developed several key skills that positioned me well for a successful transition into the data center sector.
- Technical Expertise: My Marine Corps Engineer School training provided me with a solid foundation in electronics and mechanics, particularly in maintaining and troubleshooting generators. This technical background is directly applicable to the complex systems in data centers.
- Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Working in high-stakes environments taught me to think quickly and effectively. Whether repairing generators during critical missions or addressing urgent technical issues, I’ve honed my ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
- Discipline and Prioritization: The military instilled a strong sense of discipline in me, which is essential for efficiently managing tasks. I’m good at prioritizing responsibilities and ensuring that operations run smoothly, even in fast-paced settings.
- Team Collaboration: I learned the importance of teamwork while working alongside diverse groups to achieve common goals. This skill is vital in the data center environment, where collaboration is critical to successful operations.
- Adaptability: The dynamic nature of military operations has made me highly adaptable. I can quickly adjust to new technologies and processes, essential in the ever-evolving data center landscape.
The data center industry’s rapid growth offers many career opportunities with paths for advancement, competitive salaries, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Additionally, it’s great to see so many companies are prioritizing hiring veterans, recognizing the unique skills and perspectives they bring.
Steve Lorenzo, EdgeConneX Director, Solutions Architecture [Airforce]
Top Skills That Transfer from Military Service to the Data Center Sector:
- Discipline and Attention to Detail: Data centers require meticulous attention to detail in managing systems, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring uptime.
- Technical Aptitude: Many military roles require a high level of technical skill, whether in communications, electronics, or mechanical systems.
- Teamwork and Communication: The military promotes working effectively within teams and clearly communicating tasks and objectives, which aligns well with the collaborative nature of data center environments.
- Resilience: The data center industry is dynamic, with evolving technologies and fast-paced operations.
Which military disciplines are helpful for data center careers?
- Engineering Corps: Technical experience with electrical, mechanical, and systems infrastructure directly applies to data center facility maintenance and system operations.
- Communications Specialists: Expertise in managing complex communications networks aligns with data centers’ networking and connectivity requirements.
- Cybersecurity Units: With the increase in data center cybersecurity needs, veterans with cybersecurity training bring valuable skills in securing systems and managing threats.
The data center sector is a promising career path for veterans because of its demand for disciplined, reliable, and technically skilled professionals. With the global increase in digitalization, data centers continue to grow in importance, providing stable job opportunities and room for career advancement. Additionally, data centers often offer structured work environments, clear protocols, and mission-focused tasks that resonate well with individuals with military experience.
Don MacNeil, EdgeConneX Chief Revenue Officer [Navy]
Many skills learned in the military transfer into the civilian workforce. Below are a few areas that are especially helpful in the data center industry:
- Safety: Evolution pre-briefs, two-person integrity, focus, and discipline in hazardous environments (High Voltage, de-ranged equipment).
- Training and Operations mindset: Successful operations are supported by solid operational programs that involve the comprehensive development and training of Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs), Maintenance Operational Procedures (MOPs), and Emergency Operational Procedures (EOPs).
- Mechanical and Electrical expertise: Advanced training and skill with high-voltage electrical, electronic, and mechanical system design, operations, troubleshooting, and repairs.
- Any technical occupational specialty in the Armed Forces is translatable and applicable to data center design, construction, and operations.
In addition: Data Center design, construction, and operations parallel many of the same challenges and disciplines necessary for success in the data center sector. In simplest terms, providing the necessary operational environment to support mission-critical electronics, specifically around high-voltage electrical and mechanical cooling systems, operations, maintenance, and training.
An operational excellence mindset ensures the ongoing support and operation of mission-critical systems essential to mission (business) success. In today’s hyperscale cloud deployments, the cloud is a key component of corporations’ and governments’ ongoing, day-to-day operations.
The nuclear Navy will become increasingly relevant in the critical data center ecosystem as power becomes increasingly vital as data centers are built globally. This includes a renewed focus on expanding nuclear power in support of powering data centers.
Mission Accepted
By integrating military professionals into their workforce, data centers gain highly skilled and disciplined employees and contribute to solving a pressing industry challenge. As the sector expands, leveraging veterans’ unique talents will be vital to maintaining operational excellence and fostering innovation.
Transitioning veterans from military service to pivotal roles in data centers is not just beneficial — it’s essential. Their skills and discipline enhance company success, address talent shortages, and drive the industry forward. As we look to the future, veterans will undoubtedly remain an integral part of the data center workforce, helping to ensure it meets the demands of tomorrow’s digital landscape.
For more information on the EdgeConneX Salutes series designed to help veterans and the veteran community build careers in the data center industry, check out Top Tips, motivational Q&As, and insightful videos here: EdgeConneX Salutes
If you are a veteran or military spouse looking for an exciting career in a growing industry – please check out our job openings here: HERE.
To learn more about skills development for the data center sector, please reach out to one of our partners, such as Salute Mission Critical, who can help you get on the path to data center success.