Cultivating a Veteran Workforce: CISA's Remarkable 40% Representation

Veterans make up 11% of the federal workforce. But at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency that percentage is much higher; 40% of CISA’s employees are former service members. And that’s in large part due to their coordinated efforts in attracting and retaining men and women looking to continue serving our country.

reinventing service

Keith Cassant is CISA’s Veterans Program Manager. “I had to reinvent myself, like so many veterans do,” Cassant said, explaining how he transitioned to H.R. at CISA. His managers took notice of his passion and outreach to veterans and Cassant was offered a role matching his skills and abilities.

“The fact that CISA noticed that and actually brought me over to a new team to do more of that for CISA, just goes to show that they value their employees,” he stated. “They see their employees. They have this culture and this environment,” Cassant continued, “Where do your passions lie and how can we help cultivate that and let you operate in those roles even more?”

cisa and skillbridge

CISA also partners with the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, which allows service members to spend the last six months of active-duty training at the agency. “They can come work at CISA for a particular role and learn the skills within that role. It’s amazing on a resume,” he shared.

remote opportunities for military spouses

Recruiting military spouses is also a focus for CISA. “We have some special hiring authorities to hire military spouses specifically,” he explained, sharing how many of the positions are remote. “Having that remote capability to follow their spouse during their military career is very, very enticing for military spouses.”

Like veterans, military spouses offer a unique perspective to the work CISA does, and roles aren’t limited to technical positions. “CISA, just like any other organization needs H.R. support,” Cassant said listing roles in finance and contracting.

a new mission with the same goal

The ability and opportunity to watch veterans reinvent themselves at CISA is one of the highlights of Cassant’s role. “I’ve seen an Army musician in ten months go from playing guitar to being a SOC analyst in the cybersecurity industry,” he smiled. “So that ability to transform yourself and the resources that are out there for service members to do that, is phenomenal.”

CISA has a dedicated spot on their website for veterans and military spouses interested in open roles and a plethora of resources for transitioning service members.

“Being a part of CISA, being able to fulfill the mission, leading the country and working to reduce risk in both critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, is near and dear to me,” Cassant reflected. “Being able to come to an agency where you can fulfill your passions is an amazing opportunity.”