From US Army Combat Medic to AWS Solution Architect

By Mo Suleiman

Transitioning from a career in the military to a civilian career can be a challenging task but it’s a transition that is both feasible and rewarding. For veterans with or without experience in information technology, specifically cloud computing, a career as an AWS Solution Architect can be a great option. In this article, we’ll explore how I was able to transition as a US Army Combat Medic (68W) to an AWS Solution Architect, the skills and education needed, experiences that make this transition possible and the steps you can take to make the change.

What is AWS?

Before we dive into the transition process, let’s briefly discuss what AWS is. AWS stands for Amazon Web Services. It is a cloud computing platform provided by Amazon, which offers a wide range of services such as storage, computing power, database management, and content delivery. AWS is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing businesses and individuals to access and use the services they need, without having to invest in expensive infrastructure.

AWS offers a pay-as-you-go model, meaning that users only pay for the services they use, and can scale up or down their usage as needed. This makes it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

Some of the most popular services provided by AWS include Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service), Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud), Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service), Amazon Lambda (a serverless computing service), and Amazon CloudFront (a content delivery network).

Overall, AWS is a powerful and comprehensive platform that provides businesses and individuals with the tools and resources they need to build and run applications in the cloud.

The Role of an AWS Solution Architect

An AWS (Amazon Web Services) Solution Architect is a professional who is responsible for designing and implementing highly scalable and cost-effective AWS cloud solutions for organizations. Here are some of the primary roles and responsibilities of an AWS Solution Architect:

1. Designing AWS Solutions: AWS Solution Architects are responsible for designing scalable and cost-effective cloud solutions that meet the needs of their clients. They work with clients to understand their business requirements and design cloud solutions that can meet their needs.
2. Technical Leadership: AWS Solution Architects are responsible for providing technical leadership throughout the design and implementation process. They must have a deep understanding of AWS services and be able to guide technical teams on how to implement solutions in the most effective way.
3. Implementation and Migration: AWS Solution Architects are responsible for implementing AWS solutions and migrating existing workloads to the cloud. They must ensure that the solutions are scalable, secure, and meet performance requirements.
4. Security and Compliance: AWS Solution Architects must ensure that all solutions are designed with security and compliance in mind. They must have a deep understanding of AWS security services and be able to design solutions that meet compliance requirements.
5. Cost Optimization: AWS Solution Architects are responsible for designing cost-effective solutions that meet their clients’ needs. They must have a deep understanding of AWS pricing models and be able to design solutions that minimize costs while meeting performance requirements.
6. Collaboration: AWS Solution Architects work closely with clients, developers, and other stakeholders to design and implement cloud solutions. They must be able to communicate effectively and collaborate with others to ensure successful project outcomes.

Overall, AWS Solution Architects play a critical role in helping organizations to design, implement, and manage highly scalable and cost-effective cloud solutions. They must have a deep understanding of AWS services and be able to work closely with clients and technical teams to ensure successful project outcomes.

What does the Combat Medic do?

68W is the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) code for the Army Healthcare Specialist, also known as the Combat Medic. The 68W role encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities that are critical to the health and well-being of soldiers in the field. Some of the primary roles and responsibilities of a 68W include:

1. Providing Medical Care: 68Ws are responsible for providing medical care to soldiers in the field, including emergency care, primary care, and preventative care. This can include administering medications, performing minor surgical procedures, and treating injuries and illnesses.
2. Managing Casualties: In combat situations, 68Ws are responsible for managing casualties and providing medical support to injured soldiers. This can include stabilizing patients, evacuating them to higher levels of care, and providing ongoing treatment and care.
3. Conducting Medical Training: 68Ws are responsible for conducting medical training for soldiers, including first aid, emergency medical procedures, and disease prevention. This training is critical to ensuring that soldiers are prepared to handle medical emergencies in the field.
4. Maintaining Medical Equipment: 68Ws are responsible for maintaining and servicing medical equipment, including field medical kits, stretchers, and other essential medical equipment. This ensures that the equipment is in good working order and ready for use when needed.
5. Providing Medical Advice: 68Ws are responsible for providing medical advice and guidance to soldiers, including information on disease prevention, hygiene, and nutrition. They may also provide guidance on medical readiness and preparing for deployment.

Overall, 68Ws play a critical role in the Army’s healthcare system, providing vital medical care and support to soldiers in the field. Their skills and expertise are essential to maintaining the health and well-being of soldiers, and they are a key part of the Army’s mission to protect and defend the country.

Skills and Experiences Gained as a 68W

As a US Army Combat Medic, you gained a wealth of skills and experiences that can be applied to a career as an Solution Architect. These skills include:

1. Attention to Detail: As a combat medic, you were responsible for administering medical care to soldiers in high-stress situations. This required a high level of attention to detail and the ability to think critically under pressure.
2. Strong Communication Skills: Communication is essential in any medical setting, and as a combat medic, you needed to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with soldiers, other medical staff, and commanders.
3. Teamwork: As a combat medic, you were often part of a larger medical team, and you needed to work collaboratively with others to provide effective care to soldiers.
4. Adaptability: The military is constantly changing, and as a combat medic, you needed to be adaptable to new situations and environments.

Similarities between a Combat Medic and a Solution Architect

There are some similarities between the roles of a 68W and a Solutions Architect, although they are very different professions in different fields. Here are some potential similarities:

1. Expertise: Both 68Ws and Solutions Architects are expected to be experts in their respective fields. 68Ws have extensive training and experience in providing medical care to soldiers, while Solutions Architects have a deep understanding of computer systems and infrastructure.
2. Problem-solving: Both roles require strong problem-solving skills. 68Ws must be able to assess injuries and illnesses and provide effective medical treatment in challenging and rapidly changing environments. Similarly, Solutions Architects must be able to analyze complex technical problems and develop solutions that meet the needs of their clients.
3. Communication: Both 68Ws and Solutions Architects must be able to communicate effectively with others. 68Ws must be able to communicate with soldiers, other medical professionals, and commanding officers to provide effective care. Solutions Architects must be able to communicate with clients, developers, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and develop appropriate solutions.
4. Planning and organization: Both roles require strong planning and organizational skills. 68Ws must be able to plan and organize medical resources in the field, including personnel, equipment, and supplies. Solutions Architects must be able to plan and organize technical resources, including servers, databases, and other infrastructure components.
5. Adaptability: Both roles require adaptability and flexibility. 68Ws must be able to respond to changing situations and adapt their medical care strategies as needed. Solutions Architects must be able to adapt to changing technologies and business needs, and develop innovative solutions that meet new challenges.

Steps to Transition from US Army Combat Medic to AWS Security Specialist

1. Identify your skills: Take an inventory of the skills you gained in the military as listed above. Consider the similarities and how these skills can be applied to a career in cloud computing.
2. Gain the necessary knowledge: AWS Solution Architects are required to have a deep understanding of cloud computing technologies and services. You can gain this knowledge by pursuing certifications and training programs offered by AWS and other organizations. The Skillsbridge program run by Hiring Our Heroes offers transition assistance where you can gain first hand knowledge on basic skills before you take certification exams. This really helped me. Other VA education benefits can also afford you free education.
3. Build a network: Networking is important in any career, and cloud computing is no exception. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with others in the field to build your network. LinkedIn is a good resource networking and connecting with other veterans and ask questions. You also get free one year premium membership as a veteran.
4. Develop a portfolio: As you gain experience and knowledge in cloud computing, develop a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your skills and expertise.
5. Consider an internship: If you’re just starting out in cloud computing, consider an internship to gain hands-on experience and build your skills. Accenture offers great apprenticeship opportunities.

Benefits of Transitioning to AWS Solution Architect

Transitioning to a career as an AWS Solution Architect can be a rewarding experience. Here are some benefits of this career:

1. High demand: Cloud computing is a growing field, and AWS Solution Architects are in high demand. This means there are plenty of opportunities for career growth and advancement.
2. Lucrative Salary: AWS Solution Architects are in high demand, and they often command a high salary due to their specialized skills and experience. According to salary data from Payscale, the average salary for an AWS Solution Architect is over $120,000 per year in the United States.
3. Career Growth: AWS Solution Architects can work on a variety of projects, ranging from small startups to large enterprises. This provides opportunities for career growth and advancement within the field.
4. Cutting-Edge Technology: AWS provides a wide range of cloud services and technologies, and as an AWS Solution Architect, you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in cloud computing.
5. Flexibility: AWS Solution Architects can work remotely or on-site, providing flexibility and work-life balance. Many organizations are also adopting cloud technologies, which means that there are many opportunities to work with clients from anywhere in the world.

Conclusion

Transitioning from a career in the military to a civilian career as an AWS Solution Architect can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By identifying your skills, gaining the necessary knowledge, building a network, developing a portfolio, and considering an internship, you can make a successful transition to this career. With high demand, competitive salary, and good work-life balance, a career as an AWS Solution Architect can be a great option for veterans with or without experience in cloud computing.

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