Transforming Veteran Tech Training with AI Curriculum

Today, we have some exciting news: Code Platoon is adding AI to our tech training curriculum! Our students will learn how to use generative Artificial Intelligence tools (which I’ll just call AI) to supercharge their learning, coding productivity, and the apps they build. We’re taking a holistic approach and integrating AI skills in these areas into all our programs.

Our mission at Code Platoon is to equip Veterans and military spouses with tools and skills that will greatly aid their transition to careers in tech. With those skills, our graduates go on to create successful software engineering careers across various industries and disciplines. 

Deciding to integrate AI into our curriculum wasn’t as straightforward as it seems. AI is making waves, but the fundamentals of coding are unchanged. We wanted to ensure that students using AI wouldn’t hinder their growth by bypassing the very real need for understanding the fundamentals.

So, we did our homework. The instructional team reviewed studies that measured the impact of AI on software engineering education to guide our curriculum development. We evaluated AI tools from a learner’s perspective. We looked at where the industry is going. 

We also talked with current students, alumni, employer partners, and industry experts to gain their opinions about AI in the workplace. They told us that AI skills are in high demand and that the ability to use AI coding tools is becoming more common for developers across all skill levels. 

Integrating AI into Code Platoon’s curriculum is about more than just training in AI tools – it’s an opportunity to level up our students. We’re giving them the power to understand, adapt, and lead in this ever-evolving tech landscape.

The goal of our approach is to enrich our students with a solid foundation of AI concepts. In the early weeks of the program, we will talk about AI Ethics and Security so our students know how to use AI responsibly. As they progress through the Bootcamp, we will introduce new AI concepts and techniques, each related to the programming skills they are learning. Finally, students will have the chance to apply their AI knowledge in hands-on projects to show their understanding. This helps prepare them to confidently and responsibly wield AI. 

We’re rolling these updates out with Whiskey Platoon—the current Full-stack Software Engineering: Immersive cohort—but over the coming months, every single Code Platoon program will have the new AI curriculum integrated into their curriculum. And I’ll be sharing updates and letting you see this AI training in action at Code Platoon.

Nick Smith is Code Platoon’s Program Manager and is a retired Air Force Problem Solver. He volunteers full-time at the world’s best theology school and wants to make a game about the Bible. He currently lives in Florida, where he enjoys the great weather from the comfort of his home.