Transforming Military Spouses into Tech Professionals

Military spouses face a unique set of challenges when it comes to sustaining a career. The transient nature of military life, with frequent relocations and the uncertainty of deployment schedules, can make traditional 9-to-5 jobs impractical. Additionally, the fear among employers that military spouses may not stay long-term often leads to higher unemployment rates for this group compared to their civilian counterparts.

Recognizing the challenges that military spouses face and the opportunities tech careers provide for flexibility and remote work, Code Platoon opened its program to military spouses in 2019. 

Since then, Code Platoon has graduated 49 military spouses, with a significant majority attending remotely—88% to be precise. These graduates include 39 women, eight men, and one non-binary individual, reflecting the diversity and inclusivity of the program. 

One of the major draws for military spouses is the financial support offered by Code Platoon. Unlike other educational opportunities, which might be inaccessible due to financial constraints, Code Platoon provides a variety of scholarships for military spouses specifically. Last year, more than 90% of military spouses at Code Platoon received a scholarship. 

“A major benefit of attending Code Platoon was the financial assistance. As a spouse, I wasn’t eligible for the GI Bill or VET TEC. Still, I received a full military spouse scholarship, making it possible for me to pursue a career in software engineering without worrying about the financial burden,” shared Lily Yang, an Army spouse and graduate of the Sierra Platoon.

The program’s flexibility also stands out, with remote learning options that accommodate the unpredictable schedule of military families. This accessibility allows spouses to learn from anywhere, turning what could be a barrier into an opportunity for development and growth. Spouses have participated in the Code Platoon program from across the United States and from bases in Germany, South Korea, and Japan.

Hui Zhao, a graduate of the Evening & Weekend program, noted, “Being a military spouse has shaped me with adaptability and resilience. As a spouse, I had five jobs in five different industries. I think spouses excel at project management and quick turnarounds. We’re flexible and resilient.”

Code Platoon not only recognizes the unique skills and resilience that military spouses bring to the table but also actively works to harness these qualities by providing a supportive and practical route to a new career. The training at Code Platoon goes beyond technical skills; it fosters a sense of community and support, crucial for military spouses who often navigate the challenges of career building alone.

“I was nervous at first about pursuing software engineering and attending Code Platoon,” said Kat Wegrzynowicz, a military spouse and former special education instructor who graduated from Quebec Platoon.  “Being in education, I was used to working with mostly women. I’d also heard that other bootcamps are very competitive, with students that feel threatened by each other’s success. But at Code Platoon, the staff, instructors, and students have all been supportive and inclusive.”

For military spouses seeking not just education but a transformative journey into tech, Code Platoon offers a compelling option. It’s more than just learning to code—it’s about building a stable, fulfilling career that moves with their military lifestyle.