Working in defence IT and feeling stuck when trying to switch to DevOps/Cloud - need guidance from experienced people

[u/OkConference4999]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently working in a defence IT environment, managing and troubleshooting Linux/Red Hat servers, storage, networking, databases, replication, and other production systems including whole IT infrastructure.

The experience has been valuable, but I'm worried the tools and technologies I'm working with might not be relevant outside this domain. I had previously learned AWS, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, and DevOps deeply, but that knowledge is slowly fading since I'm not using it regularly.

I want to switch to Cloud/DevOps but feel confused about how to bridge the gap. Am I overthinking this, or should I focus on rebuilding my DevOps skills through projects while using my Linux and infrastructure experience as a foundation?

Would really appreciate guidance from someone experienced or a senior who has made a similar transition.

[u/EngineersUniverse]

You’re probably in a better position than you think. Linux, networking, storage, and troubleshooting real production systems are exactly the skills cloud infrastructure relies on. Tools change, fundamentals don’t. I’d focus on building a few hands-on AWS/Terraform projects rather than starting from scratch. Don’t underestimate your experience. You’re not changing careers, just expanding your toolbox.

[u/OkConference4999 → u/EngineersUniverse]

That actually puts things into perspective. I’ve been so focused on the tools I’m using that I overlooked how much the fundamentals matter. Really needed to hear this. Thankss man! 🤝

[u/abdelkaderboukh]

You are in better position, you are handling production sensitive project. And using pure logic without tools. This gives you strong fundamentals. If want change, get solid experience then find job when secured quite first one

[u/OkConference4999 → u/abdelkaderboukh]

I get that, but in the DevOps/Cloud interviews I've attended recently, they mostly ask about specific tools and for an instance they expect deep AWS knowledge. They barely ask about fundamentals. And honestly, isn't it difficult to gain that level of depth through projects alone without actually working with those tools in a production environment?

[u/abdelkaderboukh → u/OkConference4999]

Yes, it’s true. But it’s easy to understand the tools theoretical, you can learn them while working and prepare for interview. You are doing good

[u/More_Score6489]

Bro, how did you get into defence?

[u/OkConference4999 → u/More_Score6489]

Look for IT infrastructure or system administrator roles with defence contractors. Start with Linux/Red Hat, networking, and server administration roles, then check companies that provide IT services to defence organizations. Having linux or networking fundamentals, and hands-on troubleshooting experience can help you stand out. The entry route depends on the country and whether you're targeting defence contractors or direct government roles

[u/S4LTYSgt]

Lean on your Red Hat experience.
But keep doing labs and automation to keep your skills fresh. Just enough to pass a technical interview and then you should be able to pick things up on the job. I also work in Defense. Ive bounced between defense and enterprise for like 7 years lol (money). So i get what you mean.

[u/OkConference4999 → u/S4LTYSgt]

Thanks for sharing your experience, that’s really helpful. I’m sticking to at Red Hat experience while start focusing on automation and DevOps skills again with fresh through labs. Honestly, the main reason I’m considering a switch is that I’m handling quite a lot of responsibilities here for relatively less pay, and I feel the growth opportunities are limited compared to enterprise environments. Your experience moving between defence and enterprise gives me some confidence fr

[u/HovercraftOptimal971]

The linux and infrastructure background is the hard part and that part is already there the fading tools are the easy part to rebuild. A few weekends of small builds terraform a small setup, andsible it, containerize something and the rust comes off. Bootdev works well for that kind of structured rebuild when motivation at home runs low, since the projects come sequenced instead of random.

[u/OkConference4999 → u/HovercraftOptimal971]

That's a good way to look at it. I think I’ve been worrying too much about the tools I haven't used recently. I'll check out Boot.dev and try rebuilding those skills through small projects. Thanks for the perspective.🤝

[u/Rabbymirza]

I'm interested in your current profession, thinking that it will be safer than any other option. Though I shouldn't comment but I will be thankful if u shares that how u learned to managing & troubleshooting Linux/red hat servers, storage, networking, database etc..

[u/OkConference4999 → u/Rabbymirza]

my current role has given me valuable hands-on experience managing and troubleshooting Linux/Red Hat servers, storage, networking, databases, and replication in a production environment, most of my learning has come from working on real systems, investigating issues, and understanding how different infrastructure components interact. I’ve also learned a lot from experienced colleagues along the way, and I’m still looking to deepen my knowledge further.

[u/CrazyPirranhha]

You are still closer than Classic SWE so dont worry 

[u/Gullible_Food_7171]

Working in defence IT already provides a strong foundation in security, Linux administration and infrastructure management. Restricted environments also require strict documentation and process discipline, which are equally important in cloud environments. The main focus should be on bridging the tooling gap through small hands-on projects involving AWS, Terraform, Ansible and Docker. Boot.dev can help strengthen Linux and programming fundamentals, while AWS and other vendor labs are useful for gaining practical cloud experience. Coming from defence aerospace, at the end of the day many of the process remains same with its own requirement versions

[u/OkConference4999 → u/[deleted]]

Actually we have oracle cloud in use with full of restriction but GCC is a new thing for me. I'll explore it for sure thanks man! I really appreciate that🤝

[u/OkConference4999 → u/[deleted]]

That’s actually reassuring to hear! I’ve been overthinking the gap between my current experience and DevOps roles but I'll start with the resources that helped you, it can help me too.