Virtual

Industry Pathways | Defense, National Security & Government Contracting

September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm ET

About This Event

The defense, national security, and government contracting sectors represent one of the most natural and rewarding transitions for veterans and transitioning service members. Your military training, security clearances, operational experience, and mission-driven mindset are precisely the qualities that top defense contractors, federal agencies, and national security organizations are actively seeking. FourBlock's Industry Pathways event is designed to bridge the gap between your military career and a fulfilling civilian role in this high-impact field.

This virtual event will give you an inside look at how the defense and government contracting ecosystem operates, who the major employers are, and what career opportunities exist across a wide range of disciplines — from program management and intelligence analysis to cybersecurity and acquisition logistics. Whether you hold an active clearance or are exploring how to leverage your military background, this session will help you understand how to position yourself competitively in this industry.

Consistent with FourBlock's mission to empower veterans and military families through education, networking, and career development resources, this event connects you directly with industry professionals who understand the military-to-civilian journey. You'll leave with a clearer roadmap for entering or advancing within defense, national security, and government contracting — one of the largest and most stable employment sectors in the country.

What to Expect

Expert Panel Discussion: Hear directly from professionals currently working in defense, national security, and government contracting — many of whom are veterans themselves — as they share their career journeys, industry insights, and practical advice for breaking into the field.
Breakout Sessions: Participate in smaller, focused conversations that allow you to dive deeper into specific career tracks, ask candid questions, and engage more personally with panelists and peers who share your professional interests.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and industry professionals in a supportive virtual environment built for meaningful career conversations.
Industry-Specific Guidance: Learn how to translate your military experience into language that resonates with defense contractors and federal hiring managers, and understand how security clearances factor into your job search strategy.
Live Q&A: Ask your most pressing questions about the defense and government contracting landscape in real time, from how to find contract opportunities to what certifications or credentials can set you apart.

Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for anyone from the military community who is exploring or actively pursuing a career in defense, national security, or government contracting. You belong here if you identify with any of the following:

Transitioning Active Duty Service Members who are preparing to separate and want to leverage their military training, leadership experience, and security clearances in the defense and contracting space.
Veterans at Any Stage of their civilian career who are considering a move into government contracting or national security roles, whether entering the field for the first time or looking to advance within it.
Military Spouses and Caregivers who are interested in building a portable, stable career within defense and government contracting — a sector known for remote and hybrid opportunities and strong benefits.
Veterans with Security Clearances who want to understand the full scope of roles available to them and how to maximize the value of their clearance in the job market.
Career Changers from the Military Community who have backgrounds in intelligence, logistics, engineering, IT, finance, or operations and want to see how those skills translate into high-demand contracting and national security roles.

Explore Career Paths In:

Program and Project Management: Oversee complex defense contracts and government programs, managing timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams for major defense contractors or federal agencies.
Intelligence Analysis: Support national security objectives by analyzing threats, synthesizing information, and delivering actionable insights for government clients and intelligence community contractors.
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance: Protect critical defense infrastructure and government networks, with roles spanning penetration testing, risk management, and compliance under frameworks like CMMC and NIST.
Defense Acquisition and Contracting: Manage the procurement process for defense systems and services, working as a contracting officer, acquisition specialist, or proposal manager for government or industry.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Support military readiness and defense operations by managing the movement, storage, and distribution of equipment, materials, and systems across global supply chains.
Systems Engineering and Integration: Design, develop, and test complex defense systems — from weapons platforms to communications infrastructure — for prime contractors and government agencies.
Government Affairs and Policy Analysis: Shape defense policy and advocate for organizational interests at the federal level, working within think tanks, lobbying firms, or internal government affairs teams.
Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Operations Support: Apply specialized military intelligence skills in contractor and agency roles supporting field operations, source development, and strategic analysis.
Training and Simulation: Develop and deliver military training programs, simulations, and curriculum for defense contractors supporting the Department of Defense's readiness mission.
Cleared IT and Network Engineering: Build and maintain secure government IT environments, leveraging your clearance and technical background in roles requiring DoD 8570 or 8140 compliance.
Business Development and Capture Management: Drive revenue growth for defense contractors by identifying government opportunities, building agency relationships, and leading proposal teams to win federal contracts.
Financial Management and Cost Estimating: Support government contract compliance and cost analysis, ensuring programs meet federal budgeting standards and pass audits by agencies like DCAA.

What You'll Get

Access to FourBlock's CareerFlow AI Tools: Registered attendees receive access to FourBlock's CareerFlow platform, powered by AI to help you craft a compelling resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and tailor your professional narrative specifically for defense, national security, and government contracting roles.
Post-Event Resources and Recordings: After the event, you'll receive curated resources including a recap of key takeaways, speaker bios, recommended certifications and professional organizations in the defense sector, and guidance on next steps in your career transition journey.
Expanded Professional Network: Walk away with meaningful connections to veterans who have successfully transitioned into defense and government contracting, as well as industry professionals who are invested in supporting the military community's career success.
Ongoing FourBlock Community Support: As part of the FourBlock network, you'll gain continued access to career programming, peer support, and future Industry Pathways events — reinforcing the community and resources you need at every stage of your transition.