One Veteran’s Story: An orange-pilled green beret

This opinion editorial is by Adam R. Gebner (Green Beret, West Point) and is my own. It does not reflect the official policy or opinions of either the U.S. Army nor the U.S. Department of Defense. Although I am not a writer, I hope this article will encourage more servicemen to consider working in the Bitcoin sector and that Bitcoin companies expand their efforts to hire Veterans. I am constantly learning about Bitcoin and how it works. It may also be of great value to the world. Let me know if I’m off base. This path was a way to liberate oppressed people through working with, alongside, and through local communities. The Special Forces mission was cost- and risk-efficient and allowed me to protect myself and my freedom while also enabling others to do the same. After graduating from West Point, I served three years with the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Airborne. This earned me my Green Beret and the opportunity to lead a detachment American’s Chosen Soldiers. After having commanded an “A-team” for 2 years, I’m now looking forward to my next mission in my professional career: helping to integrate the best freedom-protecting innovation of modern history, Bitcoin. I had only a few experiences with the technology before I seriously considered its validity. I was a freshman at West Point in 2010, when I heard a few Computer Science majors talk about “internet money”. I dismissed the idea without learning anything. When I was learning more about investing and economics in 2013, I came across bitcoin again. I did read a bit more about it, but I was not able to fully understand why it could replace gold as a sound currency system. (Thanks Peter Schiff ). In the summer of 2017, I was deployed to the Republic of Georgia. “number-go up” piqued me curiosity, and I tried my first attempt at purchasing bitcoin. Coinbase, the exchange I used to buy bitcoin, refused to accept my orders. I had an American driver’s license and a U.S. passport, but I also had an Italian phone number. I was also in the Republic of Georgia, which was apparently suspicious. I missed the bull run, but I started to learn more about Bitcoin and its potential. Shortly after, I was able to apply the concepts I learned about Austrian economics and personal investing. My view on the most persistent problems in the world changed to the realization that the global monetary system was corrupt, pricing signals were severely distorted, and that the national and international debt was unsustainable. I have continued to study economics, bitcoin, the industry surrounding it, and stack sats as much as I can. I was able to complete my command time and had to make a career choice: stay in the Army or leave. I have deep respect for all service members, particularly those who serve for the standard 20 year career. It’s not easy to live in the military. You have to give up a lot of freedoms, sacrifice your life to protect national interests, and persevere through uncertainty. While the military can be a rewarding career, there are many reasons why I feel called to do something different. I feel inspired and motivated to find work that makes the world a better place, creates value for others and solves systemic problems. This means that I will use my experience in leading cross-functional teams and bring it to market, with the aim of helping Bitcoin grow and succeed. If you are a veteran or service member, the Career Skillbridge Program is a great way to learn technical skills. I am currently enrolled in the Vet Tec program, a Veterans Affairs program that trains transitioning service members in a variety of technical skills such as data processing and computer programming. My experience in creating models during my studies in mechanical engineering has been a great help. I also have some experience with Code Academy classes. Anyone who is open to learning will succeed. These skills are not necessary for every veteran or member of the Bitcoin community. However, for those who want a career in product development or management, having experience in software engineering, computer science, or programming will make you more marketable to companies that specialize in bitcoin. A cold message sent via LinkedIn often results in a prompt response and a call. Veteran veterans who are currently working with Bitcoin understand that when service members leave, they want the opportunity to serve in a principle-based organization. Bitcoin is undoubtedly the most freedom-preserving industry. Find people who have made the switch for service members on their way out. They can be great listening ears and career advisors. Although you will only leave the military once, it is a good idea to talk to others who have done it before and are currently working in your target industry. This is a great way to get ideas and steer you in the right direction for your next career. I believe that working with the Bitcoin industry and helping to spread bitcoin adoption is the best choice for those veterans who are principled, team-oriented, and dedicated and looking to make a difference in society. Talk to and hire Veterans for Bitcoin companies. There are many ways you can provide veterans with free trial runs with your company. I believe you’ll find that Veterans are capable members of your team and will remain dedicated to your mission. I am excited to help the network grow and encourage adoption of the technology. Despite recent global instability and FUD, I am optimistic about our future. As a Green Beret, I am eager to see what Bitcoiners can do for humanity. This guest post is by Adam R. Gebner. These opinions are not necessarily those of Bitcoin Magazine or BTC Inc.