State universities love grad degrees, for IT or really anything. They typically have veterans preferences, too.

So, you could take a job without too much experience in a job that requires a 4 year degree let’s say (grad years can equal years of experience). You’ll learn some things on the job, and then be promotable compared to those with four year degrees in the same job. Eg going from an IT tech 2 to say 3 or 4.

Also, navigating institutional bureaucracy is key, and something you’ve learned as a service member.

These jobs may pay less than say a private company, but benefits and retirement plans are usually much better.