Video · Careers in the Trades
HVAC Careers for Veterans: From Four Years in the Marines to HVAC
HVAC careers for veterans make a lot of sense: hands-on work, clear standards, a team that depends on you. This SwiftPro tech spent four years in the Marine Corps and says his plan B, HVAC, turned into plan A.
Job footageSwiftPro
- Topic
- Careers in the Trades
- Length
- 0:58
- Posted
- September 29, 2026
- Shot by
- The SwiftPro crew, Northern Virginia
What you’re seeing in this video
Up in an attic, a young SwiftPro tech in a black polo sits beside an open furnace with its wiring exposed. The weather's mild, so for once the attic is comfortable, which the person filming points out right away.
This house is getting two systems, one indoor unit in the basement and one in the attic, and he's leading the attic side. Asked about himself, he says he just finished four years in the Marine Corps, that HVAC was always his backup plan, and that he likes working with his hands, learning how systems go together, and the torches.
He wanted to work close to home and family, and the trade let him do that.
All right, I am up in an attic with Elijah. Thankfully, due to the beautiful weather outside, it is not 120° up here. It's pretty comfortable, all right, Elijah? Yeah, it's not bad at all.
In a nice nice attic, good-sized attic up here house in Ashburn. We're doing two systems here. One of the indoors is in the basement, one's up here in the attic where Elijah is leading the charge here. We got a few guys outside.
I just had a video of them, but Elijah, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself? Just got out of the Marine Corps 4 years, and doing HVAC has always been my plan B, and I think plan B turned into plan A afterwards. I really enjoyed working with my hands and just learning the systems, put them together. The torches are fun.
But yeah, it's I wanted to move locally and start a family. Yeah, happily married already, right? Kids at some point in the future, hopefully, and yeah, yeah, yeah, man. Got your family that lives in the area, so it's nice to to have you back here in the area.
Why it matters in your house
- The habits the military drills in, following procedure, working as a team and showing up on time, are the same ones that make an installer reliable.
- Many veterans can put GI Bill benefits toward HVAC trade school or an approved apprenticeship. Check with the VA on what your service covers.
- Plan on EPA Section 608 certification early. It's required to handle refrigerant, and it's a quick win for someone used to studying for qualifications.
Can veterans use the GI Bill for HVAC training?
Often, yes. The GI Bill covers many non-college programs, including HVAC trade schools and approved on-the-job training or apprenticeships, where it can pay a monthly benefit alongside your paycheck. The rules depend on your service and the program's approval, so confirm with the VA before you enroll, and ask any employer whether their training is VA-approved.
Thinking about the trades? See careers at SwiftPro, or book a visit at (703) 997-9757.
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