> 2 years and a lot of classes later, I'm realizing I'm too old to compete at this gig
No, you're not. You have the wrong teachers and wrong texts. In the contrary to what popular posts say, it takes a long time, years, to be a good programmer. You need to be able to be self-critic, completely change the way you do things. Many times.
Pick a decent open source project in something you find interesting. The harder and lower level, the better. Don't be afraid, there's always somewhere you can start. Join their irc channel and email lists. Help with documentation and test cases. They'll be more than happy to mentor you. And switch projects if you are not moving forward for a while.
Also spend a couple of hours a week on StackOverflow, reading and asking questions. Be polite and do your homework before asking. You'd be surprised how many people are happy to help you for free.
IMHO, most universities suck at making you a competent programmer.
Programming is a lot more about stamina and leaving your ego behind than fads and blogs, or universities. Your military background is a good start. Programming/CS is a lot about self-discipline.
Edit: Open a github account and start coding/forking. This might help you find employment more than experience listed on a CV
I like your support because you gave me some very clear goals to work with. I will consider doing all of them.
What I'm struggling with now, since I'm still an lower-division undergrad trying to make my way into a BS program, is do I continue on and persue this - perhaps getting a meaningless part time job in the meantime to supplement my income? Or, do I just go full speed ahead and try and apply for some very entry level IT work. I have no idea what I'm doing in the civilian sector despite my getting out 2 years go - I've only been a full time college student since. Perhaps I'm just rambling because I need answers to these questions, but you seem salty, and wise. Thanks for your help.
No, you're not. You have the wrong teachers and wrong texts. In the contrary to what popular posts say, it takes a long time, years, to be a good programmer. You need to be able to be self-critic, completely change the way you do things. Many times.
Pick a decent open source project in something you find interesting. The harder and lower level, the better. Don't be afraid, there's always somewhere you can start. Join their irc channel and email lists. Help with documentation and test cases. They'll be more than happy to mentor you. And switch projects if you are not moving forward for a while.
Also spend a couple of hours a week on StackOverflow, reading and asking questions. Be polite and do your homework before asking. You'd be surprised how many people are happy to help you for free.
IMHO, most universities suck at making you a competent programmer.
Programming is a lot more about stamina and leaving your ego behind than fads and blogs, or universities. Your military background is a good start. Programming/CS is a lot about self-discipline.
Edit: Open a github account and start coding/forking. This might help you find employment more than experience listed on a CV