Who am I? - Software developer with systems and automated test experience as well - 12 years experience in C++, Java, Perl, and Web. Been using Groovy/Grails/J

Who am I? - Software developer with systems and automated test experience as well - 12 years experience in C++, Java, Perl, and Web. Been using Groovy/Grails/JQuery, open to Angular and/or whatever languages and technologies perform and scale best while providing an intuitive development experience. - Very intelligent and competent, always a top performer (graduated salutatorian at 16, 780 Math SAT I think, Genius IQ - not trying or expecting to impress, just trying to say I'm not dumb) - Unfortunately I worked in defense industry, and had much of my time wasted with BS and having to reverse engineer and then re-engineer broken systems. So while I consider myself capable, I'm likely not at the level I would have been had I gone straight to SV. I assume there is a stigma attached to working in defense, if so please feel free to share. - No great contacts in SV, so starting from scratch to build a reputation, a network of capable and trustworthy associates, and a knowledge of how things work. I do not underestimate the challenges this presents. But perhaps I may be overestimating them?