Dear Joe,

My family enjoys reading and we use the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Library at every installation we are stationed at. Do we get to continue using the installation libraries after my retirement?

Thanks,

Bookworm

Dear Bookworm,

All military ID card holders with MWR permissions have access to the MWR Libraries on any installation. You can register for an account at your local MWR library. Another great option is the DOD MWR Libraries Online. Once you establish an account using your DOD ID number on your military ID, you have access to a wealth of online resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines, children’s resources, and more.

Happy reading!

Joe

Dear Joe,

I’ve got about a year before retirement and I’m not sure what I want to do after this. I’m currently going through the Army Transition Assistance Program (Army-TAP), and they want us thinking about what’s next career wise. I know there are going to be seminars about career tracks once I get closer to my retirement date but are there any resources I can use to help me narrow down my options right now? Maybe even help me figure out what my passions are? I’ve been in for so long that nothing else ever crossed my mind.

Please help,

Unsure about the future

Dear Unsure,

First and foremost, you’re not the only Soldier to feel this way. Retirement after a full career in the Army is always daunting and can make it hard to think about what comes next. Besides the Army Transition Program, the Employment Readiness Program (ERP) through Army Community Service offers a variety of programs to assist you in finding your next career. The ERP can help you with career counseling and even do individual career assessments to help you find your passion. They also have information on job fairs and other hiring events.

Good luck, you’ve got this!

Joe