Some Soldiers choose to build lifelong careers in the Army. Others decide to pursue opportunities in the civilian world. Whatever path you choose, the Army supports your decision with programs and guidance to help you succeed.

After their term of service, the Army helps Soldiers transition back into civilian life. Every Army post has an Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) center to help Soldiers prepare for futures after the Army. Career counselors are on hand to help Soldiers craft résumés, network with employers and determine careers that best utilize the skills learned as a Soldier.

The Army offers an enlistment option called Partnership for Youth Success program (PaYS) that helps Soldiers prepare for their post-Army career at the time of enlistment. This program gives Soldiers priority consideration for jobs at select companies all over the country—including many Fortune 500 companies. It's a valuable benefit that the Army is proud to offer.

As a Soldier working in an Army job, you will have many opportunities to earn professional and trade certifications. These certifications will give you specialized skills and help you excel in a civilian career.

If you're interested in a career as a teacher following your Army service, the Army's Troops to Teachers program can help. You'll receive help identifying teacher certification requirements, programs leading to certification and employment opportunities.

When you retire from the Army, there are many valuable benefits available to you. Retiree benefits can help you pay for college, buy a home, purchase life insurance or find a job.

As a Soldier, you are eligible to participate in a 401(k)-type retirement savings and investment plan. The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is sponsored by the Federal Government and offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many corporations offer employees. An optional program, TSP enables you to contribute up to 100 percent of your pay each pay period, up to the limits established by the Internal Revenue Code. If you contribute to the TSP from your basic pay, you may also contribute from 1 to 100 percent of any incentive or special pay (including bonus pay) you receive. TSP contributions are either tax-deferred or tax-exempt, which means that the money you contribute is taken out of your pay before Federal and state income taxes are withheld, a feature that regular savings accounts cannot offer.

For more information about the Thrift Savings Plan and the Matching Fund Program, please contact a Recruiter or visit the official TSP website at http://www.tsp.gov/