From recruitment through retirement and beyond
By Col. Samantha Frazier, Director, Soldier for Life, and Reina Vasquez, Army Retirement Services January 2026
On average, roughly 32,000 Soldiers retire from the U.S. Army each year, including the Active Component, National Guard, and Army Reserve. Most of these professional men and women continue to contribute to the workforce, and upon taking off the uniform, look to reintegrate successfully into the civilian labor force.
As these warriors seek to continue to serve with purpose, the Soldier for Life (SFL) program acts as a conduit between the Army to the government, veterans, communities, nonprofits, academia, and industries.
“It is imperative that Soldiers understand that from the moment you take the oath to the United States Army, and serve honorably, you are a Soldier for Life,” says Col. Samantha Frazier, Soldier for Life program director. “Your length of service, be it four, eight, or 20 years, does not dictate our commitment to all Soldiers. You don’t stop being a Soldier when the uniform comes off.”
The Soldier for Life program focuses on the whole individual by anchoring its mission to three core pillars: Education, Employment, and Health and Wellness. This holistic approach ensures that support extends beyond just a career transition, but instead, encompasses every aspect of a Soldier’s life.
“We are a team, the entire Army organization, and as a Soldier, you are part of this Soldier for Life network, whether you’re just starting out and still in uniform, or about to take it off for good,” says Frazier. All a Soldier has to do is contact SFL, and we can connect them to our partners.”
Considering that SFL is a mindset of service beyond a formal career, the resources available are quite extensive.
Education
Through their strategic alliances, SFL leverages their institutional relationships to gather the best resources to help Soldiers in their academic goals. Even if that goal is 10 years down the road, everyone has got to start somewhere.
“Maybe you’d like to teach or become an adjunct professor, we can connect you with those types of programs that will help you get on that path,” says Frazier. Read 'You served your country, now serve your future' on page 11 of this newsletter for more information.
Employment
There’s no question that employment and working to support ourselves and our families
is a fundamental part of the human existence, and navigating the civilian job market after military service is a challenge for many.
“The transition is life-changing,” says Frazier, “but SFL is here to assist.”
Partnering with America’s business community and public sector employers, SFL knows the importance of positively impacting local perceptions, building environments that are more favorable to the Army's Brand and to reconnect America with its Army.
A lot of companies that we’ve partnered with have programs like internships, and through the U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program, Soldiers can secure their future while still in uniform by guaranteeing at least five job interviews and potential employment with corporate partners following their service, notes Frazier.
“We provide you with a list of employers hiring in your desired area and get you in the door. These are employers who are actively looking for individuals with the values and knowledge the Army has instilled in you. We want you to shine and showcase what you bring to an organization in your interview,” continued Frazier. The program is designed this way specifically to increase your chances of success, as these companies are military-friendly and are especially interested in veterans.
“Soldiers bring the skills, professional work habits, pride, and personal integrity that an Army background provides,” says Frazier.
Health and Wellness
The resources available via the third pillar of the SFL program, Health and Wellness, focuses on five key areas: physical, mental, nutrition, sleep, and spiritual health. The aim is to build resilient Soldiers through expert-led, science-based programs that address the whole person for peak performance and well-being throughout their career and life. This extends beyond physical fitness and encompasses mental resilience, healthy eating, good sleep habits, and spiritual strength. Professionals like dieticians, mental health specialists, and coaches, work to tailor programs to help you become your best self.
Every resource within the SFL program is built upon enhancing the success of the Soldier and his or her family.
“If I know that I’m being taken care of, that my family is being taken care of, when I go out there on the front line, I can focus on what I have to do,” adds Frazier. “When we go out there, we go to win! We’re fighting to win, I can focus on the mission at hand and know we’re all successful because we’re using these tools and resources.”
"The wealth of resources and robust partnerships established by SFL are designed to fully prepare you, the Soldier, and your family, for success while you are in uniform and long after you take off the uniform.
Achieving success is a collaborative endeavor that demands commitment from all parties.
“You still have to put in the work,” says Frazier. “Strap up your boots and get to work,” she says. “If the boots are not tight enough and the straps are not doing what they need to do, tighten them up! We have additional laces, that might be what you need. What we need, is for you … every one of our Soldiers, to succeed!”
Frazier describes the SFL program as a bridge, facilitating access and helping Soldiers get in the front door. “We want you to return to your communities as ambassadors for the Army! Lead, mentor, and model discipline and service – it's that presence that reinforces the public’s trust in the Army.”
For more information about the Soldier for Life program, visit our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/.
