The author of this straightforward, very helpful work follows her accessible Military Life 101: Basic Training for New Military Families (2016) with this essential resource. Farley's qualifications as a postmilitary career-transition expert are especially necessary because beginning in January 2018, the 'Blended Retirement System' will affect the immediate and long-range financial planning of all service members, whether or not they stay in until retirement. Service members will need to choose whether to keep their current retirement plan or enroll in a plan that more closely resembles that of the private sector, expanded to a government-run 401(k) retirement account. This book will help service members improve their financial literacy and assume responsibility for planning for retirement. In addition, Farley provides postservice job strategies, some of which will be useful for civilians contemplating joining the armed forces. Online links, a glossary, and notes enhance this single volume's value. Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries, as both serve members of the armed forces. * Booklist * I read this book with the great wisdom that hindsight provides. I retired from the Air Force years ago. Janet Farley's work is comprehensive and her words hit multiple targets in me as they will in you even though you may not realize it yet. As a financial guy, understanding the money issues is critical. The transition pointers are spot-on practical. The emotional impacts of transition-powerful and require your undivided attention. A must read for those planning to leave the Service someday. -- Shane Ostrom, CFP (R), Lt Col, USAF (Ret), Program Director, Financial and Benefits Information, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Janet Farley has crafted an outstanding guide to the military transition. First, she covers all the crucial details of the military's new Blended Retirement System. Next, she takes you through the latest networking skills for the job search. If you're still filling out applications then you need to update your tactics. Finally, she's crafted an essential guide to surviving the hardest part of the transition: the first 100 days on the new job. Avoid the painful hassles, mistakes, and dead ends: read the book. -- Doug Nordman, author of The Military Guide To Financial Independence And Retirement; founder of The-Military-Guide.com In Mission Transition: Managing Your Career and Your Retirement, Janet Farley's meticulous research and clear presentation make sense of a complex topic, one that is absolutely essential for military members and families to understand. Readers will feel they've had the new pension system explained to them - top to bottom - by a trusted friend, because they have. -- Terri Barnes, a military wife of 30 years; author of Spouse Calls: Messages From Military Life (a best-of collection of her award-winning column in Stars and Stripes); special projects editor for Elva Resa Publishing Janet Farley has been writing about military service members, veterans and military spouses for many years. Mission Transition: Managing Your Career and Your Retirement takes advantage of this experience and provides yet another beneficial edition of advice for military families. -- Bill Scott, SVP Marketing, Bradley-Morris, Inc.