DVIDS – News – “I don’t want to go to a job after the Army; I want a career.”

FALLS CHURCH, Va.- Master Sgt Keith Brooks, a veteran of 23 years in the Army, has weathered numerous changes. His journey began in 2001 as an Infantryman, a path that was abruptly altered in 2007 due to an injury sustained during his second deployment to Iraq. Undeterred, he embarked on a recovery journey at the then Warrior Transition Battalion at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) and eventually returned to duty.

Despite a severe knee injury that took him out of the Infantry, Brooks remained dedicated to serving. His journey, marked by seven surgeries and 18 months of rehab and adaptive reconditioning, is a testament to the power of perseverance.

As he continued serving as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) specialist, he saw more change. “A few years later, I found myself assigned to the SRU for the second time due to medical complications when I was at Camp Humphries in South Korea.”

With his second time around at the JBLM SRU, he now knows he will medically retire. “The day I got here in July of 2023, I was hesitant because I didn’t know what to look for or how to maneuver. I didn’t want to be here. The last time I returned to duty, my time here was different. I look around now and see the many opportunities I would not have had if I had stayed overseas.”

Brooks also understands the crucial role of mentorship in the military transition. He knows his only job is to get well and clear a path to his future after the Army. He is taking a very proactive approach and shares these tidbits with younger Soldiers as a mentor to help them on their journey. “I am trying to provide unwavering support to Soldiers on their path back to active duty or transitioning to veteran status. There are so many programs and opportunities that fit your goals. It’s almost too good to be true. You have to go out and be aggressive and meticulous,” said Brooks.

In Brooks ‘ eyes, job fairs, classes, and internships add to recovery work. He says it’s crunch time for the rest of his time while at the SRU. Brooks’ advice is clear: one must work hard to make significant life changes. His determination to succeed, not just for himself but for his family, is a powerful motivator for anyone facing a similar transition. “Seeking out your Transition Coordinator is everything. Utilizing your care team will set you up for whatever you need. If you leave this unit without some opportunity, I say shame on you because the opportunities are here!”

The opportunities for Brooks is just getting started. “I graduated with my bachelor’s in business administration a few months ago, and I took a lot of different classes at the SRU to learn how to transition.”

Resume writing, career fairs, and internships are all part of the cornucopia of opportunities Brooks has embraced, and he is already seeing positive results. “After Christmas, I received an email from the General Services Administration—they are enabling me to pursue professional certifications for a career. I’m now in my third class for Federal Acquisition workforce members performing contracting and procurement activities and functions. I aim to finish these courses by the time my medical board is completed so I can apply for job openings and be qualified.”

Brooks didn’t stop at taking courses, either. In the Career, Education, and Readiness opportunities at the JBLM SRU, he found a new internship with GSA on April 29th. “GSA not only has me, as an intern, gaining real-world experience, but I also get support from industry leaders as mentors.”

Internships are not guaranteed jobs, but Brooks says the experience is beneficial to add to the resume. He encourages advocating for oneself and making something happen daily at the SRU. His persistence continues to pay off. “I got approved for Operation Warfighter and Hiring Our Heroes. I’ve had three additional job interviews. This would not happen if I just sat around.”

Thankful that the Army has opportunities for Soldiers like himself, Brooks is embracing change one day at a time and smiling along the way. “I take it daily and try to get as much out of this as possible. I’m hoping it’s going to give me the upper hand. I don’t want to go to a job after the Army; I want to go to a career.”