A job fair hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army attracted more than 200 job seekers who were on the lookout for a gateway to a new line of work, career advice and the opportunity to network with dozens of potential employers.

The Dec. 12 Soldier and Family Job Fair, the third one held at the General Gordon R. Sullivan Conference and Event Center at AUSA’s national headquarters in Arlington, Va., brought together transitioning soldiers, veterans, civilians and family members who walked in or pre-registered online.

Representatives from more than 46 military-friendly companies in the fields of engineering, science and technology, defense, law enforcement, federal, state and local government, banking, insurance, logistics and more were on hand to talk with job seekers about career opportunities and provide guidance on job requirements.

The Soldier and Family Job Fair advances AUSA’s mission of offering important information and networking opportunities for soldiers and their families.

“This is why we exist,” said retired Lt. Gen. Patricia McQuistion, AUSA vice president for Membership and Meetings. “We’re excited about the mix of employers and the job seekers, 75 percent of whom have security clearances. It is improving our ability to connect them with employers.”