Many of the job descriptions used in the armed forces translate well to civilian careers, but veterans who served in the infantry or similar occupational studies may look to law enforcement and other first responder jobs following an interest test.

The link between protecting and serving in the military and in police work has been picked up by public safety officials, which could make the work attractive to veterans even if they remain part-time in either the National Guard or Reserve.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety was recently honored with an award from the Secretary of Defense for its programs that help former members of the military acclimate to the new work.

Department Director Henry Guzman served overseas himself, which is why he created a military and veterans committee to both honor those who have been in the military and to provide specialized services.

"The system requires that the supervisors enter pertinent data about the military employee, and it automatically generates notices for monthly follow-ups with the families," Guzman said. "It reminds the supervisor, 'Have you contacted Joe Smith's family this month?'"

Those interested in entering the police force should know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that employment will increase to 11 % until 2016.