SACRAMENTO – Veterans returning to the civilian workforce may be eligible for some specialized assistance through the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (Bureau).

The bureau has developed the Veterans Come First program for veterans who want to leverage their military training to become licensed as security guards, private patrol operators, firearms instructors, or other licensee of the bureau.

Veterans will receive priority services including priority in the licensure process, direct line telephone numbers and email contact information, and email or phone notification as soon as their licenses are approved.

They will also be assigned their own personal bureau staff person to support them through the licensing process.

“Supporting veterans in their transition from military service to civilian employment is a win-win for California,” said Department of Consumer Affairs Director Denise Brown. “They get back into the civilian workforce quickly, and California reaps the benefit of their contribution to the state’s economy.”

“We are grateful to the Department of Consumer Affairs for making this innovative program available to California veterans,” said Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs Peter J. Gravett, Major General (Ret). “Veterans make exceptional employees because they are quick clear thinkers, have proven leadership skills, and are natural team-builders.”

“Transitioning from military service to civilian employment can be challenging, and even overwhelming, to a veteran,” said Bureau chief Jeffrey Mason. “Helping them through that transition is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for their service.”

The bureau has posted helpful information about its Veterans Come First program on its Web site at www.bsis.ca.gov/customer_service/faqs/veterans.shtml .

Veterans can obtain additional information about transitioning into the civilian workforce from the California Department of Veterans Affairs and from the state’s Employment Development Department.

Visit CalVet at www.calvet.ca.gov . Check out the agency's Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/mycalvet and follow them on www.twitter.com/mycalvet .