Mesa is having a budget issue due to the lack of city income tax. Theres a few departments that love former military, then theres a few that don't.
A few officers have told me that prior military make great recruits, unfortunately, their instinct requires them to receive orders before any action. Often times you have to think for yourself and do what you feel is the legal and logical thing to do.
This usually applies to the 21-22 year olds fresh out of the military, but different departments like different qualities.
Get your face and name out there. Call some of the departments your interested, and some that you may think your interested in, and ask to do a ride along. Both Gilbert and MCSO can do all the paperwork for the ride along over the phone.
If you want some contacts for either department, PM me.