Job Description

Defending Our Bases

Protecting our country starts at home. Security Forces specialists are responsible for safeguarding the people, property and resources on every Air Force base. Through rigorous training in law enforcement and combat tactics, you'll learn to defend installations both in the U.S. and around the world. From enforcing base regulations to responding to incidents, this role demands focus, discipline and resilience. With time and proven performance, you can pursue advanced specialties and leadership opportunities, building a career that grows alongside your skills.

What You'll Do

• Ensure the safety of all base weapons, property and personnel
• Conduct investigations into any on-base incidents
• Participate in team patrol movements, tactical drills, battle procedures and military operations other than war
• Apprehend and detain suspects, secure crime scenes and testify in judicial proceedings
• Apply life saving procedures as first responders to disaster scenes
• Train handlers and military working dogs

Preparing You For The Mission

How do we transform you from a raw recruit to an expert Airman in this field? From hands-on experience to college credit toward a degree, the path begins here.

• Basic Military Training

  7.5 weeks

• Technical Training

  65 Days

• Tech School Location

  Lackland AFB, TX

• Status Upon Completion

  Enlisted Airman with credits earned towards Criminal Justice

Key Things To Consider Requirements

You must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.

• You must be 1742 years of age, a U.S. citizen and obtain a qualifying ASVAB score

  High School Students may start their application as early as the end of their junior year.

  Applicants who are non-graduates or non-alternate credential holders must obtain an AFQT Test score of 65 or higher on the ASVAB.

• General
• • No history of excessive alcohol use, drug use or drug- or alcohol-related incidents
  • No record of sleep disorders
  • No current history of ADD, ADHD or perceptual/learning disorders
  • No fear of working around nuclear weapons
  • No fear of heights or confined spaces
  • No documented record of gang affiliations
  • No history of mood or personality disorders
  • No speech disorder or noticeable communication deficiency
  • Possession of a valid state driver's license to operate government motor vehicles
  • Completion of a National Agency Check, Local Agency Checks and Credit Check
  • Completion of 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training
  • Must be at least 17, but has not reached age 42 on the date of enlistment

Explore Specialized Roles Within The Security Forces Field

Specialized positions within Security Forces are earned through performance, discipline and proven readiness. Many require prior experience as a Security Forces specialist, advanced weapons proficiency, strong physical and mental standards and additional training beyond initial qualification. As you demonstrate leadership and commitment to the mission, opportunities to compete for these next-level assignments become available.

• Military Working Dog Handler

  Partner with a highly trained military working dog to detect explosives, track suspects and deter threats in high-risk environments. Together, you operate as a precision team trusted to protect Airmen, critical assets and missions worldwide.

• Combat Arms Instructor

  Train and certify Airmen in advanced weapons handling, marksmanship and combat readiness. As the authority on small arms and crew-served weapons, you ensure every defender is prepared to respond with skill and confidence.

• Raven

  Serve on a specialized team that protects Air Force aircraft in high-risk areas around the world. Raven teams deploy globally, operate in small groups and stand ready to defend aircrews and aircraft wherever they land.

• DAGRE

  As part of the Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element, you secure aircraft and personnel in harsh and volatile locations. Operating in small, highly trained teams, you establish control on the ground so missions can move forward without hesitation.

Weapons Breakdown

Protecting the people, property and resources on Air Force bases around the world means having the proper equipment. Because of the extensive training they must undergo, Defenders are the only Airmen certified to carry weapons on base and are experts in operating them in order to respond to a wide variety of scenarios.

• M9 Semiautomatic Pistol
• M4 Carbine Assault Rifle
• M240B Machine Gun
• M67 Fragmentation Hand Grenade

FAQs

• To become a Security Forces Officer, you must earn a four-year college degree and complete a commissioning source such as Officer Training School, Air Force ROTC or the U.S. Air Force Academy. Officers lead Security Forces Airmen, oversee base security operations and manage personnel and resources in support of the Air Force mission.
• Enlisted Security Forces Airmen carry out day-to-day law enforcement and security operations, including patrol, incident response and installation protection. Security Forces Officers lead teams, direct security programs, manage operations and make strategic decisions that support base defense and mission readiness.
• Pay is based on rank, time in service and whether you are enlisted or an officer. In addition to base pay, Airmen may receive allowances for housing and food, as well as comprehensive benefits including healthcare, education assistance and retirement plans.
• A typical day may include patrolling the installation, responding to incidents, enforcing base regulations, conducting security checks and completing reports. Duties can vary depending on assignment, shift schedule and whether you are stationed stateside or overseas.
• Security Forces Airmen can be assigned to Air Force bases across the United States and around the world. Assignments may include large installations, overseas bases and deployed locations in support of global operations.
• Security Forces personnel are trained in combat tactics and may deploy to high-risk environments in support of Air Force missions. While many assignments focus on installation security and law enforcement, some specialized roles involve operating in austere or high-threat conditions.
• Security Forces Airmen are trained and qualified on a range of small arms and crew-served weapons used to protect personnel and critical assets. Specific weapon systems depend on assignment and mission requirements, and all training emphasizes safety, proficiency and readiness.
• Security Forces Airmen wear standard Air Force uniforms, including the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform for daily duties. Depending on assignment and mission requirements, they may also wear specialized gear such as tactical equipment, berets or protective gear during field operations and deployments.

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