PROTECTING THOSE WHO PROTECT OUR NATION
As the largest career field in the Air Force, it’s the job of Security Forces to protect, defend and fight. They are responsible for missile security, defending air bases around the globe, law enforcement on those bases, combat arms and handling military working dogs. It takes a combination of mental and physical toughness because it’s up to you to protect your fellow Airmen.
You don’t know the feeling of great responsibility until you’re asked to guard some of the most powerful weapons on the planet. As a Security Forces specialist, it’s your job to protect these high-valued assets. Whether it’s a security installation or a launch facility, Security Forces specialists are on guard and fully prepared at all times. To learn more, visit the Security Forces specialist career page.
- "Wherever there’s an Air Force asset, there’s a defender there protecting it."
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CAREER DUTIES
- Guard launch facilities, security installations and personnel
- Protect high-valued assets during transport
- Deploy to bases overseas to guard security installations and personnel
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CAREER REQUIREMENTS
- 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training
- Physical and mental toughness
- Ability to handle high-stress situations
- Training in law enforcement and combat arms
To uphold a high level of security, every U.S. Air Force base has its own police force. A Security Forces specialist is trained in law enforcement and combat arms to protect and serve their fellow Airmen around the clock with similar responsibilities as civilian officers, including responding to emergencies, directing traffic and investigating crimes on base. To learn more, visit the Security Forces specialist career page.
- "It’s your career, your life. The fact that I can come to work and put on this beret and this uniform is unreal."
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CAREER DUTIES
- Similar day-to-day responsibilities as a civilian officer
- Interview witnesses, arrest suspects
- Conduct investigations for on-base incidents
- Patrol the base
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CAREER REQUIREMENTS
- 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training
- Respect for the law
- Weaponry knowledge
- Training in law enforcement and combat tactics
A military working dog (MWD) handler is responsible for protecting and defending a base with their loyal canine partner by their side. With a strong passion and respect for dogs, a MWD handler personally trains their assigned dog in law enforcement, including how to detect drugs and explosives. Together, they are a highly trained team ready for anything. To learn more, visit the Security Forces specialist career page.
- "The dog’s not a piece of equipment. He’s not a tool. He’s your partner."
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CAREER DUTIES
- Job duties are similar to a civilian police officer
- Train dog teams in all aspects of canine law enforcement
- Conduct investigations for on-base incidents
- Direct all traffic on base
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CAREER REQUIREMENTS
- Must already be a Security Forces specialist with minimum 18 months of service
- Loves working with dogs
- Physical and mental toughness
- Training in law enforcement and combat tactics
A Security Forces Officer is a leader equipped with the physical and mental capabilities to manage the security on a base. And to do that, they need a breadth of knowledge in weapon systems, antiterrorism, law enforcement, air base defense and combat arms. There is nothing ordinary about this job or those who go out and do it every day. To learn more, visit the Security Forces Officer career page.
- Every weapon system we have, we’re going to touch.
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CAREER DUTIES
- Ensure safety of bases, weapons, property and personnel
- Direct air base defense functions and lead individual and team exercises
- Serve on boards/planning groups involving security
- Are needed on deployments to implement and supervise a defense program
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CAREER REQUIREMENTS
- 8.5-9 weeks of Officer Training School
- Leadership skills
- Physical and mental toughness
- Training in law enforcement and combat tactics
- Weaponry knowledge
Within the Air Force only select units have the honor to wear a beret and Security Forces is one of them. The navy blue beret was first worn in 1956 by Strategic Air Command’s Elite Guard. But it wasn’t until 1976 that it officially became part of the Security Forces uniform. Its emblem depicts a falcon over an airfield with the motto Defensor Fortis.
M9 Semiautomatic Pistol
M4 Carbine Assault Rifle
M240B Machine Gun
M67 Fragmentation Hand Grenade
