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.
Small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) have become an increasing threat to our bases. They allow enemies to interfere with base operations and can easily evade detection by traditional air-defense systems. To protect against these hazards, Defenders are tasked with operating Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS). These systems utilize numerous technologies to detect and destroy sUAS, including electro-optical sensors, radar systems, weapons and directed energy. To learn more, visit the Security Forces 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 on our Air Force bases, every Defender must be properly skilled and equipped to handle any situation they may come across. Combat Arms Instructors ensure every Defender is proficient and skilled in their ability to use weapons when an emergency arises. These instructors operate firing ranges, conduct marksmanship training for all Air Force personnel and perform maintenance on a wide array of weapons at their assigned bases. To learn more, visit the Security Forces 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 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 Ground 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
- Needed on deployments to implement and supervise a defense program
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CAREER REQUIREMENTS
- 8.5 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
