
Security forces
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.
Security forces
Missile protection

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
Learn more"Wherever there’s an Air Force asset, there’s a defender there protecting it."
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
CAREER REQUIREMENTS
- 8.5 weeks of Basic Military Training
- Physical and mental toughness
- Ability to handle high-stress situations
- Training in law enforcement and combat arms
Security forces
Law enforcement
MAKING EVERY BASE SAFE TO FULFILL THE MISSION00:00To 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.
Learn more"It’s your career, your life. The fact that I can come to work and put on this beret and this uniform is unreal."
CAREER DUTIES
- Similar day-to-day responsibilities as a civilian officer
- Interview witnesses, arrest suspects
- Conduct investigations for on-base incidents
- Patrol the base
CAREER REQUIREMENTS
- 8.5 weeks of Basic Military Training
- Respect for the law
- Weaponry knowledge
- Training in law enforcement and combat tactics
Security forces
Military working dogs

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.
Learn more"The dog’s not a piece of equipment. He’s not a tool. He’s your partner."
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
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
Security forces
Security forces officer

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.
Learn moreEvery weapon system we have, we’re going to touch.
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
CAREER REQUIREMENTS
- 9.5-week Officer Training School
- Leadership skills
- Physical and mental toughness
- Training in law enforcement and combat tactics
- Weaponry knowledge

Security Forces
The Blue Beret
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.
Weapons Breakdown
M9 Semiautomatic Pistol
15-round magazine
Weight: 33.6 oz.
Withstands temperatures from -40° to 140° F
Can fire after being soaked in saltwater or buried in sand, mud or snow
M4 Carbine Assault Rifle
30-round magazine
Can fire 700 to 950 rounds per minute
Firing options: semiautomatic and three-round burst
Attachments: night vision, suppressor, laser pointer, telescopic sight, shotgun, grenade launcher
M240B Machine Gun
Weight: 27.6 lbs.
Effective range with bipod mount: 800 meters (place on barrel) With a tripod mount: 1,100 meters
Can fire 650 to 950 rounds per minute
Firing options: semiautomatic and three-round burst
M67 Fragmentation Hand Grenade
Kill radius is five meters. Casualty radius is 15 meters. Fragments can travel 230 meters.
Thrown 30 to 35 meters by the average person
Four- to five-second delay after spoon is released
Thrower yells, “frag out” to warn others. Yelling “grenade” is a warning of an incoming grenade thrown by the enemy.
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