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

GUARDING THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL WEAPONS00:00

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 MISSION00:00

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.

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

MORE THAN AN AIRMAN’S BEST FRIEND00:00

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

Without a defense, there is no offense00:00

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 more

Every 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.