U.S. Air Force Security Forces: Defend and Protect

No day is the same for a Security Forces specialist, from defending the gate to protecting aircraft on the flight line. And the opportunities to grow within the career field range from investigative work to handling military working dogs. No matter the path, these defenders are invaluable to the overall Air Force mission.

[williambuzinski]

No matter what you are always going to have people run their mouths. You can give them a million dollars and they will complain it wasn't a dollar more. Great video and it is up to the Airman to make the difference. Get away from the toxicity of those that complain everyday

[ralphbranham]

I joined the Air Force in 1978 and went to Security Police Academy then Camp Bullis . My first duty station was Ellsworth and the Missile field for 13 months, Spangdahlem and F-4s for three years and Dyess for 10 months and I am still Proud of it . You Men and Women Still make me Proud !!!

[snowpatriot]

Truly an honor to a part of such an organization. I would do it again.

USAF/SP/MSgt/1968-1989; Vietnam Veteran 69-70

[armoredsentinel]

I'm in the commercial security industry. And love watching these military videos. Even though I've never been in the military, it's neat to see how other forces operate in comparison to myself. And there are some similarities. I hear everyone saying new SF officers would spend days checking CAC cards at checkpoints. When I got my first security gig, I was tasked with traffic control, the entire day. Which sucked. Now that I've been to college and have a few years of experience, I'm getting better and more high level security positions. Saludos! 👮‍♂️ God bless you all.

[alfredhowe]

I was active duty in Security Police as a Security Specialist 1981 thru 1986. During my time I had several positions to including Aircraft security, Armory, NCOIC of the police vehicle fleet, worked on the gate section doing base entry control and helped out during the creation of the Air Forces EST ( SWAT) team at Offutt AFB Nebraska. I enjoyed my time on active duty, got to meet some great people along the way and some of them have become life long friends.

[phoenixraven]

I was SF, CATM and RAVEN and I enjoyed my time in those rolls. I was also a Combat Medic in the Army. All jobs are what you make of them. I took every school offered and volunteered when they were not offered in hopes of getting more training. Like all jobs, there are tedious task like working some lonely ECP to cleaning weapons and some bad and excellent NCOs mixed in but I wouldn't trade my time in SF for any other job. Raven was my favorite roll due to the travel and level three anti terrorism training and SERE which looks good on a resume.

[jameslyons]

Like most things in life your experience in AF Security Forces can vary greatly depending on a host of factors, most of which are out of your control. Current OPs tempo, what base you are stationed, your leadership, availability of specialized schools and your units willingness to send you. I did four active (86-90) and another 17 with the guard. It led to a federal LE career as a Criminal Investigator with the USMS. Along the way I got to travel all over the world and do some interesting (not gonna lie also a lot of boring) things. At the end of the day when I look back it was a great decision. If you do it go in with a good attitude, seek out every opportunity and try to get the most out of it.

[donb]

It’s a great career if you have good leadership. I did 26 years.

[thomasryan]

"At any moment, anything can happen". I walked around fences with a K9 for four years. Nothing once ever happen. It was painfully boring, and Security Guard Forces didn't help me becoming a city police officer. I'm proud of my USAF service, but we often worked 12-hour tours for the same pay as people working 8. The 24/7 schedule didn't help attending college classes, or to use the gym to prepare for PT tests. We worked every holiday without night differential or holiday pay. Much of the duty is in outside elements. We were "cops" as much as gate guards at a condominium. The USAF is big on volunteering. This helps obtaining good evaluations and promotions. Imagine volunteering at a church after working a midnight, while knowing you have to return to work that same evening for another midnight tour. The Asvab score ties with becoming a cook. It's also where they dump people who flunk other tech schools. Working a gate and checking the same ID cards while thinking you're a cop, is often the worst job in the Air Force.

[nickwilsonxc]

99% sure that’s the Dyess AFB firing range. Worked there for only a year and a half before getting orders but I loved it. That range was state of the art.

Besides I’d recognize SSgt Shelby Spalding anywhere. Awesome guy!

[kiwimachew]

Meeting Sgt Porche was a great experience that I came across while at Tech School. Great Sgt hands down.

[stephenwoodruff]

I was hoping to do this, however I was not qualified for it. Still happy being a heavy equipment operator. Thanks for keeping us safe fellas!

[briannail]

I was security for 8 yrs. I absolutely miss it

[eddyspaghetti]

SSgt Porche is an amazing. Lucky to have him as cadre at camp bullis. If you’re going to do this career field be prepared for the standing around all day during training. Good luck everyone!

[Reaper]

In all seriousness I did SF for 16 years, and cross trained. Just remember you'll get no respect from other branches because there's a reason it's called SF and not military police. TRUST ME! if you really want to be a cop in the military don't go Air Force. If your looking to be a gun toting barrel chested freedom fighter do something that will give you pride down the road. Loved the people I served with but wish I wouldn't have stuck it out thinking it gets better and cross trained or went to a different branch sooner to something more high speed and rewarding

[artifactz]

I love how everyone who hates the SF has probably never even tried to do anything there... they just kinda expected to be moved up automatically.

[Highcirrus]

Fantastic video. I wish there had been something like this when I enlisted in 1968. I might have taken a different career path.

[BRay]

Your drive to serve has to outweigh desired comfort levels! I love this field, but there are responses and procedures that wouldn't naturally be desired. Ex: working 12 hr shift, getting off work, only to be recalled due to off-base jet crash (overseas). It sucked, but the purpose far outweighed the suck. For folks that whine about the career field, like what you expect to do, only work M-F with weekend and holidays off? Like if you got kicked out for drugs/alcohol abuse or because you were crappy, like why are you trying cut the career field down. Regarding leadership, in and out the military, there are awful and awesome leaders. If your passion is to serve and learn and be in the Security Forces, this gives good perspective. If you want to do drugs, be lazy, hate working with a team, and be super cynical, then it's not for you 🤷🏾‍♂️

[dualampar]

The Air Force needs protection on the ground. They couldn't do it without you. Be proud.

[joebrevado]

The best☝..You're the Truth"...🇺🇸🗽USA💪😠👍