United States Air Force Security Forces: Not Just for "Fly Boys (and Girls)"

William Pehush, Staff Writer

Years ago the Air Force put out a series of recruiting posters saying, “some of our most important jobs never leave the ground,” in an effort to let people know about all the job opportunities there are besides flying aircraft. Still for most people when they think of the Air Force their role in transporting combat troops or to bomb the hell out of the enemy from above come to mind.  While the Air Force should be proud of its air supremacy another brave group exists within its ranks that guard million dollar weapons systems, protect our nuclear arsenal, and keep law and order within the military.  The Air Force’s security forces fulfill a lot of important roles, and have to deal with all the close combat situations their peers have to deal with.

In the last few decades most problems the United States has encountered have been dealt with using bullets, bombs, and missiles deployed from advanced aircraft.  The problem is that until you have boots on the ground you really haven’t take control of an area, so the job falls to traditional combat troops who have to engage the enemy up close and personal.  In that regard things haven’t changed that much though technology does give American troops some advantages.  In order to keep flying missions though you need secure bases around the globe especially in combat zones and that role is filled by security forces.

The Air Force personnel who take on the challenge put in long hours and perform many of the same missions as their Army and Marines counterparts, and have been called by some "Air Force Infantry."  Personnel have trained at the Army's Air Assault School, Airborne school, and take part in sniper training.  Airmen also have the option of taking part in the Air Force’s counter-terrorism Phoenix Raven.  This program takes police and combat soldier training to the next level and Airmen go through 14 hour days over 3 weeks training in explosive awareness, airport security, and armed and unarmed self defense training as well as many other training courses necessary to deploy overseas.  Other career paths include K-9 handling, becoming an investigator, and Emergency Services Teams (EST) which are SWAT teams for a military base.

While they haven’t been in the news as much as other units the security forces have done their part in Bagdad and at airbases all over the world.  They have deal with many of the same situations as police officers and there is always the looming threat of terrorism.  I’ve had the privilege to take part in some aspects of the training as a civilian contractor and I have only been impressed by the training and professionalism.  These brave men and women are good police officers and dedicated soldiers.  While most see the Air Force flying above the horror and brutality of battle they’re in the thick of it and have only been increasing their role in combat.

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