Security Forces

What does the Security Forces career field do?

Leads, manages, supervises, and performs SF activities supporting two-thirds of the United States’ Nuclear Enterprise. SF activities include; weapon system and physical security; law and order; presidential and executive protection; MWD and CATM activities; base defenseand area security operations. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 107000.

Duties and responsibilities

• Leads, manages, supervises, and performs force protection duties employing up to the use of deadly force to protect personnel and resources. Protects nuclear and conventional weapons systems as well as other critical resources. Performs base defense functions contributing to the force protection mission and presidential executive security. Defends personnel, equipment, and resources from hostile forces throughout the base security zone of military installations. Operates in various austere environments, performs mounted and dismounted individual and team patrol movements, tactical drills, battle procedures, convoys, military operations other than war, antiterrorism duties, and other special duties. Operates communications equipment, vehicles, intrusion detection equipment, individual and crew-served weapons, and other special purpose equipment. Applies Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and life-saving procedures as first responders to accident and disaster scenes.
• Provides armed response and controls entry to installations and protection level resources. Detects, detains and reports presence of unauthorized personnel and activities and implements security reporting and alerting system. Enforces standards of conduct, discipline, and adherence to laws and directives. Directs vehicle and pedestrian traffic; investigates motor vehicle accidents, minor crimes, and incidents; and operates speed measuring, drug and alcohol, and breath test devices. Secures crime and incident scenes; apprehends and detains suspects; searches persons and property; and collects, seizes, and preserves evidence. Interviews witnesses and suspects obtains sworn statements, and testifies in official judicial proceedings. Participates in contingency operations, aiding disaster and relief efforts.
• Develops plans, policies, procedures, and detailed instructions to implement SF programs. Plans, organizes, and schedules SF activities providing oversight, guidance, and assistance to commanders on the application of physical security and force protection in support of priority resources. Conducts confinement operations, operates pass and registration activities supervises and trains SF augmentees. Employs and utilizes the Incident Management System construct during emergency planning, and response recovery operations. Inspects and evaluates the effectiveness of SF personnel and activities.
• Provides guidance on employment and utilization of MWD teams. Ensures proficiency training and certification standards are maintained. Employs MWDs to support worldwide operations and executive agency requirements including nuclear, Presidential support, federal law enforcement, and national strategic programs. Ensures the health and welfare of MWDs. Trains handlers and canines on all aspects of MWD training. Maintains dog training and usage records and is responsible for storage, handling, and security of drug and explosive training aids.
• Leads, manages, supervises, and implements ground weapons training programs. Controls and safeguards arms, ammunition, and equipment and instructs personnel in ground based weapon systems qualification training. Provides guidance on weapons placement to SF and defense force commanders. Inspects weapons and replaces unserviceable parts and analyzes malfunctions by inspection and serviceability testing. Uses precision gauges, testing instruments, and special tools to adjust parts and operating mechanisms. Functionfires weapons for accuracy and serviceability. Controls and operates firing ranges and associated facilities to include supervising construction and rehabilitation.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: Weaponry, laws, directives, programs, policies, and procedures governing SF activities; installation security; weapon system and resource security; anti-terrorism; law enforcement and investigations; MWDs; base defense; training; pass and registration; civilian work force; and combat arms.

Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school or General Equivalency Diploma.

Training. The following training is mandatory for award to earn the AFSC in addition to successful completion of requirements listed in the Career Field Education and Training Plan (CFETP):

• 3P031. Completion of the SF Basic Defender Course.
• 3P0X1A. Completion of the Military Working Dog Handler Course.
• 3P0X1B. Completion of the CATM Basic Course.

Experience. The following experience (if listed) is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated in addition to successful completion of applicable task requirements listed in the CFETP:

• 3P051. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3P031.
• 3P051A. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3P031A, minimum of one (1) year time in skill level and completion of shred specific 5-level course.
• 3P051B. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3P031B, minimum of one (1) year time in skill level, completion and possession of AFSC 3P051 and completion of shred specific 5-level course.
• 3P071. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3P051. Completion of all SF Craftsman requirements listed in the CFETP. Also, experience supervising or performing functions such as weapon systems and resource security, base defense, or law enforcement.
• 3P071A. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3P051A and AFSC 3P071 with minimum of 36-months’ time in skill level and minimum grade of E-6. Additionally, completion of 341st TRS MWD Trainer Course and completion of shred specific MWD Kennel Master (KM) legacy course or the MWD KM distance earning Course.
• 3P071B. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3P051B and AFSC 3P071, with minimum of 36-months’ time in skill level, minimum grade of E-6 and completion of shred specific 7-level course.
• 3P091. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3P071 and hold the rank of SMSgt. Also, experience in leading and directing SF activities.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry and retrain into this specialty:
• Minimum color vision requirements, as defined by getting a 35 or better on the Cone Contrast Test (CCT) for red and green, or, correctly identifying at least 12 of 14 Ishihara Plates (PIP). CCT should be primary testing choice, however, the PIP is acceptable if the CCT is not available at testing site. Approvable with a passing Military Entrance Processing Station red/green vision test.
• Distance visual acuity correctable to 20/40.
• No history of excessive alcohol use or arrest in the past two (2) years for two (2) or more alcohol related incidents regardless of disposition, except when found not guilty.
• Never been diagnosed with a severe substance use disorder by a certified medical provider.
• Never used a substance (sniffing/huffing) to obtain an altered conscious state from aerosol spray, lighter fluid, petro chemical, adhesives, Freon, or any other chemical for a purpose not intended for use.
• Must not have used/distributed/manufactured illicit narcotics as defined in Schedule I/II, used a drug that can cause a flashback, or been arrested for narcotics in Schedules I through V, as listed in Title 21 USC §812. Excludes the use of marijuana, hashish, or other cannabis-based products for entry unless that use resulted in the documentation of a use disorder by a credentialed medical provider.
• Must not have been terminated from civilian employment for reasons of misconduct, theft, or alcohol use within three (3) years prior to entry into military service.
• No evidence or history of civilian conviction, Letter of Reprimand (LOR), Article 15, or courts martial conviction of a Category 1, 2, or 3 offenses as described and listed in DAFMAN 36-2032, Military Recruiting and Accessions, Attachment 2 and Table A2.2.
• Never failed (or failed to participate in) prescribed rehabilitation program or treatment regimen after being diagnosed by a certified medical provider with an alcohol use disorder.
• Never received non-judicial punishment under the UCMJ for offenses involving substantiated drug abuse as defined in DAFI44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program.
• Must not have a record of Self-Directed Violence or Self-Directed Violence-Preparatory or suicide attempts. If there is a record of Self-Directed Violence, Self-Directed Violence-Preparatory, or suicide attempts with/without injury (as defined by the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide and the Under Secretary of Defense’s Memorandum on Standardization of Common Suicide-Related Definitions), the accession authority’s final determination on entry/award will be informed by the opinion of a qualified Mental Health (MH) professional.
• No record of sleep disorders to include, but not limited to, sleep apneas, insomnias, hypersomnias, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome.
• Must not have a current diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or other perceptual or learning disorder. Must not have used medications to treat any such disorder for the last 12 months.
• No history of any Bipolar and Related Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, or evidence of a personality disorder.
• No diagnosis of fear of heights or confined spaces that impacts the ability to complete duty requirements.
• No speech disorder or noticeable communication deficiency as defined in DAFMAN 48-123, Medical Examinations and standards.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license to operate government motor vehicles IAW AFI 24-301, Ground Transportation.
• No more than one (1) active wage garnishment for delinquency.
• No more than two (2) delinquent charges /collections (>= 30 days) within the last two years.
• No documented record of gang affiliation.
• Must be willing to work around nuclear weapons and components, following all safety and security protocols. All nuclear security duties must be performed in accordance with regulations, regardless of personal beliefs on the role of nuclear weapons in our nation's strategic deterrent mission.
• Must not have a Title 18 USC §922 prohibitor, including the Lautenberg Amendment.
• Must meet the standards for suitability to arm, or suitability under the Personnel Reliability Assurance Standards IAW DAFI31-117, Arming and Use of Force.
• Retraining into the 3P0X1 career field within the ANG/AFRC is restricted to the grades of E-7 and below. AFSC award within the ANG/ AFRC must obtain review and approval by the ARC component and CFM.
• See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements.
• For entry into 3P0X1A/B:
• Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3P031 and meet 1 year TIS requirements prior to attending the 3-level shred specialty course.
• Qualification in and must possess a minimum 3P031 AFSC. ANG/AFRC personnel must be at least an A1C with 2-years’ TIS up to a TSgt with less than 16-years TIS.
• Never received nonjudicial punishment for acts of larceny, wrongful appropriation, robbery, burglary, unlawful entry, housebreaking, and misconduct in combat as defined in UCMJ articles 99-106.
• Never received nonjudicial punishment for any acts that harm or have the potential to harm the physical safety or well-being of animals to include MWDs.
• Never received nonjudicial punishment for drug abuse as defined in DAFI 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program, or any act that would negatively affect the member’s credibility or ability to testify in legal proceedings.
• 3P0X1A Specific:
• Individuals who have had their spleen removed are not eligible for assignment to the MWD program or any canine functions.
• Must be eligible to deploy and mobilize worldwide. Airmen coded who are unable to maintain deployment eligibility or worldwide clearance more than 12 months may lose their shred.
• For entry into this shred specialty a minimum of 30 on the general aptitude test must be attained.
• Must have a minimum of 36-months of retainability upon graduation from the MWD Handler Course.
• 3P0X1B Specific
• For entry into this shred specialty a minimum score of 35 on the mechanical aptitude test must be attained.
• Must have a minimum of 36-months of retainability upon graduation from the CATM Basic Course.
• Active Duty personnel must meet the minimum rank of A1C, 1-year TIS and qualification and possession of AFSC 3P031
• For retention of these AFSCs, the following are mandatory:
• Qualification for arming, suitability to arm, or suitability under Personnel Reliability Assurance Standards IAW DAFI 31-117, Arming and Use of Force.
• No recorded evidence of personality disorder that negatively affects duty performance.
• Must not have uncontrolled depression with use of appropriate therapy, or a history of persistent emotional instability or suicidal ideations. If there is a record of Self-Directed Violence or Self-Directed Violence-Preparatory or suicide attempts with/without injury, the Commander will be informed by the opinion of a qualified MH professional.
• Never been diagnosed with a substance use disorder by a certified medical provider. Alcohol related disorders are defined separately from other substance use disorders.
• No evidence or history of civilian conviction, LOR, Article 15, or court martial conviction of Category 1, 2, or 3 offenses. These are grounds for withdrawal of the AFSC, if deemed appropriate by the Unit commander. Category 4 traffic offenses alone are not disqualifying. Offenses are described and listed in DAFMAN 36-2032, Military Recruiting and Accessions, Attachment 2 and Table A2.2.
• Never received non-judicial punishment under the UCMJ for offenses involving substantiated drug abuse as defined in DAFI 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) Program. Members receiving ADAPT treatment for 180 consecutive days or more may have their AFSC withdrawn for mental, physical or emotional reasons as defined in DAFI31-117, Arming and Use of Force.
• Never received a prohibitor outlined in Title 18 USC §922. This includes a qualifying conviction in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968 (Title 18 USC §922 (g)(9) - also known as the Lautenberg Amendment) or someone who may otherwise be ineligible to possess, transport, or receive a firearm in accordance with DoD and DAF policy.
• Must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security.
• Must maintain a valid state driver’s license to operate government motor vehicles IAW AFI24-301, Ground Transportation.
• Specialty requires routine access to Tier 3 (T3) information, systems, or similar classified environments. For AFSCs 3P0XX, at a minimum, completion of a current T3 Investigation IAW DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405, Department of the Air Force Personnel Security Program, is mandatory. Certain positions within this specialty) require routine access to Tier 5 (T5) material or similar environment. Completion of a current T5 Investigation will be IAW DoDM 5200.02, DAFMAN 16-1405, Department of the Air Force Personnel Security Program. NOTE: Award of the entry-level AFSC without a completed T3 Investigation is authorized provided an interim Secret security clearance has been IAW DoDM 5200.02,DAFMAN 16-1405 Department of the Air Force Personnel Security Program.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $26,080–$116,350 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Crossing Guards and Flaggers: $30,790
• Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs: $47,110
• Interviewers   $36,170
• Police Identification and Records Officers: $86,940
• Transportation Security Screeners: $44,300
• Security Guards: $31,050
• First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers: $60,910
• First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: $92,970
• Customs and Border Protection Officers: $65,540
• Dispatchers: $40,980
• Parking Enforcement Workers: $42,070
• Public Safety Telecommunicators: $43,290
• Remote Sensing Technicians: $52,460
• Retail Loss Prevention Specialists: $31,960
• Animal Trainers: $31,520
• Office Clerks, General: $35,330
• Transit and Railroad Police: $72,580
• Bailiffs: $48,000
• Fish and Game Wardens: $58,040
• Loss Prevention Managers: $116,350
• Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: $65,540
• Correctional Officers and Jailers: $47,410
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators: $86,940
• Private Detectives and Investigators: $53,320
• Security Management Specialists: $77,420
• Security Managers: $98,890
• Training and Development Managers: $115,640
• Training and Development Specialists: $62,700
• Emergency Management Directors: $76,250
• Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: $55,690
• Animal Caretakers: $26,080
• Animal Control Workers: $38,430
• First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers: $52,650