Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hi all.

I am a recent college grad that wants to make law enforcement my future profession. However, a few factors are holding me back like my driving record (4 tickets in the last 3 years, 2 of them speeding) and some other things.

I have looked at all the other services and decided to enlist in the air force (I would go OTS but my grades arent good enough). I have always wanted to serve in the military and I figure benefits and experience will help me out down the road no matter what I do.

I have done a lot of research about security forces and I have gotten conflicting info on what they do. Some say the are light infantry while others say they are glorified security guards. Others say that they are the "Cops" of the air force. Is that a good AFSC to do if I want to get some LE experience in the air force?

I am also looking at air force intelligence. I figure the security clearance would help me if I want to go into Federal LE one day. Can anybody give an idea of what enlisted personnel do in the intel field for the air force? Is this a better AFSC to get into for future LE?

I should also mention that one of the main reasons I want to join the air force is cause of the education benefits. While in the service, I want to pursue a masters degree. Which AFSC would allow me to better pursue this?

Thanks all!

I am a recent college grad that wants to make law enforcement my future profession. However, a few factors are holding me back like my driving record (4 tickets in the last 3 years, 2 of them speeding) and some other things.

This (bolded area) raised a red flag.

Anyway, your questions are best answered by speaking with a recruiter. The dynamics of the military are fluid and change on a regular basis as they adapt to the mission presented.

You can pursue any degree while holding any AFSC. It is all a matter of committment and determination.

Am also curious about the " other things" ?

Ok, AF Security Forces are just that, security forces. The emphasis is now on air base ground defense, convoys and foot patrols. I talked to some SF friends and the HQ SF Commander wants the word Police and law enforcement removed from the career field. In fact, air bases are moving toward civilian DoD police officers or contract officers for base law enforcement and gate duties. If you go security forces, you will be going through a lot of combat training, army and air force. Here is the AFSF website: (afsf.lackland.af.mil) Make sure to read the SF Transformation. If this is your cup of tea, go for it! I loved it.

If you go intelligence, go either as an officer in the Army or enlisted in the AF. I was a first sergeant for an Intel unit in Korea and Kuwait. The enlisted guys were right there working side by side with the officers. Obviously the more rank you get the more responsibility. Also you'll likely need a top secret security clearance, if not right away, definitely after a few years. And having a top secret is a great asset; you will be taking a polygraph test. Do not lie! Intel can open up a lot of opportunities both in and out of the military.

As for the 'other things', you really need to talk to a recruiter to make sure they do not disqualify you for the intel field. Whether you go SF or Intel, in my opinion you can't go wrong. Oh, if you do go SF, after your first enlistment you may be able to cross train into intel. Your master's is possible, but I would wait a year to start it. You'll have a better idea of your work and deployment schedules.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your time in the military as much as I did.

the only "other things" in my case are

Limited work history, ive only had two jobs since graduating HS. Never been fired. No drug use or anything like that.

The only thing that raises a flag with BI's is a girl i knew in college decided to **** me over and tried to spread some rumors about me. It was crap but it was more stuff to explain.

Overall, i figure it would be good if I put some time between me and all this crap.

Any opinions?

Only you can decide what is best.

During my 4 years in the USAF ( 1978-82) I had the opportunity to vist Army, Marine and Naval bases. All I can say is we have the best facilities and chow hall.

That is all.

If you're planning on going Intel JUST for the security clearance....don't, it won't make you look any better for a job interview. And if you're working an Intel job you have to LOVE doing Intel to be good at it, because there's alot of boring down times, but you gotta be on top of everything, so if you are there just waiting to get out you can/will miss something that can lead ultimately to casualities in some cases.

Also, as SF you will be required to obtain and keep current a SECRET security clearance, in the USCG EVERY member of the USCG has to have a current SECRET clearance (DHS rule), and the other branches are starting to go that way as well.

as far as clearance's - traffic ticket's are a big deal, as long as you've paid them, what people usually get flagged for is credit rating, and possession.

MCSAP is right! We have the best food and facilities. Even our tent cities are the envy of the Armed Forces. I've spent a lot of time in tents in the Middle East. It was not bad and the food was great. I got to meet a lot of stars and singers through the USO shows. Paul Rodriguez, Tracy Adkins, Three Doors Down, The Dallas Cheerleaders, Bo Derick, Wayne Newman, Clint Black and I could go on and on and on.

I would definitely talk to a recruiter in depth about both career fields. If you have an air base near by, ask the recruiter to take your there and talk to the SF and Intel troops. Once you feel comfortable and decide want you want, get it in writing!!! Always explore all options. Never leave a stone unturned and get as much information as you can. Don't forget the reserves and the guard. Good luck. USAF Ret.

I had a SECRET clearance the whole time I was on active duty. I got a TOP SECRET the whole time I was in the Air National Guard !

My active duty job was Security Police. My ANG job was Telecommunication System Equipment Maint. ( teletype machine repair)

Curious Civi,

Air Force Security Forces offers a wide range of missions.The two different descriptions you were given were both correct. We are trained in light infantry tactics and considered the "infantry of the Air Force", although the Air Force does not take on offensive infantry missions. However, we do take on many army missions such as convoys, detainee operations, Iraqi and Afghan police training, and more since the Army is thinly stretched. It has long been rumored that Security Forces will be doing away with our stateside law enforcement mission, but that has yet to come into effect as we still perform this mission. Sounds somewhat exciting and admirable so far right. Now here is what you can expect as a newly enlisted airman in the security forces career field. Unless you're working in a missile field guarding missiles at your first duty station, you'll be sitting on a flightline in a vehicle for 12 hours staring out into the wild blue yonder and making sure a cargo plane is sitting in the very same spot it was when you first got there. Sound like fun? Most bases have contracted security companies guarding their gates, but if you get lucky enough to get a base that doesnt you'll have fun working the gates (I say that with sincere sarcasm). You'll deploy a lot, maybe more or less than others. Im coming up on my three year mark and finishing up on my second deployment. SF deployments range from 6-8 months. As far as finishing school, it's possible. Your best route would probably be online courses because like I said, you deploy a lot or always have some type of BS to deal with such as training or just the long shifts in general. Well, I know this post is a month overdue, but if you needed some info still I hope I was able to give you better insight. I can definitely say after working with the Army in both Iraq and Afghanistan Im very happy I joined the Air Force because those soldiers are getting screwed royally with 12-15 month deployments.

Curious Civi,

Air Force Security Forces offers a wide range of missions.The two different descriptions you were given were both correct. We are trained in light infantry tactics and consid... *** GAH MY EYES!!!! ***...tter insight. I can definitely say after working with the Army in both Iraq and Afghanistan Im very happy I joined the Air Force because those soldiers are getting screwed royally with 12-15 month deployments.

1. Thanks for the input, but brother you need to use some paragraphs.

2. HUA? I never said that while I was in? I said a lot of "huh's?" tho.

3. Thanks for your service. :)

4. To piggyback on pretty much everything that has already been said, Security Forces is becoming more infantrylike, I think the brass is starting to feel likes wimps being the only branch without an 'infantry' force.

Intel is just that, you need to have some to do it, I'm not saying you don't I don't know you, and you have to be comfortable with ALOT of boring times. Plus have you taken the ASVAB yet? You have to score high enough to be considered for it.

As for the TS, I had TS my whole career and it didn't help me get my current job. And I would wager it probably won't hold much in the federal world either. I would have to say they'll probably put you thru their own checks before they decide you're worthy of knowing any secrets.

As for my I spent some time in EOD, AMMO and working Nukes. Never worked in SF but I knew a ton of them, they are pretty much the largest career in the AF, and I knew many who loved it and plenty who hated it.

To be totally honest with you, do some checking around, there are a ton of careers in the AF you shouldn't limit yourself to just these two. Definately speak to a recruiter, but do your own research as well. Recruiters are known for kinda being like used car salesmen.

The 2 yrs after 9/11 the USAF SF guys in my old unit had deployed to 23 different countries. I lost track of the number of countries and number of deployments after 2 yrs. Their duties were as varied as the countries they were in. Some were working plain clothes details. Others were in the field hunting bad guys with the Army.
You can expect to get dirty and put in some long days. It's not going to be a gravy ride.
One of my MSgts got the Bronze Star with V in Afghanistan for directing forces to repel an attack during and following a 107mm rocket attack on his position then sweeping the area afterwards for UXOs and enemy forces. His location was detached from the main base. Later he ran across an uncleared mine field to rescue a coalition member who had stepped on a mine and blew his leg off. The MSgt applied first aid and carried the wounded soldier back across the mine field where they could him to a vehicle and then to the hospital, saving his life.
During GWI he was put in for the Bronze Star for actions against enemy forces but he had problems with his CO who refused to forward it.
He's a toughie, always was, but never showed it. One of the good guys I could always count on.