Why so much negativity on Air Force Security Forces?

Question

I'm enlisted in the Air Force, I picked Security forces because I'm pretty much almost done with my associates in criminal justice and eventually want to pursue a career in law enforcement. I think Security Forces will greatly benefit me in the long run. I hear so many bad things about it, everyone says I should avoid it at all costs... Why??? I heard they deploy the most, and they work long shifts. But all jobs deploy, and from what I hear you do 3 days on, 3 days off. Which isn't bad. I just wish I heard more uplifting feedback from others. Not that it has had any major impact on my decison, either way this is what I wanted to do.

Answer 1

People tell you to avoid it because they're scared of enforcing laws, and guarding a base seemingly non-stop.

Forget what they say, go for it.

Answer 2

yo Daniel K is right man that is exactly how it is... and he aint joking about the c*ck suckin ****.. i hate those fu*kers, hey daniel K if u every read this shoot me a mail. [e-mail]

Answer 3

Dude, I'm active duty SF. The job is bad when you go to the wrong base. Some bases are awesome to be SF at, some suck. You really don't work longer than everyone else; its just that your shifts are longer but you work less shifts. I have off for a three day weekend every other weekend and I only work two out of the five days of the work week. I am at a base where we only deploy if we want to and even if you volunteer, it can be really hard to get on a deployment. Its a really simple job, sometimes I can't believe I get a paycheck for doing what I do. Sometimes, I sit in a flightline entry control point for twelve hours and check badges. I sit, and listen to the radio, and talk with people, all night. Thats it - and I get paid. Not a bad deal. If you're motivated, you'll enjoy the job. If you're lazy, you'll hate it. Don't be a c*ck sucker and don't rat other people out and you'll have an exciting SF career. Hit me up if you have any other questions.

Answer 4

I'd say that security forces leadership is less forgiving to poor performance comared to other career fields. The old saying "security forces eats their own"  I'll tell you from what I've seen, since it's the largest career field in the Air Force, that means more stripes each year. If you are a sharp troop, there is lots of opportunity to shine. My advice is don't sit and listen to the barracks lawyers who love to sit around and gripe. Don't get into the whole Flight vs. Back Office petty bickering. Find a good mentor, and follow their lead. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Most of the negative comments I've heard from people about security forces in any branch have been unjustified. I think many people regard it as a "fall back" job, as in it's something that might be fun to do if you aren't able to get the job you really want. Another reason might be that there are tons of people in security forces, so it isn't considered to be a "good job" by some folks just because it's not as exclusive as some other fields. A recent book I read on translating your military career to the private sector said there were something like 200,000 active duty security forces personnel in the military, as compared to 1,200 in a field such as intelligence or special forces. All in all, it's what you make of it. It sounds like you are sure about the law enforcement career path and aren't using this as a "fall back" job, so I believe you'll enjoy it very much compared to those who just "end up in it".  Good luck!