In the United States Air Force, security-related roles are typically performed by security forces personnel and members of law enforcement, intelligence, and force protection units. These personnel are responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and protection of U.S. Air Force assets, personnel, and installations.
The ranks used by Air Force security forces are part of the standard U.S. Air Force rank structure, which includes both enlisted and commissioned officer ranks. Below is the list of ranks most commonly associated with Air Force Security Forces, law enforcement, and related security roles:
Enlisted members in the security forces are responsible for the execution of security missions, law enforcement, and physical protection operations.
Airman Basic (AB) (E-1)
Entry-level rank; typically new recruits in basic training.
Airman (AMN) (E-2)
Progresses after completing initial training.
Airman First Class (A1C) (E-3)
Begins advanced training and initial security-related duties.
Senior Airman (SrA) (E-4)
A more experienced enlisted member with expanded responsibilities.
Staff Sergeant (SSgt) (E-5)
Entry-level NCO rank; supervises small teams in security and law enforcement duties.
Technical Sergeant (TSgt) (E-6)
Mid-level NCO responsible for leading personnel and overseeing operations.
Master Sergeant (MSgt) (E-7)
A senior NCO role, leading larger teams and serving in advisory capacities.
Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) (E-8)
Higher NCO rank, supervising operational planning and leadership.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) (E-9)
The highest enlisted rank in the Air Force and represents the voice of enlisted personnel at all levels.
These are higher leadership and command roles that oversee operational security, base defense, and strategic planning for security operations.
Second Lieutenant (2Lt) (O-1)
Entry-level officer rank; typically leads security forces and other law enforcement units.
First Lieutenant (1Lt) (O-2)
Assists in mission planning and leadership responsibilities within security groups.
Captain (Capt) (O-3)
Commands small operational units or leads key mission support roles.
Major (Maj) (O-4)
Field-grade officer focusing on operational management and strategic planning.
Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) (O-5)
Leads larger security units or commands battalion-sized formations.
Colonel (Col) (O-6)
Commands large security wings or major functional commands responsible for base security and operations.
Brigadier General (Brig Gen) (O-7)
Commands entire security divisions or oversees large operational areas.
Security Forces personnel fall under the 3P0X1 Security Forces Specialty Code in the Air Force's job classification system. This includes roles such as:
Law Enforcement: Maintaining military law and order, conducting investigations, and protecting personnel and property.
Base Defense: Responsible for physical security, perimeter defense, and counterterrorism.
Force Protection: Overseeing base security planning and implementing measures to ensure operational readiness.
Military Police Operations: Handling traffic control, crime prevention, and general base law enforcement operations.
Airmen assigned to Security Forces roles often progress through ranks and advance through technical training focused on their mission areas.
The Air Force Security Ranks align with the general enlisted and officer ranks in the United States Air Force. These ranks range from Airman Basic (AB) for entry-level enlisted personnel all the way up to Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) for the most senior enlisted members. Commissioned officers range from Second Lieutenant (2Lt) through General (Gen), leading operational and strategic security missions.
Security Forces personnel and their leadership are vital to ensuring Air Force bases, assets, and personnel remain protected from threats both internal and external.
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