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3P092 Career Guide

Air Force

3P092: Security Forces Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Security Forces Specialist (3P092)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3P092 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Security Guard/Protective Service Worker

$45K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

State-specific security license (if required)Customer service skills

Police Officer

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Police academy training/certificationState Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificationPhysical fitnessDe-escalation techniques

Corporate Security Manager

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Security Management Certification (e.g., CPP)Project management skillsOSHA Safety CertificationAdvanced knowledge of security systems and technologies

Customs and Border Protection Officer

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA)Proficiency in Spanish (preferred)Strong knowledge of immigration laws and procedures

Security Systems Installer/Technician

$55K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Technical certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Specific security system training (e.g., Bosch, Honeywell)Electrical wiring knowledge

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3P092 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

SF members constantly scan their environment for threats, from monitoring access points to patrolling perimeters and reacting to alarms, demanding a keen awareness of their surroundings and potential dangers.

This translates to an ability to perceive and understand complex environments, predict potential problems, and react effectively, crucial in dynamic and unpredictable situations.

Rapid Prioritization

Responding to emergencies, security breaches, or accidents requires SF personnel to quickly assess the situation, prioritize actions, and allocate resources to mitigate risks effectively.

This skill demonstrates the ability to rapidly assess situations, determine the most critical tasks, and delegate effectively under pressure, vital for crisis management and leadership roles.

Procedural Compliance

SF operations rely heavily on adherence to strict protocols, regulations, and legal frameworks, ensuring consistency, accountability, and the proper execution of security measures.

Your commitment to following procedures accurately and consistently demonstrates a high level of responsibility, discipline, and attention to detail, valuable in regulated industries.

Adversarial Thinking

SF members are trained to anticipate potential threats and vulnerabilities, think like an adversary, and proactively implement security measures to deter and counter hostile actions.

This mindset allows you to identify weaknesses in systems and plans, anticipate potential problems, and develop effective countermeasures, a valuable asset in risk management.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating effectively with other SF members, law enforcement, and emergency services during incidents demands clear communication, mutual understanding, and seamless teamwork.

Your experience working in coordinated teams and understanding team roles makes you invaluable in civilian settings.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been rigorously trained to enforce regulations and maintain security protocols. Your experience in ensuring procedural compliance and anticipating potential threats makes you exceptionally well-suited to oversee compliance programs in highly regulated industries, such as finance or healthcare.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-9099

You're highly trained to respond to emergencies and coordinate resources effectively. Your experience in rapid prioritization, situational awareness, and team synchronization translates seamlessly to planning and executing disaster response strategies.

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-2099

You possess a natural aptitude for uncovering discrepancies, conducting thorough investigations, and gathering evidence. Your experience in adversarial thinking, procedural compliance, and attention to detail makes you an ideal candidate to investigate and prevent fraudulent activities.

Corporate Security Manager

SOC 11-9199

You are highly skilled in implementing security measures and managing security teams. Your experience in threat assessment, risk management, and crisis response directly translates to creating and maintaining safe and secure environments for businesses and organizations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Security Forces Academy, Lackland AFB, TX

700 training hours18 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Criminal Justice and Security Administration

Topics Covered

  • Air Base Defense
  • Law Enforcement Procedures
  • Weapons Handling and Qualification (M4, M9, M240)
  • Security Tactics and Patrolling
  • Use of Force
  • Traffic Control and Accident Investigation
  • Intrusion Detection Systems
  • First Aid and Self-Aid Buddy Care

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)60% covered

While the military provides extensive security experience, the CPP requires a deep understanding of business principles, security management concepts, and advanced risk assessment methodologies specific to the private sector. Study business continuity planning, financial security, and legal aspects of security management.

Physical Security Professional (PSP)70% covered

The 3P092 role provides a solid foundation in physical security. However, the PSP exam requires in-depth knowledge of security systems design, implementation, and analysis, including aspects like architectural security and advanced technology integration. Study topics such as security lighting, intrusion detection systems, and access control technologies.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)40% covered

The 3P092 role includes self-aid and buddy care training, providing a basic foundation for medical response. EMR certification requires expanded knowledge of medical protocols, patient assessment, and advanced first aid techniques beyond basic life support. Study advanced airway management, splinting, and emergency medical procedures.

Recommended Next Certifications

Security+ (CompTIA)Certified in Homeland Security (CHS)Associate Protection Professional (APP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/PRC-152 Multiband Handheld RadioMotorola APX Series Two-Way Radios
Night Vision Goggles (NVGs)FLIR Thermal Imaging Cameras
Minehound VMR3 Metal DetectorGarrett Handheld Metal Detectors
Integrated Entry Control System (IECS)Johnson Controls Security Management System
Non-Lethal Weapons (Tasers, Pepper Spray)Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs)
Military Working Dog (MWD)K9 Units
Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS)MorphoTrak Biometric Identification System

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