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3P0X2 Career Guide

Air Force

3P0X2: Security Forces Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Security Forces Specialist (3P0X2)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3P0X2 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Police Officer

$67K
High matchStable demand

Security Manager

$98K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project managementOSHA compliance

Military Working Dog Handler/Trainer (Private Sector)

$60K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Civilian certifications (e.g., American Kennel Club)Specific breed expertise

Security Systems Installer/Technician

$55K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Electronic security systems trainingNetworking skillsVendor-specific certifications

Customs and Border Protection Officer

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Homeland Security trainingSpecific legal knowledgeProficiency in another language

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3P0X2 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Constantly scanning the environment for threats, unauthorized personnel, or unusual activities during patrols, entry control, or while securing assets.

Maintaining a high level of alertness and understanding of the surrounding environment to identify potential risks and opportunities.

Procedural Compliance

Strictly adhering to security protocols, legal regulations, and established procedures while controlling access, conducting investigations, or managing armories.

Following established rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures to ensure accuracy, safety, and consistency in all tasks.

Adversarial Thinking

Anticipating potential threats and vulnerabilities in security plans and procedures by thinking like an adversary to identify weaknesses and develop countermeasures.

Proactively identifying potential risks, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities in systems or plans by thinking from an opposing perspective.

Resource Optimization

Efficiently managing and allocating resources such as personnel, equipment, and ammunition to ensure effective security operations and maximize operational readiness.

Effectively managing and allocating available resources to achieve optimal outcomes and maximize efficiency.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating and synchronizing the actions of security forces, military working dog teams, and other personnel to ensure seamless and effective response to threats or incidents.

Coordinating and synchronizing team efforts to ensure smooth operations and achieve common goals.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been immersed in procedural compliance and security protocols. As a compliance officer (13-1041.00), you'll use your understanding of regulations to ensure businesses adhere to legal standards, investigate potential violations, and develop strategies to prevent misconduct.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-9099.00

Your background in force protection, disaster response, and threat assessment makes you an ideal candidate for an emergency management specialist (29-9099.00). You're accustomed to planning for contingencies, coordinating responses, and ensuring the safety of personnel and resources.

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-1023.00

You’ve developed keen adversarial thinking and investigation skills. As a Fraud Investigator (13-1023.00), you’ll use your training to detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent activities within organizations, protecting their assets and reputation.

Loss Prevention Manager

SOC 11-9199.00

With your extensive experience in security and resource protection, you're well-equipped to excel as a Loss Prevention Manager (11-9199.00). You've mastered skills in threat assessment, security protocols, and resource management, making you capable of safeguarding assets and minimizing losses in various industries.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Security Forces Academy, Lackland AFB, TX

560 training hours14 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Criminal Justice

Topics Covered

  • Basic Security Principles
  • Law Enforcement Techniques
  • Weapons Handling and Qualification (M4, M9)
  • Air Base Defense
  • Use of Force
  • Patrol Procedures
  • Entry Control Procedures
  • First Aid and Self-Aid/Buddy Care

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Security+ Certification70% covered

While the military job provides extensive security experience, the Security+ exam covers specific cybersecurity concepts, network security, cryptography, and vulnerability management. Focus study on these IT-specific areas.

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)60% covered

The CPP covers a broad range of security management topics. Study areas include business principles, personnel security, physical security, and crisis management from a private sector perspective.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)50% covered

Given the self-aid buddy care experience, focus on the specific EMR curriculum including advanced first aid techniques, patient assessment, and emergency response protocols as defined by civilian standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)Physical Security Professional (PSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Installation Entry (AIE) SystemAccess control and visitor management systems
Ground-Based Radar (GBR)Perimeter intrusion detection systems
Integrated Base Defense Security System (IBDSS)Integrated security management platforms
Military Working Dog (MWD) ProgramK-9 security services
Armory Management System (AMS)Firearms inventory and management software
Joint Law Enforcement Reporting System (JLEADS)Law enforcement records management systems (RMS)
Land Mobile Radio (LMR) SystemsTwo-way radio communication systems

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