81130 Career Guide
81130: Security Forces
Career transition guide for Air Force Security Forces (81130)
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Top civilian roles for 81130 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Police Officer
Skills to develop:
Security Guard/Protective Service Worker
Skills to develop:
Security Systems Installer
Skills to develop:
Loss Prevention Specialist
Skills to develop:
Customs and Border Protection Officer
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 81130 training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
SF personnel constantly monitor their surroundings for threats, whether on patrol, guarding entry points, or responding to emergencies. They must identify anomalies and assess potential risks in dynamic environments.
This translates to an ability to quickly assess situations, understand the context, and anticipate potential problems, making you adept at identifying and mitigating risks in various settings.
Procedural Compliance
SF roles demand strict adherence to established protocols and procedures, whether it's weapons handling, security protocols, or legal guidelines for apprehension and detention.
Your commitment to following procedures meticulously ensures accuracy and consistency. You understand the importance of adhering to regulations and standards to maintain quality and safety.
Adversarial Thinking
SF personnel are trained to anticipate and counter potential threats, requiring them to think like an adversary and understand their tactics and motivations to develop effective defense strategies.
This skill allows you to anticipate potential problems, identify vulnerabilities, and develop proactive solutions, making you valuable in roles that require strategic planning and risk mitigation.
Rapid Prioritization
Whether responding to a security breach, a medical emergency, or a natural disaster, SF members must quickly assess the situation, prioritize actions, and allocate resources effectively to mitigate the impact.
Your ability to quickly assess situations, identify critical tasks, and allocate resources effectively is highly valuable in fast-paced, demanding environments. You can maintain composure and focus under pressure.
Team Synchronization
SF operations rely heavily on coordinated teamwork. Whether conducting patrols, responding to incidents, or managing security checkpoints, SF members must work seamlessly together, communicating effectively and supporting each other to achieve common goals.
You understand the importance of clear communication, mutual support, and coordinated action in achieving shared objectives. You excel in collaborative environments and can contribute to a cohesive and productive team.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041You've been trained to meticulously follow procedures and regulations to ensure safety and security. This background makes you exceptionally well-suited to enforce compliance standards in various industries, preventing violations and minimizing risks.
Emergency Management Specialist
SOC 29-9099Your experience in responding to emergencies, prioritizing tasks, and coordinating resources translates directly to the responsibilities of an emergency management specialist. You're equipped to develop and implement disaster preparedness plans, coordinate response efforts, and mitigate the impact of emergencies.
Fraud Investigator
SOC 13-2099You've developed keen observational skills and the ability to detect anomalies, and you're trained to gather evidence and conduct interviews. These skills are directly transferable to the role of a fraud investigator, where you'll analyze data, conduct surveillance, and interview suspects to uncover fraudulent activities.
Private Investigator
SOC 33-9021You're skilled in surveillance, observation, and evidence gathering, honed through your experience in security and law enforcement. You're well-prepared to conduct investigations, gather information, and provide clients with accurate and reliable findings.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Security Forces Academy, Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland
Topics Covered
- •Basic Security Tactics
- •Weapons Handling and Qualification (M4, M9)
- •Law Enforcement Procedures
- •Integrated Defense
- •Base Security and Entry Control
- •Combat Life Saver Skills
- •Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Study specific areas of security management, risk assessment methodologies beyond military applications, and legal/ethical considerations in the private sector.
Review and practice current civilian CPR/first aid protocols and any local or state-specific regulations for emergency medical response.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| M240B Machine Gun | Commercial equivalent: FN MAG or similar belt-fed machine gun used by private security |
| M203 Grenade Launcher | 40mm grenade launchers (restricted sales, less-lethal variants available for law enforcement/security) |
| AN/PRC-152 Radio | Motorola APX series P25 two-way radios or similar public safety radios |
| Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) | FLIR or ATN night vision/thermal optics for hunting or security applications |
| Integrated Entry Control System (IECS) | Access control systems like LenelS2 OnGuard or Genetec Security Center |
| Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) | Biometric identification systems like Thales Gemalto or HID Global used for access control |
| Stinger Spike System | Road spikes/tire shredders from companies like Blackhawk or StopTech used for traffic control/security checkpoints |
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