No one understands us.

A typical conversation would go something like this:

"So what do you do for the Air Force?"

"I'm in Security Forces."

"Security Forces? What's that?"

*sigh* "We provide security for the base, and conduct law enforcement."

"Oh. So you're an MP."

And it gets complicated from there. It's not easy to describe our responsibilities in just a few words. You see, the Air Force doesn't have infantry or cavalry. Our mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. With airplanes. Not with companies or battalions of soldiers. Thus, enter Security Forces.

We are a product of necessity. A group of well trained airmen who are required to play multiple roles in our mission to protect the personnel and the resources of the base. We live by the Air Force Values, Integrity, Service, and Excellence as well as our three general orders:

1. I will take charge of my post and protect the personnel and property for which I am responsible until I am properly relieved.

2. I will report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce, and contact my supervisor in any case not covered by instruction.

3. I will sound the alarm in any case of emergency or disorder.

First off, yes, we are military police officers. But we don't identify with the term 'MP'. That term is limited, and does not do our occupation justice. Some call us 'Sky Cops', or 'SFs', which we really don't care about. Inside the career field we use the term 'Defender', in reference to our motto "Defensor Fortis", which means "Brave Defender". (Edit: It is mistakenly, even on my part, mistranslated as 'Defender of the Force')

Secondly, we provide security for the base and resources, i.e., the aircraft. An F-16 is a terrible sight for the enemy when its flying above, but it's a sitting duck when it's parked on the ramp. That's where we come in. We make sure that no unauthorized personnel come near the aircraft. We also protect the entire base by conducting patrols, conducting entry control, and various other methods we don't want to explain.

Now with that said, there are so many other specialties that Defenders are trained in. Once a Defender has completed upgrade training he/she is allowed to specialize or add additional skill sets to their careers. Here are some examples:

Combat Arms Training and Maintenance: These Defenders specialize in firearms maintenance, inspection, and training base personnel.

Military Working Dog / K9 Handler: These Defenders are trained to employ K9s for both law enforcement and security purposes.

Electronic Security / Tactical Alarm Security Systems (TASS): These Defenders specialize in alarm systems, intrusion/detection, cameras, and various other systems in order to enhance security.

Other examples include: Designated Marksman / Sharpshooter, M203 Grenade Launcher, M249 Automatic Rifle Gunner (SAW), M240B Machine Gunner, Accident Investigation, Personal Security Details, Riot Control, Less-Lethal Weapon Instructor, Combat Lifesaver, and even Logistics. We also handle our own administration, making us almost independent as a squadron. (Edit: I forgot to mention a few additional duties such as Confinement, FAST missions, and Prisoner Transport)

Now add in all the training that the Air Force requires, like Suicide Prevention, Information Security, Self-Aid Buddy Care, medical requirements, and about a half million Computer Based Training courses.

So what does all this mean for an employer? It means you are getting a human multitool. A person trained to switch gears on the fly, at a moments notice. You're getting an individual who has the ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently. A person who adapts well to chaos, and can make sense of it. Many have had experience in managing programs. They are leaders, able to take charge of a situation, especially when no one else will.

So if you're looking for an MP, try the Army. Because we aren't one-trick ponies. We're Defenders of the Force.