Police Officer
$67KHigh match
Stable demand
Live · Guide v1.081150 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USAF · 81150Career Guide · Operations · Security · VWC.CG.81150.R.04
81150 · USAF · EnlistedSecurity Forces
Security Forces
Specialist.
Air Force 81150 (Security Forces Specialist). 700 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $35K–$67K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours700DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 81150 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What 81150 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have05
- 01Situational Awareness→ Ability to quickly assess complex IT situations, identify potential risks, and maintain vigilance in dynamic environments.
- 02Procedural Compliance→ Understanding the importance of following established guidelines, maintaining order, and ensuring accuracy in tasks.
- 03Adversarial Thinking→ Proactively identifying potential problems, assessing risks, and developing strategies to mitigate them in IT systems.
- 04Rapid Prioritization→ Making quick decisions under pressure, prioritizing tasks effectively, and managing resources efficiently in fast-paced IT environments.
- 05Team Synchronization→ Collaborating with others, coordinating efforts, and communicating effectively to achieve shared IT objectives.
To learn08
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Linux fundamentals+Networking basics (TCP/IP, OSI model)+Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools+Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools+Help desk ticketing systems (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow)+Basic scripting (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation+Cloud computing concepts (AWS, Azure, GCP)+Cybersecurity frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Security Guard/Officer
$35KHigh match
High demand
Federal Protective Service Officer
$55KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Federal Law Enforcement Training
- — Firearms Qualification
Security Systems Installer
$55KModerate match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — Electronics Training
- — Networking Fundamentals
- — Specific Security System Certifications
Firearms Instructor
$50KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Civilian Firearms Instructor Certification
- — First Aid/CPR Instructor Certification
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 81150 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
Situational Awareness
SF personnel constantly scan their environment for threats, whether patrolling a base, controlling entry points, or responding to emergencies. They must be aware of their surroundings, potential dangers, and the location of personnel and resources.
Transfers to
This translates to an ability to quickly assess complex situations, identify potential risks, and maintain a high level of vigilance in dynamic environments.
Procedural Compliance
SF members adhere to strict protocols and procedures for security, weapon handling, investigations, and emergency response. They must follow established rules and regulations to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Transfers to
This demonstrates a commitment to following established guidelines, maintaining order, and ensuring accuracy in tasks. You understand the importance of policies and are comfortable enforcing them.
Adversarial Thinking
SF personnel are trained to anticipate and counter potential threats. They must think like an adversary to identify vulnerabilities and develop effective security measures. This includes understanding terrorist tactics and criminal behavior.
Transfers to
This means you can proactively identify potential problems, assess risks, and develop strategies to mitigate them. You're good at thinking ahead and anticipating challenges.
Rapid Prioritization
When responding to incidents or emergencies, SF personnel must quickly assess the situation, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources effectively. This includes determining the level of threat, coordinating response efforts, and providing first aid.
Transfers to
This highlights your ability to make quick decisions under pressure, prioritize tasks effectively, and manage resources efficiently in fast-paced environments.
Team Synchronization
SF operations often involve working in small teams to achieve a common goal. They must coordinate their actions, communicate effectively, and support each other to ensure mission success. This includes conducting patrols, responding to incidents, and securing areas.
Transfers to
You excel at collaborating with others, coordinating efforts, and communicating effectively to achieve shared objectives. You understand the importance of teamwork and can contribute to a cohesive and productive work environment.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041You've been trained to follow strict procedures and enforce regulations in high-stakes environments. Your experience in security forces translates directly to ensuring businesses adhere to legal and ethical standards.
Adjacent · MatchEmergency Management Specialist
SOC 29-9099You're skilled in responding to emergencies, coordinating resources, and protecting personnel and assets. You can leverage this experience to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters.
Adjacent · MatchFraud Investigator
SOC 13-2099You've developed keen observation skills and the ability to identify suspicious behavior. You can use your adversarial thinking and attention to detail to uncover fraudulent activities.
Adjacent · MatchRange Safety Officer
SOC 33-3051You're an expert in weapons handling and safety protocols. You can use your experience to oversee shooting ranges, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and provide instruction to others.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Security Forces Academy
Lackland AFB700hHours
17wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 6 semester hours recommended in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement
Topics · 8
- Basic Security Skills
- Weapons Handling and Qualification (M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol, M203 Grenade Launcher, M240 Machine Gun, M249 SAW)
- Law Enforcement and Security Tactics
- Integrated Defense
- Installation Security
- Combat Tactics and Patrolling
- First Aid/Self-Aid Buddy Care
- Armory Operations and Maintenance
Partial coverage · 2
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP)60%
While the SF role covers security principles, integrated defense, and law enforcement procedures, the CPP requires broader knowledge of security management, risk assessment, legal aspects, and business principles not explicitly covered in the military role.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)40%
SF personnel receive self-aid buddy care training, but EMT certification requires a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, advanced life support techniques, and clinical experience, along with practical application of those skills.
Recommended next · 04
- Physical Security Professional (PSP)Adjacent
- Security Awareness and Training Professional (SATP)Adjacent
- Certified in Homeland Security (CHS)Adjacent
- CompTIA Security+Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Entry Control System (IECS) | Automated gate control and visitor management systems | Operations |
| Ground-Based Radar (GBR) | Perimeter surveillance radar systems | Signals |
| AN/PRC-117G Multiband Manpack Radio | Motorola APX series P25 radios | Operations |
| M240B Machine Gun | FN Herstal FN MAG | Weapons |
| M203 Grenade Launcher | 40mm grenade launchers (less regulated models/uses) | Operations |
| Night Vision Devices (AN/PVS-14) | FLIR or similar commercial night vision monoculars | Operations |
| Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) equipment (basic) | Hazardous material handling equipment and bomb disposal suits | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 81150 into a resume that ships.
Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.