Also called: Air Force Security Forces Phoenix Raven
Specially trained Security Forces airmen who fly with cargo aircraft to guard them at dangerous airfields worldwide.
Phoenix Ravens travel with C-17s and C-130s to places with weak security, guard the aircraft overnight, and deter hijacking or sabotage. Training includes martial arts, verbal judo, and anti-terrorism.
Regular military compensation (RMC = base pay + housing and food allowances + their tax advantage) for typical E-1 to E-6 ranks, 2026 estimate. Cash in hand is lower early on because junior troops often live in free barracks and eat in dining halls. Enlistment bonuses can add thousands.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 3 years after high school. High school diploma and ASVAB, basic training, Security Forces training, a few years of experience, then the Phoenix Raven course. Free-college benefits: Tuition Assistance (up to $4,500/yr) while serving, the Post-9/11 GI Bill (36 months of tuition + housing stipend) afterward, and SkillBridge internships before separating.
Ways in: Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Criminal Justice.
Growing about average. Military specialties are not in BLS projections. The services recruit for this job every year and openings track force size and retention rather than market growth.
Low risk for 10 years. Guarding aircraft at risky airfields worldwide stays human.
Classes: PE / strength training, A foreign language.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.