Why don't all members of the Air Force have to be fully qualified to be a rifleman in case of hostile events?

I guess times have changed. I retired in 96 but did qualify with the M-16, shot expert the last time I qualified, even though I was aircraft maintenance then when I cross trained to operational intelligence I qualified with the 9mm

I guess that's natural thinking for the Security Forces, since that's your job, but that's not the job of the people that work in the communications center. They have their assigned duties no matter if the enemy is at the door. Usually the Communications Center is the most secure place on the base thanks to Security. Back in the old days, though, when I worked in the Crypto Center in Germany we had M1 carbines and 45's hanging on the walls, and we knew how to use them, but not to go out and fight the enemy. They were to keep people from trying to come in who didn't have a crypto clearance.

Yeah....I will tell you, it'd be an overall good thing if all AF had a working knowledge of firearms.

I was taught even the AF had an always a rifleman first policy in place it just wasn't enforced!

Mishandling your weapon doesn't mean that you are not combat ready. It has to do with Leadership, again not with the training. More airmen need to speak up and stop being so invisible when observing these so called infractions. If an airman is not battle ready rather than blame those in the AFSC/MOS, get the NCO's back in the business of leading and not lagging. Perhaps the problem that you identify with much vigor is not real that wide-spread a problem. Set the example and let your concerns be made know to your 1st line supervisor. That's where it belongs, NOT in social media. MSGT Air Police/Security Police and Aircrew Survival Instructor - AD 25 years most with SAC. 25 more with DoD.

I agree with you. I was an AF aircraft technician 1980s and 1990s. I think, especially those of us around our primary weapons, being aircraft and misslies, should also be trained to defend those weapons systems if the need arises. When I was overseas during the Col War, we did train several times on the M-16. I also trained with the 45 due to extra duty as a cargo load monitor. I believe they later switcch to the 9mm. I also think the AF should have a special ops unit like the Navy Seals. Combat Controllers and PJs are good. But they have certain missions. The German Luftwaffe had the first paratrrop units in war. They were elite. The AF should also have a small elite offensive airbore unit. Death from above. They could hit certain targets behind enemy lines, orsecure certain areas until relieved. Smaller than the Rangers. But very highly skilled in airborne strikes. Why should the other branches get all the elite strike units. The air belongs to the AF.

Fully Qualified Riflemen, I think you underestimate what that term means or the level of constant traing require to keep trained to that level.

Where exactly hare guy already working 80 a weak on the flight-line going to find the time to have full time training i as a rifleman,

Even AF Security forces do not train to that level of ground combat proficiency, And Marine Or Army rifleman would laugh at anyone who thought that they did. THE USAF has trouble keeping enough skilled techs on the job now so taking them away from those jobs to cover a flaky "what if" would cripple it.

Honestly just feel like it isn't at the top of the to do list for the great majority of Air Force personnel. It's been said before we aren't a ground force, while yes I would pick up an M-16 if the need arises my duties only required me to carry an M-9, plus you being security forces, how would you like to deal with keeping the entire force current and qualified on a weapon they never use? Additionally how many times I hear you guys don't even have enough rounds to spare for your own selves to practice on, just imagine how many more would need to be set aside to keep everyone current? Just not where the Air Force will dump their slush funds, there's bigger fish to fry

I thought that all but medical personnel had to be qualified on M16/M4. I know qualified is a loose word to use, but qualified is qualified.

I didn't see any difference with Naval personnel either. Most I have met hadn't touched a small arm since boot camp and that included people who were careerists.
I guess I'm surprised since I was a SEABEE and we did regular range time and infantry training. We weren't infantry by any measurement but could at least defend our camps and work sites to some extent.