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

As an Air Force JAG in the 90s (a lawyer, for crying out loud), I had to qualify on the M-9 to be eligible for mobility status. Have things changed??

(Also, good job, RallyPoint, with suggesting this post to me six years later.

You are trying to teach and that is laudable. When I want toboot camp I didn't know much about tge M16 but my instructors had to teach me. Don't give up or get angry. Just keep swinging away.

Not essential for all Airmen, based on their mission. Hotel Security has their back besides.

I was a photo technician in Thailand in 1975 and was pulled to be a "security police augmentee" to help protect the base. They gave us about 2 weeks training in weapons, flares, crew served weapons, etc. It was woefully inadequate, but I had grown up with guns, so I was not uncomfortable performing that duty, even when we had the occasional probing of the perimeter by communist forces. At one point, we were surrounded by 5,000 Chinese Army forces for about a week. Had they actually attacked, with only around 300 security forces and about 250 Marines on the base, we were toast if it weren't for the close air support that kept them at bay. I totally agree with you, airmen should be riflemen too.

Garrett,
You have the right to your opinion, but if I was still on active duty, I'd take offense. I think most people do not realize that the USAF's mission is different than Army or Marines. We rely upon other branches and the USAF SF to protect us when needed. You need me crewing my fighter jet, more than carrying a gun. Again, it is your job to defend my multimillion-dollar fighter jet and my ass too. All along while I am preparing our pilots to drop bombs and blow stuff up with the aircraft.

Yes, when overseas I have carried a gun during my time crewing my jets. However, that is not a normal SOP for most USAF bases. If ever needed, I can promise you that most USAF members will take up a gun and defend.

I think you are expecting USAF members to be as skilled as you are and that is not fair to them. Also, the USAF does not normally allow members to practice using the M16 whenever they want. I know if I would have had that option, I would have done it (cause it's fun).

What can you do to give other members the chance to improve their skills?

because/i think/that if the other get to where you'll are we have all ready lost so become VC

I believe EVERYONE should have at least a basic gun knowledge. Who knows when he/she may need to defend ones self? Or family?

In August of '65 I had to qualify on the M-16 before going to Vietnam. Only other weapon I used in the AF before that was a S&W .38 revolver in OTS.

I don't know if things have changed, when I went through basic in 68, we had to qualify with the m16. When I went to Nam, we were given augmentee training on other weapons, 50 cal, 60 cal, grenade launchers, grenades, and 38s. If the base was attacked we were a back up to the Army and Marines.

Oh, but they can direct a A-10 Warthog on your @$$ better than you can shoot!