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

If you look at primary missions, you’ll notice that the AFSCs or MOSs are very different. I do support fitness standards as well as war fighting skills for all military but to ask those in the AF to spend their day doing what the infantry, artillery, missile, and tank units do is like asking those same MOSs to fly B-2, F-22, C-17, and a whole variety of other aircraft. It would also be the same as having those MOSs repair, maintain, inspect, and launch and recover all of these same aircraft. To say that that you spend your day differently than most airman is an understatement but don’t you dare challenge the reason they belong in the military just like you. If you are a ground troop in a fire fight, keep that in mind when you call for close air support.

I deployed to Operation Desert

I was in the Air Force 66 to 72 in Communications. In Japan and in the states, we were protexted by the Security Police. I had to qualify on an M16 every year. When I got to my base in Vietnam, imwas assigned to the Reserve Defense which is the last line kf defense if being over run. This is an augmentee position and being an Augie Doggie, I went thru weapons training on M16, M60, pop flares, M79 and grenades. Not everyone had that training. When I got back to the States I was in SAC and was assigned to the alert team as the communications member. I understand that all members are now bettwer trained in weapons and self defense. Now women are trained as well whereas in my time women were not trained in weaponry.

It's not like the Chair Force is true military. And don't even bring up the talking squirrels of Space Force.

If people listened to me EVERYONE would be weapons qualified, like the Israelis. Minimum service, during which everyone would learn to shoot, move and communicate. There would be fewer women who don't know how to respond to an emergency and yes, everyone in uniform should be able to defend their immediate area. Sgt Mack M-14 Expert 1st Class M-60 Gunner

Your assumption is quite incorrect and kind of childish. In 1965 I was to be drafted. when I was told my number was up, I enlisted in the the Air Force to avoid the Army. The last year of my tour of duty I received Orders for Vietnam. I was sent to California for 2 days of M16 Training. Being a farm boy from Kentucky, I had plenty of experience using a weapon. I qualified as Marksman at the end of that training. We each had a purpose in the mission. I was an Air Traffic Controller. The Army and Moraines had another. Ummmmm, That's why I joined the USAF.

I think it's important for ALL members of the armed forces to be familiar with at LEAST the standard battle rifle we use. They should know how to load/unload it, safe it, aim and fire it, and perform immediate action should it jam. I do not expect an airman or sailor to be able to perform a movement to contact or conduct a hasty ambush. If someone in a traditionally non-combat field gets deployed, they should then be trained on the skills they may need while in country. That includes more combat training as well as first aid.

SSgt Christ.
I agree with u...well 2 a point! I was at Minot then Torrejon as a Medic & EMT. I asked that question way back when in '73! The powers that B were trying Medics 2 parachute 2 downed F4 pilots, treat their wounds and get them out of dodge! In HS I was on tRifle team so when I went 2 Live fire in basic the firing line Sgt told e that I should b an SP with my abilities!! I told him that I would need 2 protect my patient!
He could NOT believe that I got 100 out of 100! He asked my TI if I could b brought back the next day 4 a 'Special' circumstance situation on the firing line? Ti said Ok. The next day the TI brought back the entire flight nobody was on the firing line but ME! I GOT 97 out of 100! On a crappies M16 than the day b4, the firing line Sgt and my TI both tried hard 2 push me in2 the SPs I said Nope! But I think ALL MEDICS NEED 2 B PROFICIENT with a Glock and whatever Rifle that the AF is using at the time so the Medics can Protect themselves & their patient/s!

I was enlisted infantry and got a commission in the navy. It was quite a surprise how the navy doesn't qualify sailors. Topside watch standers are carrying loaded 45s and shotguns and have never qualified anything. I agree that there should be a standard all military should be required to meet. But it isn't that way.

And you're not qualified to work on the Avionics systems on an F-16. This is outrageous!