What's important for a potential recruit to know about the Air Force Security Forces job?

It's a good job if you are able to deal with some of the bullsh*t that comes with any career field. It is like a mix of Army Infantry and MP. Depending on the base that you get assigned to, will determine if you focus more on law enforcement or security operations. One of my favorite things about the career field is when we do get to do field training that focuses on Air Base Defense and COIN Ops. If you have any specific questions, feel free to message me.

From slick sleeve to E3 be ready for a life of suck postings. 8-12 hours of waving in cars at a gate rain, sleet or shine. On the the plus side a lot more schools now more readily available for Security Forces: Airborne qualification, Ranger School, Raven etc...

My daughter was once married to a Security Forces airman. As I recall, you're either Law Enforcement or Security. If you're Law Enforcement, you do about the same job as "street cops" in the civilian world. You patrol the military installation, investigate minor crimes, enforce Federal Laws and local regulations, answer emergency calls for help. The Security airmen are the guards. They guard aircraft, flight lines, some buildings, and the entrance/exit gates. Both sub-specialties qualify with various weapons and train on ground forces tactics. Both sub-specialties routinely carry weapons, wear a badge and blue beret, and work in Air Force combat uniforms. Shift work is normal. Junior enlisted often pull the night shift. Opportunity to be a K-9 handler. Security Forces units or personnel are often deployed to provide security to AF Aircraft or installations overseas. Some airlift missions carry Security Forces personnel with them on missions due to the nature of the cargo or characteristics of certain destinations.

Security Forces specialties should transition nicely to civilian careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, or private security.