7 Air Force Combat Jobs

The United States Air Force is one of the most technologically advanced military branches in the world, with a wide range of career opportunities for those who want to serve their country. For individuals who are interested in combat roles, the Air Force offers several options that can be both challenging and rewarding. In this article, we will explore seven Air Force combat jobs that play a critical role in the military's overall mission.

These jobs are not only essential to the success of military operations, but they also offer a sense of camaraderie and purpose that can be hard to find in civilian life. Whether you're interested in flying, special operations, or security forces, the Air Force has a combat job that can match your skills and interests. From the thrill of flying a fighter jet to the satisfaction of protecting Air Force bases and personnel, these jobs offer a unique blend of adventure and service.

For those who are considering a career in the Air Force, it's essential to understand the different types of combat jobs that are available. Each job has its own unique requirements and responsibilities, and some may be more suited to your skills and interests than others. By learning more about these jobs, you can make an informed decision about which career path is right for you.

Air Force Combat Jobs Overview

The Air Force has a wide range of combat jobs that are essential to the success of military operations. These jobs include pilots, navigators, and gunners who fly aircraft and operate weapons systems, as well as security forces and special operators who conduct missions on the ground. Some of the most popular Air Force combat jobs include:

Pilots who fly fighter jets, bombers, and transport aircraft
Security forces who protect Air Force bases and personnel
Special operators who conduct missions behind enemy lines
Gunners who operate weapons systems on aircraft and vehicles
Navigators who plot courses and navigate through enemy territory
Intelligence analysts who gather and analyze data to support military operations
Combat controllers who coordinate air support and conduct missions on the ground

Pilot Careers in the Air Force

Pilots are some of the most highly trained and respected members of the Air Force. They fly a wide range of aircraft, from fighter jets to transport planes, and are responsible for completing missions and protecting Air Force personnel and equipment. To become a pilot in the Air Force, you'll need to meet certain qualifications and complete a rigorous training program.

Some of the steps to become a pilot in the Air Force include:

Meeting the basic qualifications: You'll need to be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 29, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Taking the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT): This test measures your aptitude for pilot training and is required for all pilot candidates.
Completing a bachelor's degree: Most pilots have a bachelor's degree in a field such as aviation, aeronautical science, or engineering.
Applying to the Air Force's Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program: This program is highly competitive, and you'll need to meet certain qualifications and complete a rigorous selection process.
Completing UPT: If you're selected for UPT, you'll undergo a year of intensive training that includes classroom instruction, simulator training, and flight training.

Types of Pilot Careers in the Air Force

There are several types of pilot careers in the Air Force, each with its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Some of the most common types of pilot careers include:

Fighter pilots: These pilots fly fighter jets and are responsible for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground missions.
Bomber pilots: These pilots fly bombers and are responsible for conducting bombing missions against enemy targets.
Transport pilots: These pilots fly transport aircraft and are responsible for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies.
Helicopter pilots: These pilots fly helicopters and are responsible for conducting a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, medical evacuation, and combat operations.

Security Forces Careers in the Air Force

Security forces are responsible for protecting Air Force bases and personnel from enemy attack. They are trained in a wide range of skills, including combat, surveillance, and law enforcement, and play a critical role in the Air Force's overall mission.

Some of the steps to become a security forces member in the Air Force include:

Meeting the basic qualifications: You'll need to be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 39, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Completing basic training: You'll undergo a 7-week basic training program that includes instruction in combat, first aid, and law enforcement.
Completing security forces technical training: You'll undergo a 13-week technical training program that includes instruction in security procedures, surveillance, and combat tactics.
Completing on-the-job training: You'll work under the supervision of experienced security forces members to gain practical experience and develop your skills.

Types of Security Forces Careers in the Air Force

There are several types of security forces careers in the Air Force, each with its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Some of the most common types of security forces careers include:

Security forces specialist: These airmen are responsible for providing security for Air Force bases and personnel.
Combat arms training and maintenance specialist: These airmen are responsible for maintaining and repairing combat arms equipment.
Military working dog handler: These airmen are responsible for handling and caring for military working dogs.
Combat controller: These airmen are responsible for coordinating air support and conducting missions on the ground.

Special Operations Careers in the Air Force

Special operators are trained to conduct missions behind enemy lines, using a wide range of skills and tactics to complete their objectives. They are highly trained and highly respected members of the Air Force, and play a critical role in the military's overall mission.

Some of the steps to become a special operator in the Air Force include:

Meeting the basic qualifications: You'll need to be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 29, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Completing basic training: You'll undergo a 7-week basic training program that includes instruction in combat, first aid, and survival skills.
Completing special operations training: You'll undergo a rigorous training program that includes instruction in parachuting, diving, and combat tactics.
Completing on-the-job training: You'll work under the supervision of experienced special operators to gain practical experience and develop your skills.

Types of Special Operations Careers in the Air Force

There are several types of special operations careers in the Air Force, each with its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Some of the most common types of special operations careers include:

Pararescueman: These airmen are responsible for conducting search and rescue missions behind enemy lines.
Combat controller: These airmen are responsible for coordinating air support and conducting missions on the ground.
Tactical air controller: These airmen are responsible for coordinating air support and conducting missions on the ground.
Special operations weather team member: These airmen are responsible for conducting weather reconnaissance and providing weather support to special operations teams.

Intelligence Careers in the Air Force

Intelligence analysts are responsible for gathering and analyzing data to support military operations. They use a wide range of sources and methods to gather intelligence, including satellite imagery, human sources, and signals intelligence.

Some of the steps to become an intelligence analyst in the Air Force include:

Meeting the basic qualifications: You'll need to be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 39, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Completing basic training: You'll undergo a 7-week basic training program that includes instruction in combat, first aid, and survival skills.
Completing intelligence training: You'll undergo a rigorous training program that includes instruction in intelligence analysis, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Completing on-the-job training: You'll work under the supervision of experienced intelligence analysts to gain practical experience and develop your skills.

Types of Intelligence Careers in the Air Force

There are several types of intelligence careers in the Air Force, each with its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Some of the most common types of intelligence careers include:

Intelligence analyst: These airmen are responsible for gathering and analyzing data to support military operations.
Cryptologic language analyst: These airmen are responsible for analyzing and interpreting foreign language communications.
Signals intelligence analyst: These airmen are responsible for analyzing and interpreting signals intelligence data.
Geospatial intelligence analyst: These airmen are responsible for analyzing and interpreting geospatial intelligence data.

Combat Control Careers in the Air Force

Combat controllers are responsible for coordinating air support and conducting missions on the ground. They are highly trained and highly respected members of the Air Force, and play a critical role in the military's overall mission.

Some of the steps to become a combat controller in the Air Force include:

Meeting the basic qualifications: You'll need to be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 29, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Completing basic training: You'll undergo a 7-week basic training program that includes instruction in combat, first aid, and survival skills.
Completing combat control training: You'll undergo a rigorous training program that includes instruction in parachuting, diving, and combat tactics.
Completing on-the-job training: You'll work under the supervision of experienced combat controllers to gain practical experience and develop your skills.

Types of Combat Control Careers in the Air Force

There are several types of combat control careers in the Air Force, each with its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Some of the most common types of combat control careers include:

Combat controller: These airmen are responsible for coordinating air support and conducting missions on the ground.
Tactical air controller: These airmen are responsible for coordinating air support and conducting missions on the ground.
Joint terminal attack controller: These airmen are responsible for coordinating air support and conducting missions on the ground.
Special operations weather team member: These airmen are responsible for conducting weather reconnaissance and providing weather support to special operations teams.

Air Force Combat Jobs Image Gallery

What are the most popular Air Force combat jobs?

The most popular Air Force combat jobs include pilots, security forces, special operators, and intelligence analysts. These jobs are highly sought after due to their exciting and challenging nature, as well as the sense of camaraderie and purpose that comes with serving in the military.

What are the requirements to become a pilot in the Air Force?

To become a pilot in the Air Force, you'll need to meet certain qualifications, including being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 29, and having a high school diploma or equivalent. You'll also need to take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) and complete a bachelor's degree in a field such as aviation, aeronautical science, or engineering.

What is the role of security forces in the Air Force?

What are the different types of special operations careers in the Air Force?

The Air Force has several types of special operations careers, including pararescueman, combat controller, tactical air controller, and special operations weather team member. These careers involve conducting missions behind enemy lines, using a wide range of skills and tactics to complete objectives.

What is the role of intelligence analysts in the Air Force?

In conclusion, the Air Force has a wide range of combat jobs that are essential to the success of military operations. From pilots and security forces to special operators and intelligence analysts, these jobs offer a sense of adventure and purpose that can be hard to find in civilian life. If you're considering a career in the Air Force, we encourage you to learn more about these exciting and challenging jobs. With the right training and qualifications, you can join the ranks of the Air Force's elite combat personnel and make a real difference in the world. So why not take the first step today and explore the many opportunities available in the Air Force? Share this article with your friends and family to spread the word about the exciting career opportunities available in the Air Force.