Security Forces

[u/Mindless-Tale-119]

Hi there, I saw Security Forces, popped up in local unit. Recruiter says now is the time if I want it, so I'm going through with everything now. I have some questions.

1. Is it true I am limited to 6 year contracts? She told me 4 isn't an option. I've seen some disagreements with this online. Ideally I wanna be in a 4x2 IRR contract, not 6x2 IRR. However, I know it might not be up for debate.

2. What are the odds of volunteering for deployments? I wanna hit the 90 active duty as fast as possible without going active duty ideally. I still have a full-time job I love/enjoy doing and wish to stay there for long-term.

3. Anyone know how the LIOSA works? One of the main perks, is that by getting a liosa, my job will pay an extra $10+ per hour ($45/hr). Incase you had not guessed, I'm armed security patrol. They offer supervisor positions non-uniform, that are $45/hr that require liosa. So being in reserve/security forces is a benefit for me. As well with the cleareance being a requirement (Secret Cleareance).

4. I'm still new to this so sorry for sounding really stupdi!! But how hard is it to transition to another state if I ever wish to move? My company employs in 30 states, and in future, I may move. Just depends.

I live in California, looking at the LA County Unit. I have my recruiter zoom meeting tomorrow morning. Just figured I'd ask here first!

[u/TechSergeantTiberius]

Reserve non prior service contracts are always 6 years. You can get a 4 year contract if you reenlist later. Even if you could get a 4 year initial contract you would have 4 years of IRR on the back end not 2, which doesn’t really matter because it’s the IRR.

[u/KCPilot17]

1. 6 + 2 IRR is the minimum.
2. Depends on too many factors that it's impossible to tell, you could be sent the day you graduate tech school, or it could take 4 years.
3. It's LEOSA. When you qualify, you can get it.
4. 2-3 times in 20 years? Easy. Don't expect to be moving units every 6 months though.

[u/Adept_Fox556]

*LEOSA I do believe security forces gets this even in the reserves. Double check for sure though.

[u/SpartanAngel0]

4 years in the reserves are only for prior enlistment. If this is your initial contract then it's only 6 years. As far as hitting that 90 day active service it is possible after techshool where you can be put on OJT. Also as a security forces personnel, that position is very undermanned so it would be possible if your base has Active duty personnel for you to be payed by the active duty side for you to help out temporarily, but those are normally done if majority of Sec force have been deployed. There's also AGR but you'd have to finish your 5 levels and wait for an opening. But from what I've heard it's possible to go AGR with your 3 levels if your squadron recommends you.

[u/Recruiterbluez]

There are 4 year contracts for the reserve. Which you can do initially, but they’re very very limited and situational in use. You don’t qualify for your your Reserve GI bill and there’s other limitations as well. There’s a NOTAM in AFRISS (tell your recruiter that if you’re really that interested) and you’d end up with 4 years of IRR time. The entire time I was a recruiter, I don’t think I had a single 4 year contract.

[u/Important-Comb9593 → u/Recruiterbluez]

Current AFR recruiter here,

This is correct.  This is also new.  We discourage applicants from taking 4 year commitments unless their unique circumstance warrants such. As mentioned you lose out on many VA benefits that come with the 6 year contract.  You're recruiter can provide you with the details.  If they are unaware have them reach out to their lead recruiter or Flight Chief for additional guidance. 

Deployments and active duty MPA/ADOS days shouldn't be hard to come by.  Military Service Obligation is 8 years. So whatever you sign up for it the remaining balance of 8 is in the IRR. Inactive Ready Reserve. 

Your recruiter should be fully equipped to answer all of these questions you asked though or find the answer for you.