What special training do you think members of this specialized field should strive for?

Rather than list special training that you should/might undertake, I think it is better to walk you through a "mission analysis" thought process. Goes to helping you in how to think rather than what to think.
- What is the unit/mission? ensure an acceptable level of close-in security for aircraft transiting airfields where security is unknown or additional security is needed to counter local threats
- How will you conduct the mission? Teams of 2-4 specially trained and equipped security forces personnel deploy as aircrew members on AMC missions as designated by the AMC Threat Working Group. The Raven teams help detect, deter and counter threats to AMC aircraft by performing close-in aircraft security; advising aircrews on force protection measures; conducting airfield assessments; and assisting aircrews in the performance of their duties when not performing their primary security duties.
- What is your background? Personal strengths/weaknesses? Only you can answer this.
- What special training will help you to complete your mission and how you conduct your mission?
- I recommend you look less at your listed "bling" schools such as Pathfinder or Airborne School which look like they do not direct support either your mission or your career field and take a harder look at Army MP/Air Force SP courses, MI courses, and Aviation courses that will more directly apply to this career field and mission. In a nuthshell, it looks like you need to be able to provide security, ID threats, and assist aircrews.

Let's try to answer the question from my limited experience in Training. Pathfinder? No, not even remotely a part of the SF skill set. Jump School? Yes, but only if you will be assigned to 820 BDG at Moody or 105 BDS at Stewart ANGB. Ranger School? Only if you would be assigned to the units I mentioned or you cross-train as a pararescueman or TACP.

If the waiver is approved, big mother AF will like take you back as 3P0XX (Security Forces). Good training options for SF would be:

- Phoenix Raven
- Combat Leader's Course (for the SF-centric fieldcraft)
- Special Reaction Team (type-8 Army course at FLW)
- Inter-service Nonlethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course (type-8 USMC course at FLW)

If you could miraculously get an Army course, go Air Assault. It's a useful skill to have out in the boonies.

If you really want to make a difference, start learning now how to be a good first-level supervisor - before ALS or anything else. Find the NCO that is leading from the front and observe and learn from him or her. The AF needs that most of all. It isn't a cool, sexy school with bling but it will make the most difference.

Does that make sense? Good luck with the waiver.

SSgt (Join to see)

First, congratulations on your decision/quest to reenter the military. Looks like you have your mind set on a path. That is good and you should pursue it.

Although I am (was) Army, I am fairly familiar with the Phoenix Raven (PR) program, having served as the senior law enforcement and security officer in two joint commands since the inception of the PR Program. I am not familiar, however, with the requirements for entry into the program or whether there are prerequisites for entry (like Airborne qualification, etc.) or if personnel are sent to the required schools after selection and assignment to the program.

My recommendation is to find out all you can about the program and do your best to met the selection criteria. Then, if successful in getting selected, you will be afforded the opportunity to attend the training determined to be necessary to perform your mission.

I assume it would be very difficult for an Air Force member to obtain a training slot to Airborne School, Pathfinder School, Ranger School, etc. if they were not requirements for the assignment.

Seek out folks who are familiar with the program and requirements and find out how you best should approach your goal.

Good luck...