Good evening, my friends.
Today, I want to talk about an exciting topic—the advantages of being a Raven in the Air Force. Serving as a Raven for five years provided me with incredible opportunities that helped propel my career forward. The journey to earning my Raven tab was not easy, but staying committed to the goal paid off in ways I never imagined. Watching my friends become Ravens, traveling the world, and doing amazing things made me jealous—so I asked myself, Why can’t I do that? Three years later, I made that dream a reality. Since then, I’ve mastered the job, built my career, and leveraged my experiences to achieve success. With time, everything became clearer, and I learned how to use my position to benefit both myself and my team.
Sign up for my newsletter below!
Thank you for signing up. You'll be the first to know about new posts!
Unmatched Travel Opportunities
As a Raven, your job takes you to places most people will never have the chance to see. In my five years on the job, I visited roughly 40 countries, ranging from high-security zones off-limits to tourists to dream vacation spots where people spend thousands of dollars just to visit. One of the most rewarding aspects of this job was experiencing different cultures, languages, and ways of life.
Unlike traditional deployments, where you’re stationed in one place for six months or longer, Ravens are constantly on the move. On average, we were out for 10 days each month, which kept things exciting and fast-paced. Whether it was having a beer in Africa, eating street food in Indonesia, or exploring historical sites in Europe, every trip contributed to both my personal and professional growth.
One of the biggest perks? We traveled on Air Force aircraft (C-17s, C-130s, C-5s, and others), which made the experience even better. Being able to stretch out, lie down, and sleep during long flights was a game-changer. The constant travel also allowed me to meet and work alongside military personnel, security professionals, and government officials worldwide. This helped me build a global network that proved invaluable throughout my career.
Beyond career benefits, the travel itself was an adventure—seeing new places, trying different foods, and witnessing breathtaking landscapes made every mission exciting, even in high-stress environments.
Earning Extra Money
One of the lesser-known perks of being a Raven is the opportunity to earn extra money through allowances, per diem, and special duty pay. Because of our frequent travel, we received daily per diem, which covered meals and lodging. Depending on the mission’s location and duration, this money added up fast, allowing us to either save or spend as needed.
Per diem rates vary by destination, with some locations offering significantly higher rates. Typically, hotel allowances went directly toward lodging, while food expenses were up to us. Additionally, depending on the mission, we sometimes qualified for hazardous duty pay or hardship pay due to operating in high-risk environments.
Many Ravens take full advantage of this, making the most of their earnings while they’re young and hungry for flying. Unlike many other Air Force jobs where additional pay is limited, the constant travel and unique mission requirements of being a Raven offer financial benefits that can significantly boost a service member’s salary.
Work-Life Balance & Schedule
One of the best aspects of being a Raven was the work schedule. When not on a mission, we typically worked Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM, with dedicated gym time at 3 PM. This routine provided stability, a solid sleep schedule, and plenty of time to train and recover between missions. Compared to regular Security Forces duties, this was a huge advantage.
Once we were out on a mission, however, everything changed. Missions could be unpredictable, requiring long hours and unusual schedules. To compensate for this, we were given two days off before a mission to rest, pack, and prepare. After the mission, we earned one day off for every three days spent out on a mission, ensuring we had time to recover and get back on a normal sleep cycle.
This balance between structured workdays and built-in downtime made the Raven career path both challenging and rewarding.
The Raven Community
The Raven community is one of the most unique groups in the Air Force. From the moment you earn your Raven tab, you become part of an elite society that looks out for one another, both on and off duty. The training, intense missions, and constant travel create a strong camaraderie that few outside the community can truly understand.
Whether it’s providing security in high-threat environments, pushing through long missions, or simply sharing stories from the road, Ravens develop a deep sense of loyalty and mutual respect. No matter where you go, if you meet another Raven, they will always have your back. The support within this community extends beyond active duty—many former Ravens stay connected and help each other long after their service ends.
Being a Raven isn’t just a job—it’s an identity, a lifelong membership in a group that values excellence, resilience, and commitment to the mission.
Staying Sharp with Security Forces Training
Despite the demanding travel schedule, we were still required to maintain proficiency with all Security Forces mandated training. Being a Raven doesn’t mean stepping away from law enforcement and security skills—it enhances them. We regularly conducted weapons qualifications, combatives training, use-of-force exercises, and scenario-based drills to ensure we remained sharp and mission-ready.
Physical fitness was also a top priority, as missions often required endurance, strength, and the ability to respond quickly to threats. Additionally, we had numerous opportunities to attend military schools and specialized courses to improve ourselves in all aspects for the job.
This continuous training ensured that we stayed at the top of our game, whether securing aircraft in foreign countries or reinforcing base security back home.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading my 11th blog! I hope this post helped answer your questions about the advantages of being a Raven. This career offers incredible opportunities—from traveling the world and earning extra pay to building lifelong bonds within the community. Being a Raven gave me a deep appreciation for the United States military and the incredible capabilities we bring to global operations.
I was fortunate to be part of some of the most significant military operations of the last decade, and you could be too! If you’re reading this and wondering if you should take the risk, my advice is simple—do it! You won’t regret it.
Thank you again for your support and for taking the time to read this week’s blog—it truly means a lot to me!
Stay Connected!
I post new blogs every Thursday, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on my latest posts!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—send me an email or schedule a one-on-one session through the “Contact Me” page. I’m always happy to help!
Next Thursday, I’ll be diving into “Disadvantages of being a Raven in the Air Force”, so stay tuned for another in-depth look at military life and experiences.
If you found this blog helpful, share it with others who might benefit from it. Your support means the world to me, and I truly appreciate every read, comment, and share.
Thank you all for being part of this journey—you guys are the best!
Very Respectfully,
Vlad Kalinin