You’ve probably seen him on TLC’s Baylen Out Loud, standing by Baylen Dupree with a level of patience that seems almost superhuman. Colin Dooley has become a household name for fans of the show, but there’s always been this lingering question about what he actually does when the cameras aren't focused on the couple's relationship. Social media is full of guesses. Some people think he’s a pilot; others think he’s just doing "something in an office."
The reality is way more intense.
Basically, the Colin Dooley Air Force job is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding roles in the entire military. He isn't flying jets or fixing engines. He’s a Senior Airman serving as a Ceremonial Guardsman in the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Specifically, he has served as a Body Bearer.
If that sounds heavy, it's because it is. Literally and figuratively.
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The High Stakes of the Honor Guard
Most people see the Honor Guard and think about the shiny boots and the crisp uniforms. They see the "perfection" and assume it's just for show. It’s not. For Colin, the job involves being part of the team that carries the remains of fallen service members, their families, or national leaders to their final resting places, often at Arlington National Cemetery.
The technical term is Body Bearer.
It’s a role that requires a level of physical strength that most people honestly don't realize. We’re talking about carrying caskets that can weigh anywhere from 450 to over 900 pounds. And here’s the kicker: they have to do it while looking like it’s effortless. No straining, no shaking, no visible sweating if they can help it.
What a "Normal" Day Looks Like
While the rest of us are complaining about a long commute, Colin’s workdays have historically involved standing motionless for hours in freezing temperatures or blistering heat.
- Precision training: Every single movement is rehearsed until it's robotic.
- The "Body Bearer’s Creed": This isn't just a poem; it's a code they live by. The casket must remain perfectly level, regardless of the terrain.
- The Emotional Weight: You aren't just carrying an object. You’re carrying a person. You’re the last memory a grieving family has of their loved one.
He joined the Air Force back in December 2020. After basic training at Lackland, he headed to Honor Guard Tech School in Washington, D.C. He’s been stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, which is basically the "hub" for this kind of elite ceremonial work.
Moving Toward a New Career Path
If you’ve been keeping up with the latest episodes of the show or following the news in early 2026, you know there’s been a lot of talk about his future. Military life is a grind. The Colin Dooley Air Force job has been his identity for years, but as he and Baylen plan their life together, things are shifting.
The Air Force often moves people around. In the first season of the show, there was a huge cloud hanging over them because of a potential relocation. That’s the "PCS" (Permanent Change of Station) life. It’s stressful. It’s one of the reasons many fans have spotted him exploring real estate.
Honestly, the transition from high-stakes military ceremony to the civilian workforce is a well-trodden path. The discipline required to be a Body Bearer translates pretty well to business. You have to be proactive, punctual, and—most importantly—composed under pressure. If you can carry a 600-pound casket without breaking a sweat in front of a grieving family, a tough real estate negotiation probably feels like a walk in the park.
Senior Airman Status
By 2025 and into 2026, Colin reached the rank of Senior Airman (E-4).
It’s a pivotal rank. It’s when you stop being the "new guy" and start taking on more leadership. We’ve even seen photos and reports of him participating in things like public speaking training during "green day" workshops at the base. These workshops are designed to make Airmen "multi-capable." It’s about being ready for deployment, sure, but also about developing life skills that go beyond the uniform.
Addressing the Rumors
There's been some chatter on Reddit and TikTok about how a "lower enlisted" guy can afford a nice place in D.C. or a big engagement ring.
People forget about COLA.
Living in the D.C. area comes with a high Cost of Living Allowance and BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing). It’s not that he’s secretly a millionaire; it’s just how the military pay structure works in expensive zip codes. Plus, let's be real—being on a hit TLC show doesn't exactly hurt the bank account.
What’s Next for Colin?
The Colin Dooley Air Force job has been a massive part of his journey, but the "Ceremonial Guardsman" chapter doesn't last forever. These assignments are usually temporary "special duties" that last a few years before the Airman returns to their primary career field or separates from the service.
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With Baylen Out Loud renewed for another season, we’re likely going to see the actual transition happen on screen. Whether he stays in the reserves to keep those Tricare benefits or dives headfirst into a civilian career, the foundation he built at Anacostia-Bolling is clearly what made him the "calm in the storm" for Baylen.
If you’re looking to understand the reality of military life through Colin’s lens, keep an eye on his "Ready Airman Training" updates. It shows that even for a "TV star," the requirements of the uniform—like medical readiness and deployment certifications—never really stop until the final discharge papers are signed.
Takeaway for fans: Don't let the uniform fool you into thinking it's all just parades. It’s a job of heavy lifting, emotional resilience, and constant training. If you're considering a similar path, look into the USAF Honor Guard's physical requirements—they are some of the strictest in the Department of Defense.