About this Unit
The **36th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment (USAFAD)** was a unit of the United States Army assigned to NATO during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1960s, the 36th USAFAD was stationed in Germany, where it was responsible for the custody and control of nuclear warheads assigned to Belgian Army artillery units under NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements. The detachment played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and security of these weapons in accordance with U.S. and NATO protocols. The unit was inactivated at the end of the Cold War as NATO restructured and reduced its nuclear forces in Europe.
Historical Facts
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Unit Name and Role: The 36th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment (36th USAFAD) was a nuclear weapons support unit assigned to NATO during the Cold War, specifically tasked with the custody and control of nuclear warheads for allied artillery units in Europe.
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Base of Operations: The 36th USAFAD was stationed at Firth Barracks in Wildeshausen, West Germany, providing support to the Dutch 41st Artillery Battalion (41 Afdeling Veldartillerie).
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Support to the Dutch Army: The detachment worked closely with the Royal Netherlands Army, particularly regarding the operation of 155mm self-propelled howitzers (M109) capable of firing nuclear rounds.
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Activation and Timeline: The 36th USAFAD was activated in the early 1960s as part of the United States' commitment to NATO’s nuclear sharing policy and remained active until the early 1990s, following the end of the Cold War and changes in NATO nuclear posture.
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Security Measures: The unit maintained strict security protocols, including heavily guarded storage sites, dual-key controls, and constant readiness drills, reflecting the high sensitivity of its mission.
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Joint Operations: The 36th USAFAD exemplified close US-European military cooperation, training regularly with Dutch personnel to ensure seamless integration in the event of conflict.
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Cold War Tensions: The unit operated under the constant pressure of potential Warsaw Pact aggression, often participating in NATO exercises such as REFORGER to test rapid deployment and readiness.
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Unique Insignia: Members of the 36th USAFAD sported distinctive unit patches and crests, often featuring artillery motifs and symbols of US-Dutch friendship.
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Community Relations: Despite their secretive mission, personnel of the 36th USAFAD engaged with the local German and Dutch communities, participating in cultural exchanges and events.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The 36th USAFAD was deactivated as part of the post-Cold War drawdown and arms reduction agreements, but its veterans remain active in commemorative associations, preserving the memory of their unique NATO mission.
