85th USAFAD

• Full Designation: The 85th USAFAD stands for the 85th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment. • Nuclear Mission: The unit was responsible for the custody and control of nuclear warheads assigned to NATO allies, specifically the Belgian Army, during the Cold War. • Location: The 85th USAFAD was stationed in Werl, West Germany, at the Caserne de l’Otan, supporting the Belgian 14th Artillery Battalion. • Active Years: The unit was active from 1962 until its deactivation in 1992, coinciding with the end of the Cold War and NATO's nuclear drawdown. • Role in NATO: The 85th USAFAD was part of a network of U.S. Army units supporting NATO's nuclear sharing policy, ensuring allied forces could employ nuclear weapons if authorized. • Security Measures: The detachment implemented strict security protocols, including Permissive Action Links (PALs), to prevent unauthorized use of nuclear weapons. • Joint Operations: The unit regularly conducted joint exercises with Belgian forces to ensure readiness in the event of a Warsaw Pact attack. • Specialized Training: Personnel received advanced training in nuclear weapons handling, security, and emergency response, making them among the most highly trained soldiers of their time. • Community Relations: Despite their secretive mission, members of the 85th USAFAD often engaged with the local German and Belgian communities, fostering goodwill during tense periods. • Legacy: After deactivation, veterans of the 85th USAFAD created reunions and online groups to preserve the unique history and camaraderie of this specialized unit.