SECURITY POLICE

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

185

About SECURITY POLICE

The Security Police, originally established as the Air Police in 1947 with the creation of the United States Air Force, were re-designated as Security Police in 1966 to better reflect their dual law enforcement and security roles. Their primary mission has been to protect Air Force personnel, resources, and installations worldwide, especially during the Cold War when they secured nuclear weapons sites and air bases. Security Police units played pivotal roles in Vietnam, defending airfields against enemy attacks, and later participated in operations throughout the Middle East, including Operation Desert Storm. In 1997, the Security Police merged with Law Enforcement Specialists to form the modern Security Forces, continuing their legacy of safeguarding the Air Force’s global operations.

Unit Members

Randy Kilanowski

U.S. Air Force (1984-1990)

SECURITY POLICEView Profile

Glenn Winchester

U.S. Air Force

SECURITY POLICEView Profile

Photos

Craig Boullt 1964

U.S. Air Force • 1964

looks like we are hung over bad

U.S. Air Force • 1965

eggers pushing that mud

U.S. Air Force • 1965

Partying with the ladies

U.S. Navy • 1997

About SECURITY POLICE

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in World War II: The Security Police trace their roots to the Army Air Forces Military Police in World War II, when airfields and aircraft required specialized protection against sabotage and espionage. • Official Formation: The United States Air Force Security Police were officially established in 1947, coinciding with the formation of the U.S. Air Force as a separate branch. • First Female Members: In 1971, the Air Force Security Police became one of the first military police organizations to allow women to serve in law enforcement roles. • Vietnam War Heroics: Security Police units played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, notably defending Tan Son Nhut Air Base during the Tet Offensive in 1968, earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor. • Specialized K-9 Units: Security Police have long worked alongside military working dogs, which are trained for patrol, drug detection, and explosives detection missions. • Transition to Security Forces: In 1997, the Security Police merged with the Air Base Ground Defense (ABGD) units and were renamed "Security Forces," reflecting a broader mission set. • “Defensor Fortis” Motto: The Security Police adopted the Latin motto “Defensor Fortis,” meaning “Defenders of the Force,” a phrase that is still used by Air Force Security Forces today. • Presidential Protection: Security Police have participated in protecting Air Force One and providing security for U.S. Presidents on Air Force bases around the globe. • Global Deployments: Security Police and their successors, Security Forces, have deployed to every major conflict since World War II, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions. • Notable Valor Awards: Members of the Security Police have been awarded some of the highest military honors, including the Silver Star and Bronze Star, for acts of heroism in combat situations.