U.S. Air Force

The 81st Aircraft Generation Squadron (81st AGS) was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the 81st Fighter Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was based at RAF Bentwaters in the United Kingdom, where it was responsible for aircraft maintenance and generation, ensuring the readiness of A-10 Thunderbolt II and earlier, F-4 Phantom II fighter aircraft. The 81st AGS played a key role in NATO operations, supporting deterrence and air defense missions across Europe. The unit was inactivated in the 1990s following the end of the Cold War and the closure of RAF Bentwaters.

The 825th Combat Support was activated in 1952 during the Korean War to provide vital logistical and operational support to front-line units. Initially stationed at Fort Bragg, the unit specialized in transportation, supply distribution, and field maintenance, ensuring sustained combat effectiveness for deployed forces. Throughout the Cold War and into the Gulf War era, the 825th adapted to evolving military doctrines, integrating advanced communications and rapid deployment capabilities. The unit earned multiple commendations for its performance in both domestic training exercises and overseas operations, solidifying its reputation as a reliable backbone of logistical support within the U.S. Army.

The 82nd Field Maintenance Squadron (82nd FMS) was a unit assigned to the United States Air Force, supporting the 82nd Airborne Division and later, the 82nd Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron provided essential aircraft maintenance, repair, and logistical support, ensuring mission readiness for a variety of training and operational aircraft. Throughout its service, the 82nd FMS played a critical role in sustaining the operational capability of the wing, contributing to both stateside training missions and overseas deployments. The unit was eventually inactivated or reorganized as part of broader USAF restructuring efforts in the late 20th century.

The 82nd Medical Training Squadron, stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, plays a critical role in developing medical readiness for the United States Air Force. As part of the 82nd Training Group, the squadron is responsible for providing initial and advanced medical training to Airmen, ensuring they are prepared to support both peacetime and wartime missions. The squadron's rich history is tied to Sheppard AFB’s long-standing mission as a premier technical training center since World War II. Over the years, the 82nd Medical Training Squadron has adapted to evolving medical technologies and combat requirements, maintaining its reputation as a cornerstone of Air Force medical excellence.

The 836th Transportation (Tactical) Company, known as the 836th TRANS(TAC), was a United States Army Reserve unit activated during the Vietnam War era. Specializing in tactical vehicle operations, the unit provided critical logistical support, transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies across challenging terrains. The 836th often operated under hazardous conditions, ensuring the steady flow of resources needed for sustained combat operations. Throughout its service, the unit earned recognition for its reliability and dedication, contributing significantly to the overall success of military missions in its area of responsibility.

The 8th Equipment Maintenance Squadron (8th EMS) is a United States Air Force unit stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Activated in 1982, the squadron provides essential maintenance and support for the 8th Fighter Wing, ensuring the readiness of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and associated equipment. The 8th EMS is responsible for a wide range of maintenance functions, including aircraft structural repair, munitions handling, and aerospace ground equipment upkeep. Through its dedicated efforts, the squadron plays a critical role in maintaining the operational capabilities and combat readiness of U.S. airpower on the Korean Peninsula.

The 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (8th TFW), known as the "Wolf Pack," was first activated during World War II and distinguished itself in the Pacific Theater. Reactivated during the Vietnam War, the unit achieved fame for its combat effectiveness. In 1974, the 8th TFW relocated to Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, where it assumed a critical role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula. Today, the unit continues its mission at Kunsan, providing airpower and maintaining readiness to support U.S. and allied operations in Northeast Asia.

The 8th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment (8th USAFAD) was a specialized unit of the U.S. Army during the Cold War, primarily stationed in West Germany. Its mission was to provide custodial and technical support for NATO nuclear artillery warheads assigned to Belgian Army units as part of the alliance’s nuclear sharing arrangements. The detachment played a critical role in maintaining, securing, and, if authorized, releasing nuclear munitions for use by allied forces. The 8th USAFAD was deactivated following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent reduction of forward-deployed U.S. nuclear weapons in Europe.

The **92nd Civil Engineering Squadron (92 CES)** is a unit assigned to the 92nd Mission Support Group at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Established to provide vital engineering support, the squadron is responsible for maintaining and repairing base infrastructure, ensuring operational readiness for both peacetime and contingency missions. Throughout its history, the 92 CES has played a crucial role in supporting air refueling missions and base sustainment, especially during the Cold War and in recent overseas deployments. The squadron is recognized for its rapid response capabilities in disaster recovery, environmental stewardship, and base construction projects.

The 93rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (93 AMS) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for maintaining and supporting the operational readiness of assigned aircraft. Activated as part of the 93rd Bomb Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California, the squadron played a crucial role in sustaining the B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft. Throughout the Cold War, 93 AMS ensured the wing's aircraft were mission capable, supporting nuclear deterrence and global strike missions. The squadron was inactivated following the closure of Castle AFB in 1995, as part of the post-Cold War drawdown.

The 94th Artillery Group was constituted in the U.S. Army during World War II and activated in 1942. Originally organized as part of the expanding artillery support for Allied operations, the unit saw action in the European Theater, taking part in key campaigns including the Rhineland and Central Europe offensives. After World War II, the 94th was inactivated, but later reactivated during the Cold War, serving as a critical element of NATO’s deterrence posture in Europe, particularly in Germany. The unit was eventually redesignated and its lineage continued under various artillery and air defense formations.

The 96th Test Wing, headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, traces its lineage back to World War II as the 96th Bombardment Group. Reactivated and redesignated through various periods, it became the 96th Test Wing in 2012, assuming the mission of the former Air Armament Center. Today, the 96th Test Wing is the U.S. Air Force's principal test and evaluation unit for air-delivered weapons, navigation and guidance systems, and command and control systems. The wing operates extensive test ranges and facilities, supporting the development and fielding of advanced weaponry and technology for the Department of Defense.

The 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron (964th AACS), commonly known as the 964th AWACS, is a unit of the United States Air Force specializing in airborne command and control. Activated in 1982 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, the squadron operates the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, providing real-time surveillance, command, and battle management for U.S. and allied forces. The 964th has participated in major operations including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions worldwide. The unit remains a critical component of U.S. air defense, ensuring airspace security and operational coordination for joint and coalition forces.

The 96th Transportation Squadron was activated to provide essential logistical and transportation support for the United States Air Force, primarily at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Throughout its history, the squadron has managed vehicle operations, cargo movement, and personnel transport, ensuring the rapid deployment and sustainment of mission-critical resources. The unit has supported a variety of operations, exercises, and contingency missions both within the continental United States and overseas. Known for its dedication and efficiency, the 96th Transportation Squadron continues to play a vital role in maintaining the operational readiness of Eglin AFB and its tenant units.

The 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron traces its origins to World War I, when it was first organized as the 99th Aero Squadron in 1917. Reactivated and redesignated several times, it became the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in the early Cold War era, serving under Strategic Air Command. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the unit operated high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft such as the RB-47 Stratojet, conducting vital intelligence-gathering missions during tense periods of the Cold War. The squadron contributed significantly to U.S. strategic awareness before its eventual inactivation as reconnaissance technology and organizational needs evolved.

The Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) Mechanic role traces its origins to the early days of military aviation, when ground crews were first tasked with maintaining and repairing the equipment necessary to support flight operations. During World War II, the rapid expansion of air forces highlighted the critical need for specialized personnel to ensure the functionality of ground power units, air conditioning carts, and hydraulic test stands. The formalization of the AGE Mechanic specialty grew alongside advances in aircraft technology during the Cold War, integrating new electronic and digital systems. Today, AGE Mechanics are vital to air force operations worldwide, providing essential maintenance and support to keep aircraft mission-ready on the flightline.

The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is a major command of the United States Air Force, established on January 23, 1942, originally as the Army Air Forces Flying Training Command. Its primary mission has been to recruit, train, and educate Air Force personnel, shaping the force through basic, technical, and flying training programs. Over the decades, AETC has played a critical role in developing airmen, adapting to new technologies and operational requirements throughout the Cold War, post-9/11 era, and into the 21st century. Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, AETC remains foundational to ensuring the readiness and professionalism of the U.S. Air Force.

BMTS Academics at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, is a vital component of Basic Military Training for the United States Air Force. Established to provide academic instruction and support, the unit ensures that new Airmen gain essential knowledge in Air Force history, customs, courtesies, and core values. Over the decades, BMTS Academics has adapted its curriculum to address evolving military requirements and technological advancements. Its mission is critical in preparing recruits not only physically, but intellectually for the demands of Air Force service.

David Grant Medical Center (DGMC), located at Travis Air Force Base, California, was established in 1943 and named in honor of Major General (Dr.) David Norvell Walker Grant, the first Surgeon General of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Throughout its history, DGMC has served as one of the largest military medical centers in the United States Air Force, providing care for active duty personnel, retirees, and their families. The center played a critical role in supporting medical operations during conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Today, DGMC continues its mission as a premier healthcare facility, offering advanced medical training, research, and comprehensive healthcare services to the military community.

Detachment 94 was a United States Air Force unit stationed at the Karamürsel Common Defense Installation near Karamürsel, Turkey, during the Cold War. Established in the late 1950s, the detachment played a critical role in signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations, monitoring Soviet communications and missile activity across the Black Sea region. As part of the larger USAF Security Service, Detachment 94 contributed to NATO’s collective defense efforts by providing timely intelligence to U.S. and allied commands. The unit remained active at Karamürsel until the base’s closure and the realignment of U.S. intelligence assets in Turkey during the late 1970s.

The Eglin Air Force Base Medical Group (Eglin AFB Medical Gp) traces its origins to the establishment of Eglin Field in the early 1940s, supporting the health and readiness of service members during World War II. Over the decades, the unit has evolved to provide comprehensive medical, dental, and aerospace medicine services to active duty personnel, dependents, and retirees across the vast Eglin AFB complex in Florida. The group has played a vital role in medical readiness for numerous conflicts, humanitarian missions, and disaster response operations. Today, the Eglin AFB Medical Group continues to innovate in patient care and medical research, supporting both Air Force missions and the surrounding community.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VQ-3), known as the "Ironmen," was established in 1968 as part of the United States Navy’s strategic communications force. The squadron plays a critical role in the Navy’s TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission, providing secure airborne communications links between national command authorities and U.S. nuclear forces. Initially operating the EC-130Q aircraft, VQ-3 later transitioned to the more advanced E-6 Mercury platform to enhance its communications capabilities. Based at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, VQ-3 remains a vital component of the nation’s nuclear command and control structure.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) is a group of senior military leaders in the United States Department of Defense, established formally by the National Security Act of 1947. The JCS originally included the Chairman, the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and later the Commandant of the Marine Corps and Chief of the National Guard Bureau. The body serves as the principal military advisory group to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. Over the decades, the JCS has played a critical role in shaping U.S. military strategy and operations, coordinating joint actions among the armed services, and responding to national and international crises.

The Korea Military Advisory Group (KMAG) was established by the United States in 1949 to assist in the development and training of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) following Korea's liberation from Japanese rule. Composed primarily of U.S. Army officers and non-commissioned officers, KMAG played a crucial role in preparing South Korean forces for self-defense. During the Korean War (1950–1953), KMAG advisors worked closely with ROKA units, providing guidance in tactics, logistics, and organization under combat conditions. Their efforts greatly contributed to the professionalization and effectiveness of South Korean military forces throughout the conflict and beyond.