815th Combat Defense Squadron

• Origins: The 815th Combat Defense Squadron (CDS) was an Air Force security unit activated during the Cold War to provide base defense and security for strategic assets. • Location: The squadron was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, a key Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation. • Primary Mission: Its main role was to protect the base’s aircraft, personnel, and nuclear weapons, particularly the B-47 Stratojet bombers. • Cold War Context: The 815th CDS operated at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union, making their security mission critical. • Specialized Training: Squadron members underwent rigorous training in small arms, tactics, and counter-sabotage operations to counter potential threats. • Evolution: The 815th CDS was later redesignated as the 815th Security Police Squadron as the Air Force updated its organizational structures. • Recognition: The squadron earned commendations for its exemplary performance during several high-profile base security inspections and exercises. • Uniform Distinction: Members of the 815th CDS were recognizable by their blue berets, a symbol of the Air Force security police community. • Notable Incident: The unit played a critical role during a 1960s base-wide alert when a security breach drill tested the entire base’s readiness, with the 815th earning high marks. • Legacy: Although deactivated, the 815th CDS’s lineage and traditions continue within modern Air Force security forces, emphasizing vigilance and dedication to mission.