Force Structure/Organization:
The squadron is comprised of approximately 100 military and civilian personnel. Sections within the squadron include Operations, Combat Arms, Logistics, Force Protection Intelligence, Electronic Security Systems, Training and Standards and Evaluations, Plans and Programs, and the Anti-terrorism Office.
The squadron is the largest subordinate unit within the 102nd Mission Support Group, the only one with a 24/7 mission, and has the highest domestic operations and Air Expeditionary Force operations tempo in the group as well.
Functions and Capabilities:
The squadron’s primary mission is police services and force protection at Otis Air National Guard Base. Due to enduring partnerships both on and off base, as well as organic capabilities; the Base Defense Operations Center also serves as the command and control focal point for all police services and force protection operations on Joint Base Cape Cod.
Background:
History: Originally stood up in the 1960s with the 102nd Fighter Wing, the unit was converted from a “flight” to a “squadron” in the late 1980s. During the Air Force-wide restructure in the early 1990s, the squadron’s manpower was increased to meet NORAD Security Police deployment requirements. Driven by changes within the Security Forces career field in the late 1990s, the squadron was converted from a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) weapons system, security-deployed mission (flight line-centric), to a general-purpose, air-base-defense deployed mission (base tactical perimeter outwards). This significantly changed the squadron’s training and weapons qualification requirements and lead to significantly higher operational demands.
Deployments: The squadron has been on a constant mobilization schedule since September 11, 2001, with more than 20 partial mobilizations (and counting) in support of Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Linda Rhino, and Freedom Sentinel.
Awards: 2010 Iraq Campaign Streamer, 1977 Headquarters Air Force Outstanding Security Police Reserve Unit, 1977 Air Defense Command Outstanding Security Police Reserve Unit, numerous MAJCOM inspection awards.