820th Base Defense Group

The 820th Base Defense Group is the United States Air Force's only first-in, fully-integrated, world-wide deployable, base defense capability currently based at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The BDG (approximately 800 personnel) was re-activated in 1997 (prior to was designated the 1041st TEST) and is composed of three rapidly-deployable Base Defense Squadrons (822 BDS "Safeside", 823 BDS "Jesters", 824 BDS "Ghostwalkers"), and the 820th Combat Operations Squadron (820 COS "Reapers"). Each multi-functional BDS contains security forces, intelligence, EOD, engineering, communications, medical, logistics, and administration personnel able to operate with limited support from other deployed forces, as part of the Department of Defense's Immediate Response Force (IRF). Currently, the 820th BDG has been placed under Air Combat Commands only lead wing. The unit is trained and equipped to perform joint forceable entry (airborne insertion, air assault operations), RANGER, Jungle, Arctic, Mountain, Pathfinder, SAPPR, FRIES/SPIES, Sniper Support, airfield security assessments, base defense, area defense, mobile defense, and C2 of defense forces for one large base or several small sites. Additionally, the squadrons can link with other integrated defense or initial entry/base seizure forces and provide a secure and smooth transition to airfield opening forces.