Security Forces Beret
The roots that eventually lead to the Security Police beret are often traced back to the 1041st Security Police Squadron (Test) and "Operation Safeside" during 1965-67 (USAF Police Alumni Association). Over time, the beret evolved in both design and symbolism and became officially worn worldwide by Security Forces personnel in 1976. Its adoption reflects the increasing professionalization and visibility of military policing roles.
The United States Air Force Security Forces beret represents both the identity of the Security Forces career field and the broader evolution of women’s roles in the U.S. military since 1948. Security Forces Airmen are responsible for base defense, law enforcement, and force protection, roles that require combat readiness and leadership. The dark blue beret, worn with the Security Forces badge, symbolizes professionalism, authority, and responsibility for protecting Air Force personnel and installations.
Modern-day Security Forces beret (inspiredpencil.com)
The beret exhibits how women have increasingly entered and succeeded in operational and security roles that men historically dominated. Although their roles were initially limited to support positions, over time, policy changes gradually opened more career fields, including security and combat-adjacent specialties. Today, women serve fully in Air Force Security Forces units, performing the same duties as their male counterparts and earning the same symbols of qualification and authority, including the beret.
Female in modern-day Security Forces beret during a memorial service (tyndall.af.mil)