Buz forwarded me an “Air Police” jeep for sale at eBay. Clearly there are some issues with this ‘restoration’. One choice I thought was strange was the “Air Police” label itself; but, then I started doing some research and found some references to Air Police Jeeps. If Ann weren’t sleeping so soundly beside me, I’d wake her up and ask her about Air Force Jeeps. Instead, I’ll let her sleep. You can see more jeeps and learn more about them through the links below:
This is the “Air Police” M-38 for sale on eBay:
Below are just some of the images I found:
1. http://defensorfortis.info/AP/2010/07/11/air-police-jeep-air-police-kid-and-polizei/
2. http://www.ancientfaces.com/research/photo/405090/tom-wilson-air-policenew-castle-delaware-family-ph
http://www.modellautos.miniatures.de/
The link for the picture below doesn’t work, but I was able to capture the image.
This is what my neighbor back home sent me. He is a retired Air Policeman who served in the 60’s and drove M38’s and A1’s.
DEFENDERS OF THE FORCE!
They went from Military Police in 1947, to Air Police in 1948, to Security Police in 1966, and as of July 1, 1997, they were officially redesig- nated the SECURITY FORCES.
But the Air Force’s Defenders have changed more than just their name over the years.
The differences are as drastic as their choice of upgrade in vehicles, from the old Air Police jeeps to today’s security “ride” of choice, the versatile humvee.
During the Korean War, the Air Police Units were usually the only armed fighting force on an Air Force base. And having forward bases overrun led to the development of air base defense capability. After the Korean War, the miission’s focus switched to security of Cold War nuclear forces.
In the mid 1960s, Air Police became Security Police, which was considered more descript- ive of their two main mission elements, police and security forces. During the Vietnam War, the need for external base defense soon became apparent and led to specially trained and equipped units …they were the original Blue Berets.
In 1971, the career field was divided into law enforcement and security. And with “the end” of the Cold War, emphasis soon shifted to the rapid deployment of defense forces in support of Air Expeditionary Forces.
Let’s see, wrong engine, wrong wheels, poor quality body repair, modified dash, many missing or wrong parts and an extra thick orange peel paint job? Yep, that must make this Jeep worth $7,500 bucks to someone but not to me.
Thanks Jim .. that was very helpful!