The Iceland Defense Force (IDF) is a subordinate unified command of U.S. European Command and is composed of Army, Navy and Air Force personnel as well as local Icelandic civilians.

Strategically located in the North Atlantic at Naval Air Station Keflavík, IDF has been key in keeping the sea and air lines of communication open between North America and Europe for more than 50 years. IDF was established in 1951 when, at the request of NATO, the United States signed an agreement to provide for the defense of Iceland and the North Atlantic.

Today, It provides a dynamic and challenging work environment with the overall responsibility for all military operations in Iceland resting with the IDF commander, an Air Force Colonel.

There are more than 25 different commands of various sizes attached to Iceland Defense Force.  Approximately 1,350 U.S. military personnel, 100 DoD civilians, and 650 Icelandic civilians as well as military members from Norway and Denmark work on NAS Keflavik.