What Is the Air Force OSI?

The U.S. Air Force has its own investigative arm called the OSI.

The Air Force OSI (AFOSI) stands for the Office of Special Investigations. The AFOSI performs specialized investigative duties to aid commanders of Air Force activities. The AFOSI also protects personnel of the Air Force and the Department of Defense from potential threats of terrorism and espionage.

History

Former Air Force Secretary W. Stuart Symington founded the Air Force Office of Special Investigations on Aug. 1, 1948. AFOSI follows the structure of the FBI. Symington appointed a special agent named Joseph Carroll as the first AFOSI commander.

Duties and Responsibilities

AFOSI serves as “eyes of the eagle” and seeks to maintain a force that meets Air Force needs. It functions as an early detection unit that provides warnings of threat to Air Force activities. AFOSI also investigates crime and fraud to protect Air Force resources and ensure integrity within the force.

Headquarters and Regions

The Air Force OSI operates from its headquarters at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. It branches out into different field investigation regions, which include the Air Force Materiel Command, Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces and Air Force Space Command. AFOSI reports to the Inspector General from the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force.

Training

The Air Force OSI recruits and trains its agents. Recruits go through an entry-level training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. Training requires physical fitness and discipline. Qualified trainees attend a mandatory Criminal Investigator Training Program that lasts for 11 weeks. Agency-specific coursework follows the program for six weeks. Recruits learn about firearms, forensics, surveillance and surveillance detection, crime scene investigations and federal laws. Program graduates spend a year on probation while working in the field.

Qualifications for Joining

AFOSI accepts applications from civilians, reserves, Air Force officers, enlisted airmen and interns. Civilian candidates range from experienced law enforcement personnel to recent college graduates. AFOSI requires prior military service from Air Force reserve applicants, and Air Force officers go through screening boards. Enlisted airmen must have prior experience in a career field before being considered. The Air Force website lists detailed qualifications for different applicants.

References

• U.S. Air Force: OSI Fact Sheet
• Air Force Mission Directive: Responsibilities
• U.S. Air Force: AFOSI Recruiting

Resources

• Homeland Security: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center