Agent debunks common OSI myths Published Nov. 22, 2006 By Special Agent Marvina Minor Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Det. 410 LAUGHLIN AFB, TEXAS -- During my 15 year Air Force career, I have heard some awesome stories about the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Believe me, some of the stories were truly amazing, and if I told you all of them, I would have to kill ya! Just kidding... However, of all the stories I've heard from Airmen, the one that tickles me the most is the idea we have undercover agents everywhere. Early in my career, an Airman approached me at a nightclub and told me to stop following him every time he PCS's or goes TDY. I told him I had no idea who he was and didn't have any interest in following him. But he insisted AFOSI was out to get him and agents were watching his every move. What he failed to hear me say was although we are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we still have a life with friends and family and occasionally go out to have fun and relax. More important, AFOSI does not have the resources to follow one person from base to base, or TDY to TDY, in hopes of them doing something criminal. The AFOSI mission is to "...provide professional investigative services to commanders of all Air Force activities. AFOSI identifies, investigates and neutralizes criminal, terrorist, and espionage threats to Air Force and Department of Defense personnel and resources." AFOSI has approximately 1,935 federally credentialed special agents to serve commanders locally, nationally and globally with 160 units worldwide. In order to have undercover agents dedicated to one person or a small group of people, we would need to increase our numbers significantly. In fact, while most career fields are being reduced, AFOSI is actively recruiting. So the idea that AFOSI has undercover agents everywhere tickles me because it is literally impossible! However, it may appear we are everywhere because we try to make ourselves approachable so people feel comfortable talking and sharing their concerns with us. We depend on you, the war fighter and concerned citizen to provide us with threat information. In turn, AFOSI analyzes the information, utilizes specialized investigative techniques, and determines how to eliminate or minimize the potential threat to AF and DOD resources. AFOSI's weapon system is "people," and without you, we would not be able to do what we do best. The Air Force Eagle Eyes program relies on every Airman and concerned citizen being alert and forwarding threat information to AFOSI. The stories that disappoint me suggest AFOSI only wants to prove criminal allegations versus find the truth. AFOSI agents take pride in investigating allegations and uncovering the truth.We listen to what people tell us and, when available, compare that to the evidence collected. We then provide unbiased reports to commanders who make the tough decisions. Unfortunately, what most people don't realize is a significant number of investigations are disproved because AFOSI and commanders are passionate about finding the truth. AFOSI is able to do this by maintaining autonomy from the host base chain of command. AFOSI is a field-operating agency with our Headquarters at Andrews AFB, Md., and we report to the Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. Lastly, as agents, we live by the same Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. I do not believe there are any agents who wake up in the morning and think, "I wonder who I can set up today?" Just like I don't believe there are Airmen who start their day thinking about what trouble they can get into that day. The truth is, in life, people make mistakes. And when the mistakes involve felony-level crimes or lead to potential threats to the AF or DOD resources, AFOSI has a duty to investigate and find the truth. All agents volunteer for their position, and most volunteer because they want to help people. They want to find the truth because our investigations not only affect the lives of individuals who find themselves the subject of investigations, but also their families, friends, co-workers, units and ultimately the Air Force. Although we do not wear uniforms everyday, we do share the same experiences and desires to do the right thing and to do what is best for the Air Force. We believe in and live by the motto of our commander, Brigadier General Dana Simmons, "Mission First, People Always." And that is the truth about AFOSI. For more information about AFOSI, please visit http://public.afosi.amc.af.mil/ or contact your local AFOSI Detachment at (830) 298-5158.