AFOSI

A History of Who We Are and What We Do

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) was established on Aug. 1, 1948, at the direction of Congress to consolidate investigative activities within the U.S. Air Force. Secretary of the Air Force W. Stuart Symington created AFOSI, modeling it after the FBI, and appointed Special Agent Joseph Carroll—then an assistant to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover—as AFOSI ‘s first commander. Carroll was charged with providing independent, unbiased, and centrally directed investigations of criminal activity affecting the Air Force.

Since its founding, AFOSI has served as the Department of the Air Force’s principal investigative agency. Reporting to the Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force, AFOSI delivers professional investigative and counterintelligence services to commanders across all Air Force and Space Force activities.

Headquartered at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, AFOSI operates through seven field investigations regions aligned with major Air Force commands around the world. These regions oversee a global network of squadrons, detachments, and operating locations. In total, AFOSI maintains more than 260 field units worldwide, enabling rapid, mission‑focused investigative support wherever Department of the Air Force personnel serve.

AFOSI at Laughlin Air Force Base

At Laughlin AFB, AFOSI provides investigative and counterintelligence support tailored to the installation’s flying training mission. The local detachment works closely with base leadership, security forces, and mission partners to protect Airmen, safeguard resources, and identify threats that could impact operations. AFOSI personnel at Laughlin also engage with the community to encourage reporting, strengthen awareness, and maintain a secure environment for the Department of the Air Force.

Purpose

Defend the Nation, serve justice, protect the Department of the Air Force, and find the truth. This purpose guides every investigation, every partnership, and every action AFOSI undertakes. It reflects our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Air Force and Space Force while upholding the highest standards of federal law enforcement.

Foundation

AFOSI is a federal law enforcement and investigative agency operating across the full spectrum of conflict. From peacetime operations to contested environments, AFOSI delivers independent, unbiased investigative capabilities that protect people, missions, and resources. Our foundation is built on professionalism, adaptability, and a global presence that ensures we can respond wherever the mission requires.

Mission

Identify, exploit, and neutralize criminal, terrorist, and intelligence threats in multiple domains to the United States Air Force, United States Space Force, Department of Defense, and U.S. Government. AFOSI’s mission spans everything from complex criminal investigations to counterintelligence operations, enabling commanders to make informed decisions and maintain mission readiness.

Vision

A trusted and relevant global investigative agency, aligned with a rapidly evolving strategic environment. AFOSI strives to be a reliable partner recognized for excellence—enabling and protecting the Air Force, Space Force, the Department of Defense, and the Nation. Our vision reflects a forward‑leaning posture that anticipates emerging threats and strengthens the security of the joint force.

AFOSI Strategic Lines of Effort

These priorities shape how OSI organizes, resources, and executes its mission in a rapidly evolving threat environment.