OSI: Do you have what it takes? Published March 13, 2008 By Airman 1st Clas Jessica Lockoski 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an Air Force Office of Special Investigations agent? Currently, OSI is seeking enlisted Air Force members to join the "Eyes of the Eagle." To help give people a glimpse into the career of an OSI agent, Detachment 321 is scheduled to hold a recruitment fair March 25, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Robert J. Dole Center ballroom. Not only can attendees learn about different aspects of OSI in action to include deployments, they may have career questions answered and gain a better understanding of OSI's responsibilities to the Air Force. "Guests will be able to start the AFOSI application process on-site during the event," said Special Agent Rich Toth, Agent in Charge, OSI, Det. 321, McConnell. The mission of OSI is to identify, exploit and neutralize criminal, terrorist and intelligence threats to the Air Force, DoD and the U.S. Government. AFOSI is a military organization with a federal law enforcement mission that has been apart of the Air Force for 60 years. "OSI is the Air Force's independent investigative agency that is tasked with conducting felony-level investigations and counter intelligent operations," said Special Agent Toth. Undertaking the mission may be multifaceted, with more than 2,600 "sharp-eyed" agents Air Force wide. But, OSI has a large variety of specialized job areas that focus on meeting those significant mission goals, keeping the Air Force protected. Some of these jobs may include computer crime investigator, forensic science consultant, undercover special agent, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center instructor, linguist and counterintelligence investigator, all in different categories of operations. "The skies the limit when it comes to job specialties because AFOSI is quick to adapt to new technologies," said the agent. "Even a special agent that wished to stay in the criminal investigations area is offered all sorts of advanced training and opportunities to develop unique skills." Airmen can join the reigns of becoming an OSI member by meeting the extensive criteria agents are required to have. "A well rounded, mature, independent individual that isn't afraid to work hard, makes the best applicant," said Agent Eric Malmquist, OSI Det. 321. "An initial application process is designed to weed out those that don't meet minimums due to past history, educational requirements and physical limitations." Perspective applicant should have an outstanding military record and must qualify for a top secret clearance. "Agents must also be able to make tough decisions in a split second, think outside the box everyday, and be prepared to handle frustration and stress," said Agent Malmquist. OSI can recruit Airmen from any career field as long as the functional field will release the applicants. "This gives our agency a wealth of experiences and training to draw upon when conducting an investigation," he said. "Some of our best special agents were once in services, contracting and maintenance career fields." After being accepted into the program, OSI candidates attend training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga. for an 11-week entry level investigative training program. Candidates will then go through eight weeks of AFOSI specific technical training. "AFOSI will ensure people receive the best training through their career as an agent," said Agent Toth. "It can also offer travel to some of the world's most exotic locations because agents are working world-wide with U.S. and foreign counterparts." "It is amazing how must trust the government has placed in AFOSI agents and I am awed to see and hear about my agency's global accomplishments," he said. "Everyday is different and the unique challenges that arise task even the most seasoned special agent." Airmen and DoD employees interested in attending the AFOSI recruitment fair can call 316-759-4273 to reserve a seat. For more information about AFOSI, visit their public Web site at www.osi.andrews.af.mil.