AFOSI

• Origins in World War II: The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) traces its roots to 1948, when it was established to provide the newly created U.S. Air Force with its own investigative service, modeled after the FBI. • First Commander: The first commander of AFOSI was Joseph F. Carroll, who had previously served as a senior FBI official and brought many investigative techniques from the Bureau. • Wide-Ranging Mission: AFOSI investigates a wide range of criminal activities, including espionage, terrorism, cybercrime, fraud, and drug offenses, making it one of the most versatile investigative agencies in the U.S. military. • Global Presence: AFOSI has units stationed at over 220 locations worldwide, operating wherever the U.S. Air Force has a presence. • Counterintelligence Role: AFOSI plays a crucial part in U.S. Air Force counterintelligence, conducting operations to detect and prevent spying and sabotage. • Protective Services: AFOSI provides personal protection for high-ranking Air Force officials and visiting dignitaries, similar to the duties of the U.S. Secret Service. • Undercover Operations: AFOSI agents often work undercover and have been instrumental in uncovering major espionage cases, such as the Jonathan Pollard spy case in the 1980s. • Hollywood Portrayal: AFOSI was featured in the popular 1950s TV series "The Man from Blackhawk" and has been referenced in other media for its investigative work. • First Female Commander: In 2017, Brigadier General Terry L. Bullard became the first woman to serve as the commander of AFOSI. • Fallen Heroes: AFOSI agents have been killed in action while performing their duties in combat zones, including during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting the dangers they face.