USAFA to AFOSI???

[heloo]

Hey there!

I am currently a high school junior who is in the application process for the academy and it is my dream to work for a federal law enforcement agency (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.) in the future. After watching just about every youtube video and reading every article on all the military academies, USAFA is currently my top pick. Although I've been able to find great resources on academy life and service, I can't seem to find the answer to one specific question. Is it possible for me to go directly from USAFA to AFOSI? It seems like it would be possible from everything that I've read, but I haven't gotten a definitive answer. I believe that the Air Force Office of Special Investigations would be a great career and could possibly lead to a job in a civilian agency. Any comments on this are greatly appreciated!

 

[USAFA10s]

Yes it’s possible- but not probable. I think in my class, we had 7 drop OSI

 

[heloo]

Yes it’s possible- but not probable. I think in my class, we had 7 drop OSI

Hmm... I see. On the bright side, at least it's possible I guess lol! Do you know if OSI a desired position in the Air Force? Like were a lot of people competing for this job?

 

[USAFA10s]

Hmm... I see. On the bright side, at least it's possible I guess lol! Do you know if OSI a desired position in the Air Force? Like were a lot of people competing for this job?

Yes, that is why it is so hard to get. It is highly competitive and has its own selection process that (at least back in my day) involved a lengthy application and interview process.

 

[Capt MJ]

Hey there!

I am currently a high school junior who is in the application process for the academy and it is my dream to work for a federal law enforcement agency (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.) in the future. After watching just about every youtube video and reading every article on all the military academies, USAFA is currently my top pick. Although I've been able to find great resources on academy life and service, I can't seem to find the answer to one specific question. Is it possible for me to go directly from USAFA to AFOSI? It seems like it would be possible from everything that I've read, but I haven't gotten a definitive answer. I believe that the Air Force Office of Special Investigations would be a great career and could possibly lead to a job in a civilian agency. Any comments on this are greatly appreciated!

The “ABC” agencies hire former military junior officers for their understanding of service to the country in a hierarchical organization, leadership experience in operational situations, proven performance under pressure, ability to work as part of a team, a physically fit and drug-free lifestyle, existing security clearance, and other factors. Language abilities are always a plus. Cyber and STEM skills are always welcome. Exactly what that person did as a professional specialty in uniform didn’t matter as much.

Over the years we have sponsored USNA midshipmen, we have watched several head this way after their uniformed service. Some examples:
- Physics major, Marine ground officer in communications, combat experienced leader, advanced martial arts practitioner, language skills, clandestine service.
- Oceanographic engineering major, Navy surface warfare (ships), tested well on language ability, one of the big ABCs, with follow-on additional training in dirty bombs due to her STEM background, as well as training in certain strategic languages. This one noted in her agency training class, there were vets from all services, along with civilians from law enforcement agencies and lawyers. Her roommate there was a USMA grad with MP background; otherwise, none of the military had a security or investigations background, but were all proven performers in their field. She said her agency taught them everything they needed to know, and once in the field, they worked with more senior agents for OJT. She said she came to understand her agency recruited from a wide range of backgrounds with a focus on their future potential to perform well in operational scenarios and adapt to the agency, not so much their specific military specialty.

The moral of the story here is that a stellar career in a wide range of military fields opens many doors. Don’t limit yourself; look for your best fit.

Finally, note the FBI veteran portal below - it doesn’t speak to veterans just with a background in military law enforcement and investigations. Do some searches with “agency name veteran hiring.”

Veterans | FBIJOBS

www.fbijobs.gov

 

[MCA]

Hey there. I am a CO 2025 applicant who is interested federal law enforcement. I have wanted to work for the US Marshals Service since I was in the 6th grade. I have done research and, personally, I don’t think I will want to branch OSI. I was talking to an academy grad who is now a Major in OSI. She said that you do a few cases early on in your career, but since you are an officer, you usually are in charge of the enlisted field agents (Aka desk duty). That doesn't seem too interesting to me and I just don't see how that could prepare me for LE with another agency.

I feel that there are other careers in the military that will prepare me for a federal law enforcement career. I am currently looking into military intelligence or public affairs. I want to branch something where I have the ability to interact with people or use my brain to problem solve and think analytically. (skills that are necessary for LE). As Capt mentioned above, any career in the military can prepare you for a LE career, not just OSI.

In addition, if you branch OSI, you learn all the basic police and law enforcement skills... GREAT. But if you don’t want to be in law enforcement 15 years down the road than what? You were an OSI afsc so what other skills do you have? I have a buddy who is a current K-9 Deputy for my local sheriffs office. He joined the AF reserves when he was 18. He went into logistics. He has to use his brain to think analytically. He went on a few combat deployments and then he became a cop. After 7 years on the job, he doesn’t want to be a cop anymore. Because of his logistics background in the AF, he has the skills to transition into another career. In a sense, he didn’t “put all his eggs in one basket”. He didn't say "law enforcement all the way". I think that was smart and have taken the same mindset. That is also part of the reason I don't want to branch OSI. I want exposure in potentially a different career field.

These are just some points that are important to think about. You're a new member so you can't private message me yet, but when have the ability, feel free to reach out!