Thread: AFOSI Technical Surveillance/Services

Good afternoon to all, this question is for all AFOSI agents or anyone else that might have insight into AFOSI's Tech Surveillance/Services section. I will be interviewing for a possible position with this section on 22 Jan. What exactly are the qualifications they look for? I've read just a little bit on the subject, but I haven't found anything directly pertaining to AFOSI mission in this section. What are the TDY's like and about how much time due they spend away from the regional office throughout the year?

Here is just a tidbit on my background, selected for AFOSI-March 19 class date. Received an 82 on the Electronics portion of the ASVAB. Currently work in the Computer Communications field with knowledge of network encryptors and host of other comm installation and troubleshooting experience.

All information pertinent to this subject is welcome. Thank you in advance.

Generally speaking, OSI is very busy. Expect 12hr days on average. Expect weekend work...probably more 12hr days. Expect a lot of TDYs (short and long for various actions)...depending on what sort of taskings your Det undertakes. Deployment TDYs are usually 6mo to not so nice places with direct interaction with not so nice scenarios and people, in addition to potential extension time on top of that on occasion. You may/may not get attached to Army/Marine units, etc. OSI is so versatile, there's no way to say you will do "this" and work "x" number of hours. Just expect a lot of work, coupled with little rest and a variety of taskings.

As for the tech job inquiry, most likely your tech knowledge will be a supplement to your agent work and the needs of the Det. Past that, I have no idea what they "look for".

If you've already been accepted into OSI and are headed to FLETC, that's the major hurdle to overcome. Getting into or being denied from a specific position this early in the game would be of secondary concern for most applicants. Just don't screw up and get yourself in trouble before FLETC.

Congrats.

FNG

As a tech guy, your hours will vary widely. USUALLY if you are in the office you wont be overloaded with major hours, like the regular agents...if you are a good time manager. Now, when you are on the road, that is a different story. LONG hours on the road, and many days on the road (range from several weeeks to several months depending on the job at hand). Also, you better like driving. You will drive to 99.999% of the locations you work in...you can't fly with all the equipment you need, therefore you drive. Satellite radio in the GOV helps, if you are lucky enough to have it.

As far as selection, they are mainly interested in your ability to do technical work, with electronics etc. As long as you have a general understanding (and it sounds like you may), you should be alright. As long as you have that "brain type", they will teach you the OSI specifics of what you need to know at BTAC (Basic Tech Agent's Course). Also, if you are good at or like photography, that is a plus too.

Deployments are a reality as well. While the calculated days etc are a little different from regular agents (you get credit for time spent TDY on the road as deployment days, last I knew)...however, there are a lot more tech slots per tech agent as opposed to regular agent slots per regular agent...so it works out about the same, if not more deployment time. Deployments vary, but most of the tech deployments are in a joint environment overseas, anywhere from 4-6 months, but usually 6 months. Very few are OSI specific.

Feel free to PM me if you have any more OSI specific questions. Congrats on your initial selection! If you get tech, that will be icing on the cake!

-OT