OSI officials lead counterintelligence program

Released: 8 Oct 1999

MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. (AFPN) -- When people hear the terms "sabotage," "subversion" and "espionage," many have visions of James Bond slipping undetected into an enemy stronghold or Tom Cruise, suspended by ropes, copying classified information from a guarded computer.

Despite what Hollywood would have us believe, foreign intelligence services wishing to bring harm and destruction to the U.S. armed forces are generally much more subtle in their attempts to gain access to military systems, technology and information.

According to Special Agent Kelly Smith, Air Force Office of Special Investigations here, intelligence is simply the gathering of information.

"When you know what an adversary is planning, you're in a better position to defend yourself, and generally, your adversary will try and obtain the same information about you," Smith said.

The agent said counterintelligence is information gathered, and activities conducted, to protect against espionage and other intelligence activities, sabotage or assassinations conducted by or on the behalf of foreign governments, organizations, persons or international terrorist groups.

"Since the FIS do not stand in the shadows with hats pulled down low over sunglasses, wearing trench coats, the 'bad guys' are not as clearly defined as those portrayed in Hollywood movies," Smith explained.

AFOSI is responsible for identifying and countering all human intelligence targeting of Air Force personnel and information. The AFOSI agents also safeguard resources, and prevent sabotage, subversion, terrorism and major security violations.

"The only way we can effectively do our jobs is with the support of all Air Force members," said Jon Wisham, 305th Air Mobility Wing AFOSI detachment commander. "All military troops are at risk of being targeted by FIS; therefore, commanders must ensure their personnel receive counterintelligence briefings."

Wisham said service members should understand the procedures for reporting acts of espionage, questionable contacts, or unauthorized requests for defense information, as well as other possible threats to Air Force security.

According to Air Force Instruction 71-101 Volume 1, Criminal Investigations, AFOSI must be promptly informed of situations that could expose personnel to possible attention by a FIS, indicate intelligence targeting of the United States, or other security concerns.

Wisham shared some examples of possible contact:

-- Unofficial contact with a non-U.S. citizen who is employed by a foreign diplomatic establishment.

-- Any requests made by persons to gain unauthorized access to classified or otherwise sensitive information. This includes U.S. active-duty military personnel and/or civilians.

-- Any attempt or offer to give classified or otherwise sensitive information.

-- Any planned, actual or deliberate attempt to release classified or controlled information.

"If Air Force members know or believe they have been involved in any type of reportable situations, they must report the incident in person to us," said Smith.

RELATED SITES

* Air Force Office of Special Investigations