OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The Air Force Office of Special Investigations’ 5th Field Investigations Squadron and the Republic of Korea Air Force Investigative Agency, or AFIA, held their third subject matter expert exchange May 14, strengthening cooperation and the forensic capabilities of both organizations, officials said.
“This exchange gave our teams a valuable opportunity to better understand how we support investigations in a combined environment,” said Lt. Col. David Alan Johnson, AFOSI 5th FIS commander. “That shared understanding improves our interoperability and reinforces the ROK-U.S. Alliance.”
Hosted by AFIA, the exchange marked the first time the ROKAF investigative agency led the engagement following two previous sessions hosted by AFOSI at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
The event focused on sharing forensic science techniques, increasing understanding of each organization’s investigative processes and strengthening a combined investigative framework between U.S. and ROK Air Force law enforcement professionals.
Johnson and Col. Hong Chang-hyeon, AFIA commander, attended the exchange alongside 28 investigators and specialists from both agencies.
During the event, Special Agent Bryan Call, a forensic science consultant assigned to AFOSI Center Detachment 1, led a session on crime-scene photography. The instruction covered advanced techniques for documenting shooting scenes, including the use of lasers to accurately trace bullet trajectories.
“Accurate crime-scene documentation is critical to any investigation,” Call said. “When investigators capture evidence such as bullet trajectories, they create a stronger investigative record that helps tell the full story of what occurred.”
AFIA personnel also provided an overview of their operational procedures, forensic equipment and cyber investigation capabilities. Demonstrations included the use of ultraviolet-light equipment to identify footprints, as well as procedures for evidence collection and digital forensic analysis.
The exchange concluded with a discussion on standardizing joint investigative procedures to help both agencies operate seamlessly during incidents at combined military installations. Leaders from both organizations also agreed to continue expanding the exchanges to maintain mission readiness and strengthen their collective response to criminal activity.
According to Johnson, the exchange was an opportunity to strengthen our professional expertise and build a foundation for faster, more accurate investigative support in a combined operational environment.
“By sharing our techniques and understanding each other’s capabilities, we enhance our interoperability and reinforce the ironclad ROK-U.S. Alliance,” he said. “We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership to ensure we are always ready to respond to any contingency.”