Strat plan signals culture shift

  • Published
  • By Col. Kirk B. Stabler, Commander
  • Air Force Office of Special Investigations

On Dec. 6, 2018, I was excited to announce the rollout of our first OSI Strategic Plan in eight years. This will be our guiding document over the next five years to ensure we’re meeting Air Force and Department of Defense strategic priorities.   

I’m more excited than ever in anticipation of how this roadmap will be incorporated at all levels of our unique organization to reflect those priorities.

How are we unique? Of the 18,000 law enforcement agencies across the U.S., we’re the only one employing both military and civilian members who execute criminal and counterintelligence investigations. Conducting these investigations within the framework of our strategic plan will be our focus moving forward. 

The foundation of the Strategic Plan is returning to our Federal Law Enforcement roots. A large part of that is developing a “hunter” mindset. I want our people, special agents and professional staff alike, to switch from a gatherer mentality to a more aggressive, proactive approach toward getting their respective jobs done.

We need to have a much larger thirst for aggressively running cases and performing support operations. If we don’t, we’re missing the boat as far as what the Air Force expects of us, either as Special Agents or professional staff.

With the “hunter” mindset comes risk. We have to be comfortable taking risks, which translates into leadership at all levels trusting our people. With this shift, I expect leadership oversight, not micro-management.

How we perform will always matter as we move forward. That’s why we need to own our successes and failures, and learn from our past experiences. Understanding what our limitations are, as well as our capabilities, is the only way we can succeed.

We must continue to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. Given what we do in our various missions and the global footprint of OSI, we will always further the belief that equality for all is our standard. We will respect our differences, but at the same time ensure we instill every member of this organization with a sense of belonging.           

By meshing the strategic priorities of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force, the new OSI Strategic Plan streamlines our mission, focused on achieving effects and results that support the needs of our national security.                                                             

Finally, I cannot tell you how proud I am to serve with each and every one of you. I’m honored to lead OSI as its professional stature continues to grow with our customers and fellow agencies in the law enforcement and intelligence communities.