QUANTICO, Va. -- Ensuring personnel are paid accurately and on time is vital for any agency—and the Office of Special Investigations is no different. Financial stability directly influences morale, efficiency and mission success.
While people often attribute OSI to its badge-carrying Special Agents, there are countless behind-the-scenes roles, like Tech. Sgt. Davin Peeples, who also keep the mission running smoothly.
As the non-commissioned officer in charge of budget integrations at OSI’s headquarters, Peeples ensures financial stability and support for over 4,000 personnel, he said, demonstrating daily how important the value of effective financial management is within the agency.
“Throughout my career, I've learned that things don't get done without relationships,” Peeples said. “When someone needs something, I can say, 'Oh, I know someone in that office, let me give them a call for you.’”
But long before joining OSI, Peeples began his Air Force career in May 2012 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, as a financial analyst, a position he held for six years. This led to multiple deployments to Qatar, Turkey, and Kuwait with the 378th Air Expeditionary Squadron and Combined Joint Task Force.
While deployed with OSI, Peeples said, “OSI allowed me to take on an even more specialized role, which was an incredible opportunity. This kind of deployment is something I probably wouldn't have gotten if I wasn't with OSI.”
From a leadership perspective, Peeples said OSI is focused on molding leaders who are ready to take on diverse challenges.
“Compared to the regular Air Force, the way we track funding here is a lot different,” he said. “We take a more hands-on approach.”
Aside from his professional experience in and out of OSI, Peeples' educational achievements carry merit, too.
For example, he completed the Basic Financial Management Course at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, in 2012, and earned an Associate of Arts in Public Administration Budget and Financial Management from the Community College of the Air Force in 2014.
In 2017, he graduated from the Airman Leadership School, where he received the John Levitow Award for outstanding leadership and scholastic achievement. However, it is the experience he is getting with OSI that he believes is setting up the coming years of his career.
“OSI really sets you up for success in your military career,” he said. “It helps you keep an open mind about supporting the mission in ways you never thought you would.”
In addition, Peeples emphasized the importance of relationships in getting things done, whether at OSI or anywhere in his military career.
According to Peeples, it's important not to be afraid to apply for jobs at OSI, even if they seem like a stretch. He said the significant impact of support roles within the agency go beyond even what he initially thought was possible.
“This job was posted on the Assignment Management System, and sometimes you see jobs posted and think, 'I'm not a fit for that' -- but don't be afraid to give it a shot,” he said. “You never know what you are more than qualified for. So, give it a shot.”
Looking ahead, Peeples is trying to figure out his next assignment.
“I'm not sure about my next assignment,” he said. “This is my last year at OSI, and I'm trying to figure out what's next. [For now,] I love it here -- this place is great.”
Editor’s Note: “Inside OSI” is a series highlighting essential roles of non-Special Agent personnel at OSI. These stories showcase how each member contributes uniquely to OSI’s mission, underlining the diverse skills and collaborative efforts needed for OSI’s operational readiness.
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