Christopher Smith
Melbourne
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive national security expertise at the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, driving innovative counterintelligence initiatives. Proven track record in international affairs and team leadership, successfully overseeing 300+ operations. Committed to continuous improvement and adept at mitigating threats to critical assets, ensuring mission success in complex environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Agent In Charge (SAIC)
Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) Special Projects (PJ)
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS)
06.2023 - Current
- Responsible for all Department of the Air Force (DAF) and United States Space Force (USSF) Special Access Program (SAP) security, investigations and operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), FL. Daily interaction with United States Intelligence Community (USIC) stakeholders concerning assured access to space launch at CCSFS. Leader of a team of 13 Department of the Air Force (DAF) civilians, military, contractor and analyst personnel in the execution of SAP Security, National Security Investigations and Counterintelligence Operations to neutralize peer to peer Foreign Intelligence Entity (FIE) threats to National Security Space Assets.
Associate Director (AD) for Counterintelligence (CI)
AFOSI Center CI Division
Quantico
05.2020 - 06.2023
- Led a team comprised of 58 personnel in the execution of the AFOSI CI, Technology Protection (TP) and Defense Critical Infrastructure (DCI) missions globally from the enterprise/strategic level within the United States Intelligence Community (USIC). This included the leadership and oversight of 300+ National Security Investigations and Operations. Led HQ AFOSI’s support to operation WARP SPEED to protect the COVID vaccine. Led, approved and provided oversight for all AFOSI’s CI operations during the evacuation of Afghan refugees to Ramstein AB, Germany, Doha, Qatar, Joint Base McGuire-Dix, Jersey and Holloman AFB, New Mexico. Led OSI’s first ever peer-to-peer operation targeting of non-traditional threats to Department of the Air Force (DAF) warfighting platforms including Special Access Programs (SAPs). Briefed the AFOSI Commander monthly on all significant Department of the Air Force (DAF) national security matters. Authored over 50+ executive level senior notes detailing significant DAF national security issues that were used by the Air Force Inspector General (AF TIG) in his decision-making calculus. Reviewed and approved AFOSI special investigative/operational techniques executed worldwide. Engaged operationally with AFOSI Liaison Officers (LNOs) executing full spectrum CI activities jointly with the FBI, CIA, NSA, NRO, DCSC, DIA, DoS, and INTERPOL. Represented AFOSI in several strategic engagements with Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Jordan, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Poland, Qatar, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Directly supervised the Royal Air Force Police Liaison Officer assigned to AFOSI. Led AFOSI’s enterprise level support to contingency operations in Poland and Ukraine. Under my leadership the AFOSI Center developed and executed the 1st ever whole of government initiative to neutralize Peer-to-Peer threats targeting 5th Generation technologies. The results of this initiative have been briefed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) and the Air Force Chief of Staff (CSAF). Personally briefed/updated the AF TIG on this initiative.
Director of Counterintelligence (CI)
AFOSI Region 2/Air Combat Command (ACC)
Joint Base Langley-Eustis
06.2018 - 05.2020
- Led AFOSI CI Mission execution directly supporting 27 Operational Wings in 250 locations within OSI’s largest investigative region to include all Air Combat Command (ACC) units. Provided CI oversight and guidance to 162 special agents and analysts. Successfully applied innovative CI techniques creating a wholistic threat mitigation strategy for DAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets for the 1st time. Collaborated with ACC to identify critical intelligence gaps concerning threats to 5th Generation platforms and introduce new USIC Collection Requirements to identify threats to these strategic assets. Led AFOSI’s initiative to collaborate with ACC concerning CI threats in the Cyber Domain leading to AFOSI being included in the ACC Cyber Enabling Concept Working Group for the first time. Led AFOSI Region 2’s collaboration on all CI matters with J2X Directorates at CYBERCOM, STRATCOM, SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM and CENTCOM.
Director of Counterintelligence (CI)
AFOSI Region 6/Pacific Air Force (PACAF)
Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam
02.2014 - 06.2018
- Led an internationally recognized dynamic CI program in AFOSI’s largest geographic region spanning the Asia-Pacific region from Alaska to India. The area of responsibility included 36 nations, 16 time zones, 53% of the earth’s surface, 60% of the world’s population, and all 5 of US bilateral defense treaty allies. Responsible for CI mission execution for all AFOSI units located in the region that included 14 geographically separated units. Served as the catalyst for support to the Commander Pacific Air Force (COMPACAF) Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations involving peer to peer threats and the Korean Peninsula. Directed and provided oversight for 250+ National Security Investigations/Operations, 2382 Intelligence reports, 5878 CI Activities and 150 confidential informants. Planned, led, and advised the Region 6 Commander on all sensitive force protection and security matters and was a centerpiece in identifying threats for protective service operations supporting the POTUS, SECDEF, SECAF, COMPACAF and foreign delegations visiting Indo-Pacific (INDOPACOM) area of operations.
Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAIC) of Counterintelligence (CI)
AFOSI Detachment 810 Space Systems Center (SSC)
Los Angeles
11.2010 - 02.2014
- Directed all CI operations, investigations, and operations for AFOSI in Southern California. Mentored and supervise 18 different CI agents including enlisted, officer and civilian agents. Represented AFOSI on a continual basis in meetings and discussions with the FBI, DHS, NRO, NSA, LAPD, NCIS, 902nd MI, USCG, the Assistant United States Attorney General, AFOSI Special Projects (PJ) and the office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Produced 52 National Security Investigations and Operations leading to two AUSA indictments/convictions, one Secretary of the Air Force General Counsel (SAF/GCR) suspension and two Strategic CI Operations.
Strategic Counterintelligence Operations Case Officer/HQ OSI CI Campaigns Program Manager
HQ AFOSI
Andrews AFB
08.2008 - 11.2010
- Responsible for coordinating AFOSI efforts in support of the Department of Defense (DOD) Counterintelligence (CI) Campaigns in the CENTCOM, EUCOM and INDOPACOM AORs. Organized, trained, equipped, and assessed 58 civilian CI billets directly supporting Offensive Counterespionage Operations (OFCO), collections and analysis linked to the DOD CI Campaigns. Represented AFOSI at Defense Counterintelligence and HUMINT Center (DCHC-formally CIFA) hosted CI Campaign coordinating meetings attended by agencies from across the USIC.
- Note Retired from AFOSI active duty in Feb 2007 and hired as AFOSI Civilian 1811 in Aug 2008.
Strategic Counterintelligence Operations Case Officer
AFOSI Detachment 303 OL-B Space Systems Center (SSC)
Los Angeles
04.2004 - 02.2007
- Directed all operational aspects of the Strategic CI/Offensive Counterespionage Operations (OFCO) program in Los Angeles, CA supporting DAF war and mobilization plans and national security objectives impacting the Western United States, Middle East, Europe, and the Pacific region. Represented AFOSI in meeting and coordination efforts with senior Department of Defense officials, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Joint Counterterrorism Task Force-Los Angeles, CA (JTTF-LA). Personally briefed numerous FBI Supervisory Special Agents (SSA) and the FBI Assistant Director Los Angeles Field Office on joint AFOSI and FBI investigations and operations. Authored hundreds of comprehensive counterintelligence and counterterrorism reports that were distributed to the highest levels in the USIC. Developed close professional relationships with FBI Field Offices or Resident Agencies located in Riverside, CA, Santa Ana, CA, Ventura, CA, Long Beach, CA, Fresno, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Phoenix, AZ, Sierra Vista, AZ, and San Antonio, TX that facilitated hundreds of operational efforts. Coordinated significant operational activities with Southern California, Arizona and Texas based representatives of other governmental agencies within the USIC.
Strategic Counterintelligence Operations Case Officer
AFOSI Detachment 521
Ankara
12.2002 - 04.2004
- Directed all operations originating from Turkey in support of United States war plans and national security objectives impacting operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism. Identified, recruited, trained, and directed human intelligence sources in hostile environments directly supporting military operations on the ground. Represented AFOSI in meetings and coordination efforts with senior Department of State officials, Office of Defense Cooperation-Turkey command officials and other governmental agencies concerning sensitive counterintelligence, counterespionage, and counterterrorism matters. Prepared comprehensive counterintelligence, counterespionage and counterterrorism reports that directly impacted military planning and operations in the region. Developed and executed operational plans, security measures and tradecraft resulting in the success of operational objectives directly supporting troops on the ground during the above-mentioned operations.
Education
Master of Science - International Relations
Troy University
Troy, Alabama12.2004
Bachelor of Science - International Affairs
Florida State University (FSU)
Tallahassee, Florida01.1997
Associate Degree - Security Administration
Community College of The Air Force
01.1989
Certificate of Biblical Studies -
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VASkills
- Leadership and teamwork
- National security expertise
- International affairs knowledge
- Strong work ethic
- Continuous improvement commitment
Certification
2023 Department of the Air Force, Meritorious Civilian Service Award, 2021 AFOSI HQ Team of The Year Award, 2021 3rd Quarter: HQ Team of the Quarter Award, 2017 AFOSI Region 6 Senior Civilian Agent of the Year, 2016 AFOSI Region 6 Senior Civilian of the Year, 2016 AFOSI Region 6 Team of the Year, 2015 AFOSI Region 6 Senior Civilian Agent of the Year, 2014 Department of the Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Award, 2013 Defense Intelligence Agency DOD CI/HUMINT Investigations Award (Team), 2011 Defense Intelligence Agency DOD CI/HUMINT Investigations Award (Individual), 2010 Department of the Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Award.
Languages
Spanish Latin American, Speaking = 3
Training
- -2025 University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School, Enterprise Leadership Seminar
- -2025 Alan L. Freed Associates, Senior Middle East Seminar, Capitol Hill Club, Washington DC
- -2025 Alan L. Freed Associates, Senior China and Indo-Pacific Seminar, Capitol Hill Club, Washington DC
- -2024 National Space Institute, Space Executive Course
- -2024 Alan L. Freed Associates, Senior Latin American Seminar, Capitol Hill Club, Washington, DC
- - 2020-CI Threats and Operations in Cyberspace, Joint Counterintelligence Training Academy (JCITA)
- - 2019 AFOSI Leadership Challenge Forum
- - 2018 United States Air Force (USAF) Air Command Staff College (ACSC) by correspondence
- - 2010 HQ AFOSI Program Manager Seminar
- - 2001 Advanced Foreign Counterintelligence Course (FCA), JCITA
- - 2001 Advanced Counterintelligence Surveillance/Countersurveillance Course, JCITA
- - 2001 AFOSI Advanced Special Investigations Course
- - 2001 AFOSI Economic and Environmental Crimes Course
Timeline
Special Agent In Charge (SAIC)
Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) Special Projects (PJ)
06.2023 - Current
Associate Director (AD) for Counterintelligence (CI)
AFOSI Center CI Division
05.2020 - 06.2023
Director of Counterintelligence (CI)
AFOSI Region 2/Air Combat Command (ACC)
06.2018 - 05.2020
Director of Counterintelligence (CI)
AFOSI Region 6/Pacific Air Force (PACAF)
02.2014 - 06.2018
Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAIC) of Counterintelligence (CI)
AFOSI Detachment 810 Space Systems Center (SSC)
11.2010 - 02.2014
Strategic Counterintelligence Operations Case Officer/HQ OSI CI Campaigns Program Manager
HQ AFOSI
08.2008 - 11.2010
Strategic Counterintelligence Operations Case Officer
AFOSI Detachment 303 OL-B Space Systems Center (SSC)
04.2004 - 02.2007
Strategic Counterintelligence Operations Case Officer
AFOSI Detachment 521
12.2002 - 04.2004
Master of Science - International Relations
Troy University
Bachelor of Science - International Affairs
Florida State University (FSU)
Associate Degree - Security Administration
Community College of The Air Force
Certificate of Biblical Studies -
Liberty University
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