Keith M. Givens Explained

Keith M. Givens
Allegiance: United States
Branch: United States Air Force
Serviceyears:1986 – 2017
Rank: Brigadier General (Ret.)
Commands:Air Force Office of Special Investigations

Keith M. Givens is a retired United States Air Force Brigadier General (Special Agent) who served as the 17th Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Quantico, Virginia. As the AFOSI Commander, Givens oversaw AFOSI's worldwide network of over 2,000 military and civilian special agents and over 500 unsworn members stationed at major Air Force installations and a variety of worldwide special operating locations.[1]

Education

Givens is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. He holds a Master of Science from Chapman University, a Master of Forensic Sciences from the George Washington University, a Master of Aerospace and Leadership Studies from the Air Command and Staff College, and a Master of National Security Studies from the National War College.[2]

Military career

Givens entered the United States Air Force in May 1986. He spent the majority of his career as a special agent of the AFOSI where he conducted and supervised felony-level criminal, fraud, and counterintelligence investigations and operations. He commanded at the detachment, squadron and wing levels. His assignments included four overseas postings. Prior to his last assignment as Commander of AFOSI, Givens served as the Director, Special Investigation, Office of the Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, D.C. He led the directorate in developing and implementing all Air Force-level plans and policies concerning criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations.[3]

AFOSI appointment

Givens officially took command and became the 17th Commander of AFOSI during a change of command ceremony held at Quantico, VA, on May 7, 2014. Givens received the AFOSI guidon from Lieutenant General Stephen P. Mueller, Inspector General of the Air Force, which officially denoted the departure of Brigadier General Kevin J. Jacobsen as outgoing AFOSI Commander.

Addressing AFOSI personnel for the first time as their commander, Givens thanked LTG Mueller for entrusting him. "I consider this a distinct honor," he remarked. "Being a general is not about the rank. It's about what I can do for AFOSI and its people. The five points on these stars also remind me of the five most important people in my life," Givens said.

The change of command ceremony was attended by approximately 300 people represented by AFOSI Special Agents, DoD employees and members of the Givens' and Jacobsen families.[4]

Assignments

Joint assignments

Effective dates of promotion

Insignia Rank Date
Brigadier GeneralMay 30, 2014
ColonelAug. 1, 2007
Lieutenant ColonelSept. 1, 2002
MajorSept. 1, 1998
CaptainMay 10, 1990
First LieutenantMay 10, 1988
Second LieutenantMay 10, 1986

Major awards and decorations

General Givens is the recipient of the following:Distinguished Service Medal

1st RowLegion of Merit with oak leaf clusterDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with one silver and one bronze oak leaf clusters
2nd RowAir Force Commendation MedalAir Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clustersNational Defense Service Medal with bronze star
3rd RowArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal with oak leaf clusterSouthwest Asia Service Medal with campaign starGlobal War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Force Protection BadgeAir Force Office of Special Investigations Badge

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: BG Keith M. Givens Air Force Biography . U.S. Air Force . Jun 2015 . 28 Dec 2018.
  2. Web site: BG Keith M. Givens Air Force Biography . U.S. Air Force . Jun 2015 . 28 Dec 2018.
  3. Web site: BG Keith M. Givens Air Force Biography . U.S. Air Force . Jun 2015 . 28 Dec 2018.
  4. Web site: 17th AFOSI commander assumes command . U.S. Air Force . May 2014. 28 Dec 2018.
  5. Web site: BG Keith M. Givens Air Force Biography . U.S. Air Force . Jun 2015 . 28 Dec 2018.