THE Field Investigative Unit is a specialized unit which provides a full range of criminal investigative services and support within the Army, to include investigations of senior Army leaders, cases with national attention and other designated sensitive situations as directed by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.
The FIU also conducts investigations in the areas of contract and acquisition fraud within research and development, and testing and evaluations programs funded by the Army.
In April 1984, Gen. Maxwell R. Thurman, then the Army's vice chief of staff, directed USACIDC to conduct an investigation into allegations of misconduct concerning personnel associated with a classified program. The unit was initially formed as a task force. However, after four years and an expanding mission and caseload, the task force evolved into a permanent organization called the Field Investigative Activity.
CIDC reorganized all specialized units and placed them under the 701st Military Police Group (CID) in 1996, and the activity was redesignated as the FIU.
The special agents assigned to the FIU are of the highest caliber and have extensive investigative experience. Special agents aren't assigned to the FIU, they are nominated. Nominees go through a board review that looks over their entire service record, as well as their overall suitability for the position.
A former FIU agent (who cannot be named for security reasons) said it feels great knowing that you are one of a handful of agents entrusted with the responsibility and independence associated with the work FIU does. She explained that one of the most challenging aspects of being an FIU agent was to investigate within specific security parameters.
'It's a rewarding job...you don't do it for the medals or the glory, you do it because it's the right thing to do.'
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