Aviation Enforcement Agent
Application Process
Are you ready to become an Aviation Enforcement Agent? Take your first steps toward securing your career and joining our team.
WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME AN AGENT
Being an Aviation Enforcement Agent can be mentally and physically challenging. To ensure that every agent is mission-ready, our comprehensive hiring process helps identify the talented individuals who have what it takes. Explore the application requirements and steps for becoming an Aviation Enforcement Agent below.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Have a valid driver's license
- Have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years (Residency Requirement Exceptions)
- Be eligible to carry a firearm
- Be referred for selection prior to your 40th birthday (or receive an exception for veteran's preference eligibility or previous service in a civilian law enforcement position)
- Be willing to travel
- Have a current FAA medical certificate (Class II or above) dated within the last 12 calendar months at time of application
- Pass the application process (see details below)
You may be disqualified if your background includes:
- Use of illegal drugs and/or the sale distribution of illegal drugs
- Convictions, including misdemeanor domestic violence charges
- International harboring or concealment of undocumented noncitizens
Your Application Journey
To begin your application process, submit your application on USAJOBS. After you submit your application, go back to the application section of your USAJOBS account and make sure we have received your application. Your application status would say you applied with the date you submitted your application if it went through.
The CBP Hiring Center will review your application to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications and determine what grade you qualify for. If your resume and documents do not clearly document how you are qualified, you may be rated ineligible. We highly recommend you review the What Should I Include in My Federal Resume? page on USAJOBS when preparing your resume.
If you are found to be a qualified applicant, then you will go through a series of steps in the application process.
You must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation as a condition of employment with CBP. The Standard Form 86 - Questionnaire for National Security or Standard Form 85 - Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions must be completed to initiate the background investigation. The background investigation consists of the preliminary vetting checks, the investigation and the final adjudication.
You may or may not be required to take a standardized polygraph exam as part of the application process. Results of your polygraph examination, along with information gathered as part of the background investigation process, will be used to assess your overall suitability/eligibility to hold a law enforcement position with CBP.
You must pass the Air and Marine Operations physical fitness test. The test consists of three components: sit-ups, push-ups and a 12" step test.
You can find more information, along with the Frequently Asked Questions, on the Air and Marine Operations Physical Fitness Test page.
| Activity | Repetitions | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-ups | 20 | 1 minute |
| Push-ups | 12 | 1 minute |
| 12" Step | 120 steps per minute | 5 minutes |
You may or may not be required to take a standardized polygraph exam as part of your Aviation Enforcement Agent application. The polygraph exam, if you are required to take it, is a 4-6 hour interview that requires you to respond to a series of questions typically relating to national security issues and answers you provide on your background investigations forms.
The polygraph measures your physiological response when answering questions and results are subject to a quality control review for accuracy.
You will be required to submit to a random drug test during the application process.
If you test positive, then you will be disqualified.
You will be required to complete a 15-week Air and Marine Basic Training Program (AMBTP) at the Air and Marine Operations Academy (AMOA), located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.
Requirements include: 1.5-mile run/walk within 16 minutes and 30 seconds or less, 24 push-ups within one minute or less, 220-yard sprint in 60 seconds or less and a five-minute tread/float.
You must successfully exit a simulated downed aircraft in the water while wearing blacked out goggles, followed by self-rescue into a life raft. Firearms proficiency must be achieved for the duty-issued handgun, M-4 rifle, and 12-gauge shotgun.
During AMBTP, you will be provided training in arrest techniques, investigative skills, survival skills, defensive tactics, criminal law, customs law, immigration law, law enforcement driving, and tactics specific to aviation and maritime law enforcement.
For Air and Marine Basic Spanish Training Program (AMBTSP), you will be given a Spanish language proficiency test. If you do not receive a passing score, then you will receive a Rosetta Stone training course.
After successfully completing AMBTP, you will:
- Receive initial Tactical Flight Officer training from the NATC in Jacksonville, Florida
- Receive aircraft-specific Tactical Flight Officer training for the aircraft you will operate at your assigned duty location
- Complete specific local area Tactical Team Member training at your assigned duty location
Failure to successfully complete all the above training and achieve required certifications may be grounds for mandatory removal from the position.
