Airline Pilot Central Forums

Airline Pilot Central Forums (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/)
-   Military (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/military/)
-   -   CBP Air Interdiction Agent (Pilot) (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/military/108466-cbp-air-interdiction-agent-pilot.html)

Longbow66 03-02-2020 05:58 AM

So basically don’t fly the UAS is what you’re saying ? I’m just curious as to what repercussions I would face to firmly “decline” the training, what do you think?

skylike 03-03-2020 04:40 AM

Refusing the assignment is the same as refusing to fly any other airframe. You would be subject to suspension without pay up to removal from service.

KaiGywer 03-04-2020 10:38 PM

So I realize this is a pilot's forum and many on here are looking for a pilot job. However, as current a local law enforcement officer and CFI in training, my perspective may be a little different on what I want from a job. I read the thread and realize you won't necessarily be flying a lot and there may be drone work only depending on where you get sent. That being said, if you aren't flying, do you ever go along with BP or work a border crossing or anything else? Or is it either fly or office work? The starting pay is definitely tempting, especially with hiring minimums much lower than an airline. How many hours of real airplane hours can one expect in a year?

Longbow66 03-05-2020 12:54 AM


Originally Posted by KaiGywer (Post 2989719)
So I realize this is a pilot's forum and many on here are looking for a pilot job. However, as current a local law enforcement officer and CFI in training, my perspective may be a little different on what I want from a job. I read the thread and realize you won't necessarily be flying a lot and there may be drone work only depending on where you get sent. That being said, if you aren't flying, do you ever go along with BP or work a border crossing or anything else? Or is it either fly or office work? The starting pay is definitely tempting, especially with hiring minimums much lower than an airline. How many hours of real airplane hours can one expect in a year?

The Border Patrol is definitely the southwest region’s biggest client of AMO, but not all branches will fly in support of the BP mission nation wide. In fact there is quite a bit you can do as a federal agent apart from whats happening on the border. That being said, when you first get hired you’ll be sent to one of the hard to fill locations on the SW border and will most likely work with the patrol agents on the ground in your area of operation for a week or two to learn the area before you’re signed off to fly the mission. You’ll have the opportunity to work with many other three letter agency’s as well, especially away from the SW border. AMO as a second career for someone with a law enforcement background is something this agency needs more of, I’m sure you have a lot to bring to the table. You may find yourself doing less law enforcement and more support in the first few years at the agency. You’ll fly a ton at one of the hard to fill locations, probably 3 to 5 hours a day in the night owl / c206 / uh60. About 4 a day in the Astar. It’s part 91 flying but we have limits somewhat like a 135 / 121 op. One could max out their flight time so you’ll have to keep track in accordance with AMO’s policies.

For clarification, it’s a wide misconception that Air and Marine Operations is part of the Border Patrol. The media messes it up all the time and AMO is trying to do a better job differentiating itself. There is plenty of work for an Air Interdiction Agent that has nothing to do with the Border Patrol.

Right now chances of transferring out to better locations are in your favor if you’re offered a place that you don’t like. You can probably tell from my earlier posts that I’m not a fan of the UAS but that is a possibility as well, but if you are a pilot and like to fly I don’t think it’s something you’ll enjoy long term since you’ll get to fly once in awhile to stay current in manned aircraft. I hope this helps !

​​​​​​​

KaiGywer 03-05-2020 07:36 PM


Originally Posted by Longbow66 (Post 2989727)
The Border Patrol is definitely the southwest region’s biggest client of AMO, but not all branches will fly in support of the BP mission nation wide. In fact there is quite a bit you can do as a federal agent apart from whats happening on the border. That being said, when you first get hired you’ll be sent to one of the hard to fill locations on the SW border and will most likely work with the patrol agents on the ground in your area of operation for a week or two to learn the area before you’re signed off to fly the mission. You’ll have the opportunity to work with many other three letter agency’s as well, especially away from the SW border. AMO as a second career for someone with a law enforcement background is something this agency needs more of, I’m sure you have a lot to bring to the table. You may find yourself doing less law enforcement and more support in the first few years at the agency. You’ll fly a ton at one of the hard to fill locations, probably 3 to 5 hours a day in the night owl / c206 / uh60. About 4 a day in the Astar. It’s part 91 flying but we have limits somewhat like a 135 / 121 op. One could max out their flight time so you’ll have to keep track in accordance with AMO’s policies.

For clarification, it’s a wide misconception that Air and Marine Operations is part of the Border Patrol. The media messes it up all the time and AMO is trying to do a better job differentiating itself. There is plenty of work for an Air Interdiction Agent that has nothing to do with the Border Patrol.

Right now chances of transferring out to better locations are in your favor if you’re offered a place that you don’t like. You can probably tell from my earlier posts that I’m not a fan of the UAS but that is a possibility as well, but if you are a pilot and like to fly I don’t think it’s something you’ll enjoy long term since you’ll get to fly once in awhile to stay current in manned aircraft. I hope this helps !

Thanks for the response. I'm glad to see it's not all doom and gloom at AMO. Even though I wouldn't be boots on the ground every day, I feel like it would still be a way to keep my drive for law enforcement while at the same time satisfying my inner pilot.

mimark 03-19-2020 08:06 AM


Originally Posted by Longbow66 (Post 2989727)
The Border Patrol is definitely the southwest region’s biggest client of AMO, but not all branches will fly in support of the BP mission nation wide. In fact there is quite a bit you can do as a federal agent apart from whats happening on the border. That being said, when you first get hired you’ll be sent to one of the hard to fill locations on the SW border and will most likely work with the patrol agents on the ground in your area of operation for a week or two to learn the area before you’re signed off to fly the mission. You’ll have the opportunity to work with many other three letter agency’s as well, especially away from the SW border. AMO as a second career for someone with a law enforcement background is something this agency needs more of, I’m sure you have a lot to bring to the table. You may find yourself doing less law enforcement and more support in the first few years at the agency. You’ll fly a ton at one of the hard to fill locations, probably 3 to 5 hours a day in the night owl / c206 / uh60. About 4 a day in the Astar. It’s part 91 flying but we have limits somewhat like a 135 / 121 op. One could max out their flight time so you’ll have to keep track in accordance with AMO’s policies.

For clarification, it’s a wide misconception that Air and Marine Operations is part of the Border Patrol. The media messes it up all the time and AMO is trying to do a better job differentiating itself. There is plenty of work for an Air Interdiction Agent that has nothing to do with the Border Patrol.

Right now chances of transferring out to better locations are in your favor if you’re offered a place that you don’t like. You can probably tell from my earlier posts that I’m not a fan of the UAS but that is a possibility as well, but if you are a pilot and like to fly I don’t think it’s something you’ll enjoy long term since you’ll get to fly once in awhile to stay current in manned aircraft. I hope this helps !

​​​​​​​

Let me add that although there are many things about flying for AMO that are frustrating at times, probably the biggest positive is that AMO pilots aren't really affected by the swings in the economy like other flying jobs. If this coronavirus stuff goes on for long (I hope not) that could be important.

Ymayorsh 03-20-2020 09:29 PM

Can anyone explain how are Duty station issued? In other words, would you know before going into the academy? Or is it like the police academy where you fill a dream sheet? Can I volunteer to go to one of the hard fill locations?

DustoffVT 03-21-2020 04:45 AM


Originally Posted by Ymayorsh (Post 3005947)
Can anyone explain how are Duty station issued? In other words, would you know before going into the academy? Or is it like the police academy where you fill a dream sheet? Can I volunteer to go to one of the hard fill locations?

You will only go to one of the hard to fill spots. There may me some wiggle room if you really want say LRD over MFE, but it’s basically needs of the service. You will know before you start, when you get the offer.

Ymayorsh 03-21-2020 07:45 AM

thank you for the response. One more quick question: Would a new hire be able negotiate duty station for another hard to fill. Fox example, they give me El Paso and want MacCallen or PR, can I tell them that I would like instead to go either of the latter?


Originally Posted by DustoffVT (Post 3006036)
You will only go to one of the hard to fill spots. There may me some wiggle room if you really want say LRD over MFE, but it’s basically needs of the service. You will know before you start, when you get the offer.


ugleeual 03-22-2020 01:21 PM

What’s the max age for previous/retired military with a disability rating from VA? Website says age waived... but there has to be a max right?

kaputt 03-22-2020 01:35 PM

I don’t think CBP is going to have a problem filling slots for the foreseeable future.

senecacaptain 03-22-2020 06:04 PM

the security of a GS-13 and/or GS-14 federal government flying job, with full retirement at age 50 and after (years of service, etc dependent), top quality health insurance, etc. indeed may be "back in style" soon.

USMCFLYR 03-22-2020 06:07 PM

For some it has always been in style.
Everything is a trade off.
Every decision a risk/benefit analysis.
Then the CRAZY 8 card is played and luck and timing intervenes.
Not until the end will you knew if you held the winning hand or not.

senecacaptain 03-22-2020 06:13 PM


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 3008091)
For some it has always been in style.
Everything is a trade off.
Every decision a risk/benefit analysis.
Then the CRAZY 8 card is played and luck and timing intervenes.
Not until the end will you knew if you held the winning hand or not.

excellent...

senecacaptain 03-22-2020 07:50 PM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 3008190)
Yes it is. Ive been on leave without pay for the past 90 days and im gratefully returning to AMO. My shiny jet syndrome is over. im also expecting a furlough notice this week anyway so my timing to return to AMO is a blessing

god bless America

emersonbiguns 03-23-2020 09:49 AM

And just like that, Eddy's a genius.

hindsight2020 03-23-2020 03:16 PM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 3008190)
Yes it is. Ive been on leave without pay for the past 90 days and im gratefully returning to AMO. My shiny jet syndrome is over. im also expecting a furlough notice this week anyway so my timing to return to AMO is a blessing

Heading back to the border?

ugleeual 03-23-2020 04:40 PM

Please pardon all the questions... I’ve reviewed the website details WRT the various duty stations a new hire would probably be assigned. What would a regular work week look like for an AIA and how much flying can be expected? Off duty, Are the agents and their families pretty tight like you’d fine in a military unit or does everyone keep to themselves? What’s the average age of an AIA and how many are assigned generally to each location? once selected for hire what is the timeline for getting sent to initial training... and how quickly do you actually get to your first unit and start work? Thanks in advance.

hindsight2020 03-23-2020 05:29 PM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 3009127)
Not the SW Border! The agency did me a solid. I applied for an internal transfer back in November and never heard anything after I applied. December I made the decision to take a deferred retirement and went on LWOP while my paperwork got processed. Two weeks ago I was offered the slot I applied for, and with everything going on in the world, it was an easy decision. Also the location I was selected for is my dream location, no brainer for my family and I.

Goes to show, better lucky than good! Congrats on the last minute glove save, and may the new assignment keep your family fed and copacetic. Life is certainly too short to hate where you live.

dapuckstopper15 03-23-2020 05:35 PM


Originally Posted by hindsight2020 (Post 3009145)
Goes to show, better lucky than good! Congrats on the last minute glove save, and may the new assignment keep your family fed and copacetic. Life is certainly too short to hate where you live.

Glove save indeed. That is extremely awesome to hear everything worked out.

I just submitted an app for AIA. I was in hopes to go to a specific 135 Operation but because of all of this corona, it doesn't look like anything will happen soon. Does anyone know if they opened PR back up for new hires? Also, are Mcallen and Laredo still Aircraft only locations? I have always wanted to do something LE on the federal side. Does anyone know if maybe down the road, I wanted to switch agencies for any reason (in DOJ or DOS), if AIA could help me qualify to be a pilot in those agencies?

DustoffVT 03-24-2020 07:03 AM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 3009127)
Not the SW Border! The agency did me a solid. I applied for an internal transfer back in November and never heard anything after I applied. December I made the decision to take a deferred retirement and went on LWOP while my paperwork got processed. Two weeks ago I was offered the slot I applied for, and with everything going on in the world, it was an easy decision. Also the location I was selected for is my dream location, no brainer for my family and I.

Bada-bing! How ya gonna handle a sensor station that actually left the ground? Welcome back bro...

DustoffVT 03-24-2020 07:11 AM


Originally Posted by ugleeual (Post 3009103)
Please pardon all the questions... I’ve reviewed the website details WRT the various duty stations a new hire would probably be assigned. What would a regular work week look like for an AIA and how much flying can be expected? Off duty, Are the agents and their families pretty tight like you’d fine in a military unit or does everyone keep to themselves? What’s the average age of an AIA and how many are assigned generally to each location? once selected for hire what is the timeline for getting sent to initial training... and how quickly do you actually get to your first unit and start work? Thanks in advance.

The basic work week is 40 hrs, but expect to work a decent amount of extra time. AIA's are on LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay), so that extra time is already figured into your check. Sometimes it works out in your favor, sometimes not. OT is payed only in very limited circumstances.

Flying varies greatly but I would say a rough nationwide average is 30-40 hrs a month. SW border higher.

As agents we are pretty tight, thin blue line and all. Family wise it's more like a regular job than the military. No MWR or anything like that.

One important note for all: AMO is a medium term solution if you're furloughed. The hiring process is long, and they can't be holding mass gatherings for interview days, etc. FLETC is closed. Apply away but it is not going to be a quick process.

ugleeual 03-24-2020 07:29 AM


Originally Posted by DustoffVT (Post 3009522)
The basic work week is 40 hrs, but expect to work a decent amount of extra time. AIA's are on LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay), so that extra time is already figured into your check. Sometimes it works out in your favor, sometimes not. OT is payed only in very limited circumstances.

Flying varies greatly but I would say a rough nationwide average is 30-40 hrs a month. SW border higher.

As agents we are pretty tight, thin blue line and all. Family wise it's more like a regular job than the military. No MWR or anything like that.

One important note for all: AMO is a medium term solution if you're furloughed. The hiring process is long, and they can't be holding mass gatherings for interview days, etc. FLETC is closed. Apply away but it is not going to be a quick process.

I’m senior enough not to be furloughed. AMO recruiter said I can be fast tracked... and things go quickly once you apply so make sure I’m ready before pulling the trigger based on the app package. I have a TS clearance and VA rating.

I’ve always been interested in continuing serving (I’m retired AF) and flying LEO seems like a good third career... as I’m not getting any younger (53). The timing might be good to make a career change for 3-5 years by taking a voluntary LOA and open a spot for someone younger in my company. It will be a pay cut for sure... but personal gratification might outweigh it.

I’m in good physical shape and willing to work hard. I don’t have a SE rating... just 6-7K hours ME in jets and 2 years flying MQ1 Predator... just 10 hrs in ME props... will that be an issue? I don’t want to be a part of an organization where my age could be a factor... so am I barking up the wrong tree and too much of an old fart ? I don’t really want to fly UAVs... what are the odds if I’m willing to go anywhere? Will serving for 3-5 years be a show stopper for CBP? Eventually I’ll need to return to my airline.

emersonbiguns 03-24-2020 10:04 AM


Originally Posted by ugleeual (Post 3009543)
I’m senior enough not to be furloughed. AMO recruiter said I can be fast tracked... and things go quickly once you apply so make sure I’m ready before pulling the trigger based on the app package. I have a TS clearance and VA rating.

I’ve always been interested in continuing serving (I’m retired AF) and flying LEO seems like a good third career... as I’m not getting any younger (53). The timing might be good to make a career change for 3-5 years by taking a voluntary LOA and open a spot for someone younger in my company. It will be a pay cut for sure... but personal gratification might outweigh it.

I’m in good physical shape and willing to work hard. I don’t have a SE rating... just 6-7K hours ME in jets and 2 years flying MQ1 Predator... just 10 hrs in ME props... will that be an issue? I don’t want to be a part of an organization where my age could be a factor... so am I barking up the wrong tree and too much of an old fart ? I don’t really want to fly UAVs... what are the odds if I’m willing to go anywhere? Will serving for 3-5 years be a show stopper for CBP? Eventually I’ll need to return to my airline.

If you're doing it for the money, knock yourself out.

If you're doing because you have some sort of desire to contribute to the cause, find something else.

ugleeual 03-24-2020 10:11 AM


Originally Posted by emersonbiguns (Post 3009826)
If you're doing it for the money, knock yourself out.

If you're doing because you have some sort of desire to contribute to the cause, find something else.

So AIAs are doing it for the money? Do most believe in the mission or is it just a job? I’m definitely not chasing the $$$... based on the pay scales on the website AIAs should be paid more.

emersonbiguns 03-24-2020 02:43 PM


Originally Posted by ugleeual (Post 3009832)
So AIAs are doing it for the money? Do most believe in the mission or is it just a job? I’m definitely not chasing the $$$... based on the pay scales on the website AIAs should be paid more.

I have no idea what everyone's motivations are and I won't pretend that I do.

My situation was, in 1997, I couldn't make a living at a regional and the job sort of fell in my lap. I enjoyed it and tried very hard for many years to contribute, change things for the better and make a difference. It became very obvious towards the end that organization wasn't really interested in anything other than being a sycophant to its BP masters. That is why the exodus occurred over the last five years or so.

ugleeual 03-24-2020 03:35 PM


Originally Posted by emersonbiguns (Post 3010166)
I have no idea what everyone's motivations are and I won't pretend that I do.

My situation was, in 1997, I couldn't make a living at a regional and the job sort of fell in my lap. I enjoyed it and tried very hard for many years to contribute, change things for the better and make a difference. It became very obvious towards the end that organization wasn't really interested in anything other than being a sycophant to its BP masters. That is why the exodus occurred over the last five years or so.

thanks for the honest perspective

DustoffVT 03-24-2020 05:10 PM


Originally Posted by ugleeual (Post 3009543)
I’m senior enough not to be furloughed. AMO recruiter said I can be fast tracked... and things go quickly once you apply so make sure I’m ready before pulling the trigger based on the app package. I have a TS clearance and VA rating.

I’ve always been interested in continuing serving (I’m retired AF) and flying LEO seems like a good third career... as I’m not getting any younger (53). The timing might be good to make a career change for 3-5 years by taking a voluntary LOA and open a spot for someone younger in my company. It will be a pay cut for sure... but personal gratification might outweigh it.

I’m in good physical shape and willing to work hard. I don’t have a SE rating... just 6-7K hours ME in jets and 2 years flying MQ1 Predator... just 10 hrs in ME props... will that be an issue? I don’t want to be a part of an organization where my age could be a factor... so am I barking up the wrong tree and too much of an old fart ? I don’t really want to fly UAVs... what are the odds if I’m willing to go anywhere? Will serving for 3-5 years be a show stopper for CBP? Eventually I’ll need to return to my airline.


BLUF: I don't think it's a good idea to leave a legacy for AMO. Even in these crazy times.

As always, full disclosure: I'm in one of the "good" branches, off the SW border, with a varied mission set, and near my family. Something of a unicorn in AMO but it can be done. That said, it's much harder now.

AIA's aren't in it for the money. Those that were qualified to leave to the big 6 mostly have. All are glad they did.

I understand wanting to try something more rewarding (debatable), but I think the long term financial hit would just be too big. I would say the average mid career AIA right now is making 140-160 with the SSR. If you only plan on a few years here you won't see that. Add in the loss of direct contribution to to 401K, it's even worse. As a retiree, you won't be able to buy back any of your military time or have it credited for leave purposes, etc. You'll be stuck at minimum leave accrual (4 hours per pay period). Under the 6c law enforcement retirement, we can get out at 20 years. The flip side to that is we have 1.7 percent taken out towards the pension. A normal federal employee contributes 1%. If you leave before 20 - that .7% per year is forfeit. Over 5 years that's a lot of your compensation you gave the govt.

I have been a part of 3 airlines, military units, and AMO in my flying career. AMO has it's dysfunctions for sure but so does everywhere. The people in the trenches are top notch, as is some management. Not all by any means.

I would take a recruiters estimate of fast track with a grain of salt, especially now. Normally the big hang up is the background check and I don't see how that could possibly be done in a timely matter today. They might bring you on, but stuck as GS-11 for a long time. You do not start LEAP until you finish the academy and get your gun - right now FLETC is closed. A TS clearance will not get you out of the poly, has to be a full SCI. If you have that - there are jobs out there beyond AMO's scope for sure.

Awesome that you're thinking of the junior dudes. You'll have to decide if it's worth the financial loss and uprooting your family to somewhere west of the Pecos.

Feel free to PM.

headgs 03-25-2020 10:38 PM

Hey guys, been lurking but first real post. I got the AIA tentative acceptance (contingent on background stuff, etc) email yesterday. I've got 2500TT with a King Air 350 single pilot PIC type, about 300hrs PIC, 650hrs total in it.

Also about 300PIC in the PC12, and 200 SIC in the G-IV. I just got laid off from my pt 135 G-IV job. I'm 25 years old, year degree, ready to move basically anywhere.

Would AMO place me in the King Air or Pilatus due to my experience on type or would that be irrelevant? Goal is definitely majors eventually, but with regionals stopping hiring this seems like a super interesting opportunity.

Thanks in advance, much appreciated.

kaputt 03-26-2020 09:50 AM


Originally Posted by headgs (Post 3012136)
Hey guys, been lurking but first real post. I got the AIA tentative acceptance (contingent on background stuff, etc) email yesterday. I've got 2500TT with a King Air 350 single pilot PIC type, about 300hrs PIC, 650hrs total in it.

Also about 300PIC in the PC12, and 200 SIC in the G-IV. I just got laid off from my pt 135 G-IV job. I'm 25 years old, year degree, ready to move basically anywhere.

Would AMO place me in the King Air or Pilatus due to my experience on type or would that be irrelevant? Goal is definitely majors eventually, but with regionals stopping hiring this seems like a super interesting opportunity.

Thanks in advance, much appreciated.

No, as fixed wing guy you’ll head to the border and fly either a Cessna 206/210 or a Predator drone. I think in San Angelo you can occasionally fly a PC-12, but you’re main job will be the Pred.

You’ll also have to attend FLETC and become a badge and gun carrying Federal Agent. Consider that when applying as it’s not just a flying job.

Those who actually work in the agency can give you better info. I’m just someone who is still trying to build time to be competitive for this career path. What I said is mostly what I’ve gathered from folks in this thread and talking with recruiters.

DustoffVT 03-26-2020 12:21 PM


Originally Posted by headgs (Post 3012136)
Hey guys, been lurking but first real post. I got the AIA tentative acceptance (contingent on background stuff, etc) email yesterday. I've got 2500TT with a King Air 350 single pilot PIC type, about 300hrs PIC, 650hrs total in it.

Also about 300PIC in the PC12, and 200 SIC in the G-IV. I just got laid off from my pt 135 G-IV job. I'm 25 years old, year degree, ready to move basically anywhere.

Would AMO place me in the King Air or Pilatus due to my experience on type or would that be irrelevant? Goal is definitely majors eventually, but with regionals stopping hiring this seems like a super interesting opportunity.

Thanks in advance, much appreciated.

Listen, honestly, if your goal is the majors this isn't the place. People that left for the majors from here brought the quals with them to AMO. Generally past experience means little once you're on board. It's not a time building job in any way - and you may not even be flying fixed wing. If you go to a primarily helo branch you'll be sent for a rotor rating. None of that time will count towards most major jobs. There are F-18 test pilots and C-17 wing standards guys that are primarily Astar dudes here.

However, you may find that goal changes. To some degree AMO is choose your own adventure, especially off the SW border. There are cool niche jobs. P-3s are going to be a thing for non-prior P3 pilots. It can also be a gateway to other fed flying jobs - there are many, you could find a few on USAjobs now.

headgs 03-26-2020 02:16 PM

Very helpful. Thanks and take care boys

okieskies99 03-27-2020 04:43 PM

APC lists a lot of locations that are eventual possibilities. From what it sounds like this would be years down the road. Are these actual legit places, or is the info old/inaccurate?

If people are able to transfer, is there any kind of preference, or do you wait for someone to retire and try to escape the SW border?

https://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/...ine_operations

mimark 03-28-2020 10:09 AM


Originally Posted by okieskies99 (Post 3014354)
APC lists a lot of locations that are eventual possibilities. From what it sounds like this would be years down the road. Are these actual legit places, or is the info old/inaccurate?

If people are able to transfer, is there any kind of preference, or do you wait for someone to retire and try to escape the SW border?

https://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/...ine_operations

Those are legit locations. Some are small units with only a hand full of pilots, some are larger branches. Depending on where you want to go it could be years. The majority of people are on the SW border so getting to a northern location can take some time.

LJ4Life 03-28-2020 11:47 AM

I'm considering an AIA spot to finish off my 5 years of service, and I'm really not interested in being away from home right now. What are the UAS jobs like at CBP? I'm really interested in the QoL aspect of it. What are the workdays like? Should I expect to work a lot of holidays/weekends? Are there many TDYs? Is the pay different for UAS pilots? What are the pros/cons of UAS vs FW/RW? I'm a mil FW guy with no drone time, will it be an issue getting a UAS spot? What are the best bases for UASs?

kaputt 03-28-2020 12:01 PM


Originally Posted by LJ4Life (Post 3015157)
I'm considering an AIA spot to finish off my 5 years of service, and I'm really not interested in being away from home right now. What are the UAS jobs like at CBP? I'm really interested in the QoL aspect of it. What are the workdays like? Should I expect to work a lot of holidays/weekends? Are there many TDYs? Is the pay different for UAS pilots? What are the pros/cons of UAS vs FW/RW? I'm a mil FW guy with no drone time, will it be an issue getting a UAS spot? What are the best bases for UASs?

What do you mean by finish off your 5 years of service? If you are at 15 years of active duty time, doing 5 years in civil service will not magically give you a 20 year retirement.

LJ4Life 03-28-2020 12:07 PM


Originally Posted by kaputt (Post 3015173)
What do you mean by finish off your 5 years of service? If you are at 15 years of active duty time, doing 5 years in civil service will not magically give you a 20 year retirement.

I have ~14 years AD with another 3 ANG, and about 6 months as a GS employee. I was considering doing at least 4.5 more GS years and buying back my mil time to earn the FERS pension. I'm still in the ANG and plan on getting at least 20 years of mil service.

hindsight2020 03-28-2020 12:41 PM


Originally Posted by LJ4Life (Post 3015184)
I have ~14 years AD with another 3 ANG, and about 6 months as a GS employee. I was considering doing at least 4.5 more GS years and buying back my mil time to earn the FERS pension. I'm still in the ANG and plan on getting at least 20 years of mil service.

Does the Guard not have Air Reserve Technician equivalents? aka dual status full timers in the squadron who accrue both good reserve years and get paid GS-12/13 when not in drill status. That would be the ticket for what you're trying to do. Better than to have to commute between a straight civilian GS job and the guard unit.

LJ4Life 03-28-2020 01:30 PM


Originally Posted by hindsight2020 (Post 3015226)
Does the Guard not have Air Reserve Technician equivalents? aka dual status full timers in the squadron who accrue both good reserve years and get paid GS-12/13 when not in drill status. That would be the ticket for what you're trying to do. Better than to have to commute between a straight civilian GS job and the guard unit.

My unit doesn't have any openings at the moment, but it's something I'm researching as well. I was originally interested in CBP for the opportunity to fly RW, but that seems like it may not be an option. I'm curious about the UAS side of CBP because it seems like the QoL and time at home could be better.

DustoffVT 03-28-2020 04:31 PM


Originally Posted by LJ4Life (Post 3015184)
I have ~14 years AD with another 3 ANG, and about 6 months as a GS employee. I was considering doing at least 4.5 more GS years and buying back my mil time to earn the FERS pension. I'm still in the ANG and plan on getting at least 20 years of mil service.


Your buy back time doesn’t count towards your 6C retirement. Have to work 20 years as an AIA to get the full %. I’m not sure if it even counts towards your 5 year vested retirement. If so you would get 15% of your high three years. With the buyback and 20 years 6C you'd get 48%.

Remember that 6C coverage earns 1.7% per year. If you leave before 20 you forfeit that .7%/year. Also new FERS hires pay a much higher percentage of their gross into the system (4.4% for people hired after 2013 vs. 0.8%) makes it not a good deal at all to come short term.

In your situation I’d be looking for a non-LEO flying job. Better yet do 6 more active duty and get a full military retirement. Much higher pension and bennies for just 18 more months time.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:59 AM.


User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging v3.3.0 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Website Copyright ©2000 - 2017 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands