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?

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.

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 !

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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.

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.

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.

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?

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?