Would it be a good idea to go for an AEA position and then apply for the AIA at a later date? I'm a Commercial SEL guy getting up there in age (36) and CBP AMO is where I want to be. Ultimately, I want to be an AIA but I don't have the funding to add the Heli add on to qualify for the AIA at the moment. Any advice for a guy like me?

Are you an LE guy with veterans preference?

Do you meet the KSAs for the AEA position listed on the USAjobs announcement? The AEAs in my academy class all had extensive law enforcement and or military experience. The former Border patrol guys all had vet preference plus 10-15 years on patrol plus experience as supplemental aircrew members in AMO. The guys without law enforcement experience came straight from the military with 10-15 years of time as aircraft sensor operators or helicopter crew chiefs. There are also more than a few air force PJ/ army ranger type guys in the hiring pipeline. Lots of competition out there.

I am a veteran but not much of an LE background besides being a security forces augmentee.

I wasn't able to look through the KSA's as the only AEA position on USA jobs currently was for a supervisor. So, I don't know if I would meet the KSA's or not. I was just thinking about how I might get into CBP AMO. My Mil experience is as a heavy aircraft crew chief (C-130/KC-135) and Bio-environmetal Engineering. Sounds like I may not have the qualifications to be competitive for the AEA position. Is there any other way to get into CBP and make my way to an AIA slot? Or is it best to continue to build hours and save for a rotor add on and apply later?

AIA is actually the “easiest” way to get into AMO. AEA and MIA are hands down the most competitive positions in the agency. Joining OFO or USBP would be the fastest way the join CBP but that will do nothing to get you into a AIA slot. I would simply recommend that you do whatever it takes and spend as much money and time it would cost to meet all the requirements for the AIA position.

That is one of the most idiotic suggestions I’ve have heard. Do not spend as much time and money to meet the requirements to become an AIA.

Spend the time and money to pursue an aviation career, if that’s what you want. There are to many variables beyond your control to focus you all your resources to become and AIA.

BTW CBP is not the only career path for guys who want to be federal LE pilots. Look at the DEA as well. They have a significant need for pilots due to retirements.

whoa! Easy cowboy. “CBP AMO is where I want to be” That was his sentiment and my suggestion was based on that. Any Buffoon can can figure out how to pursue a career in aviation, this dude wants to know how to become an AIA. Grom is the same person who started this thread three years ago, I assume he has ganas to work for AMO. Good luck amigo.

Thank you for the DEA suggestion but it looks like I am too old. According to their job postings you have to be appointed by 36.

I do want an aviation career and I understand that AIA isn't a given since it seems like many stumble on the Poly or other things. AMO just seems like the best fit for the career that I am looking for. I like the idea of different flying everyday and in different aircraft. I could do the rotate, positive rate, gear up, autopilot on thing if I had to, but the AMO mission just seems to me like it would fit me better.

Does DEA bring you in to specifically be a pilot or do you have to spend a few years as a ground agent before applying for their aviation division?

When I looked into it, and others getting out of the military around the same time - 5 years being an agent before being able to even look at aviation IIRC.
i know a current DEA pilot. I’ll pose the question to him and see if I can get a current answer.