Expedited hiring authority is in place for the induction of 200 air interdiction agents by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and recently, that authority was extended through Jan. 30, 2026.
The position is open to pilots with a minimum of 1,500 flight hours, including 250 as pilot-in-command, 75 hours of instrument time =, and 75 nighttime hours. As air interdiction agents, selectees would be charged with detecting, preventing, interdicting and apprehending terrorists, contraband, and more to prevent them from illegally entering or attacking the United States. The role could include patrols of waterways and airways and efforts to prohibit illegal narcotics and undocumented persons to the country.
“Air interdiction agents conduct airborne surveillance to detect and deter the movements of illegal narcotics and the trafficking of human beings across our borders,” Executive Assistant Commissioner for Air and Marine Operations Jonathan Miller said. “Our agents work in collaboration with our partners at CBP and dozens of international, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to safeguard our homeland, support search and rescue activities, and conduct security missions for events designated as National Special Security Events, such as the recent Super Bowl.”
In addition to entry eligibility requirements, CBP also requires applicants to pass a three-part flight assessment: oral, flight evaluation, and structured interview. All would take place on the same day at the National Air Training Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After that, applicants can enter a 15-week Air and Marine Basic Training Program at the Air and Marine Operations Academy in Glynco, Ga.