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Summary

Paramilitary Operations Officers lead and manage Covert Action programs and collect foreign intelligence vital to national security policymakers.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
10/01/2025 to 09/30/2026
Salary
$79,567 to - $131,826 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 10 - 12
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
Washington, DC
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
76% or greater - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
24-12182936-7037/CSHD
Control number
756773100

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Duties

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*Successful candidates for this position may be eligible for a one-time hiring bonus of up to 25% of their base pay

As a Paramilitary Operations Officer (PMOO) for the CIA, you will join a select cadre that is motivated by camaraderie and selfless service. PMOOs lead and manage Covert Action programs, at the direction of President of the United States, and collect Foreign Intelligence vital to national security policymakers. As an action and results oriented professional, you will take on demanding responsibility, accept significant personal risk, and maintain accountability for results. PMOOs serve as a distinct occupation in the Directorate of Operations (DO), using their military experience to conduct air, ground and maritime paramilitary operations, covert action as well as intelligence collection in austere and dangerous environments. You are expected to be leaders and program managers, running paramilitary and intelligence operations in the field.

All DO officers are hired at an entry level and train as they are expected to work - as one team. DO officers begin their careers spending one to two years learning the foundations of clandestine operational tradecraft via classroom training, practical exercise, and on-the-job experience. As equal parts Paramilitary and Operations Officers, PMOOs must successfully complete foundational training as a DO Operations Officer.

Additionally, you are required to successfully complete specialized paramilitary training and demonstrate a high level of physical readiness in order to prepare for service in hazardous and austere environments overseas.

PMOOs spend the majority of their careers serving out numerous short-term deployments or multi-year assignments in a variety of overseas locations.
As part of the program, some DO officers will be expected to:

  • Operate a motor vehicle without second-party assistance in daytime and nighttime conditions;
  • Traverse uneven terrain, to include climbing and descending­­­ staircases, over fixed minimum distances and in varying weather conditions;
  • Work non-traditional or erratic schedules;
  • Make reasoned decisions under time constraints.

This position requires a 5-year Contract Term Agreement.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
  • You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
  • You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

  • Served on active duty with the US Armed Forces in either of the following Military Occupations/Career Fields:
    • Special Operations or Combat Arms
    • Aviation or Aviation related specialties
  • Successful completion of specialized paramilitary training and demonstrates a high level of physical readiness
  • Willingness to serve in hazardous and austere environments overseas
  • Personal integrity and the ability to operate with minimal supervision
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills (verbal and written)
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as work independently
  • Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to the mission of the CIA and the Directorate of Operations
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation
Desired Qualifications

Competitive Paramilitary Operations Officer applicants have:
  • Minimum of 8 years of active-duty experience
  • Served in multiple leadership positions generating a proven record of responsibility and critical decision-making in stressful situations
  • Experience serving in combat and conducting combat operations; multiple tours, particularly in leadership positions, are highly desired
  • Currently on active duty or within three years following departure from active duty
  • Applicants on Reserve or National Guard status, more than three years from active duty, are more competitive if they have completed overseas deployments in that timeframe
Qualifications also considered:
  • Non-combat overseas deployments with real world impact
  • Foreign language, foreign travel, and area knowledge
  • Experience in advanced combat skills
  • Experience conducting military/combat diving and underwater operations

Education

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a U.S. college or university)
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale is preferred

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/.

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