Paramilitary Operations Officer
Job details at a glance
| Agency | Central Intelligence Agency |
|---|---|
| Department | Other Agencies and Independent Organizations |
| Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Salary | $80,363–$133,142 per year |
| Grade | GS 10–12 |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Occupation series | Intelligence (0132) |
| Openings | Many |
| Hiring paths | Competitive service, Excepted service, Open to the public |
| Posted | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jan 31, 2027 |
| Telework eligible | No |
| Remote job | No |
| Security clearance | Sensitive Compartmented Information |
| Relocation expenses reimbursed | Yes |
| Promotion potential | 15 |
About this job
Paramilitary Operations Officers lead and manage Covert Action programs and collect foreign intelligence vital to national security policymakers.
Duties
*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.
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
Evaluations
For more information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/.
How to apply
This post is for viewing purposes only. To get started, please visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/, where you can read more about this position and express your interest in up to four jobs. Upon expressing your interest, you will be taken to MyLINK, which allows you to submit your resume and job rankings and provide basic information about yourself.
Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗Required documents
For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/.
What to expect next
After you express interest for up to four positions on cia.gov/careers, a CIA recruiter may contact you for further discussion if your qualifications meet our needs. See the MyLINK FAQs on our website for more information.
Frequently asked questions
How much does this Paramilitary Operations Officer job pay?
The announcement lists a salary of $80,363–$133,142 per year (GS 10–12).
When is the last day to apply?
Applications close on Jan 31, 2027 — 81 days from today.
Where is this job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia with the Central Intelligence Agency.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.
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