OSI Special Agent Minimum Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Be U.S. Citizens

• Selective Service: All male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must have registered for the Selective Service.

• Lautenberg Amendment: This position requires the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition.

• Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to drive a motor vehicle. 

• Agent Suitability Investigation: This position requires the favorable completion of an Agent Suitability Investigation, including a successful criminal background check, prior to an offer of employment.

• Drug Testing: Position is designated by the Air Force as a testing designated position under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program and is subject to random drug testing.

• Probation: This position is typically subject to a two-year trial period during the first 2 years of the federal appointment.

• Security Clearance: This position requires a Top Secret security clearance. Favorable completion of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is required prior to an offer of employment.

• Polygraph Examination: Applicants are subject to counterintelligence scope polygraph examinations as determined by the command.

• Work Environment: Employees may be assigned anywhere in the U.S. or overseas, to include war zones.

• Work Schedule: Employees must be able to work substantial amounts of unscheduled overtime or be available to work substantial amounts of unscheduled overtime on evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

• Firearms: The duties of this position require the incumbent to carry a firearm. Applicants must meet initial and continuing OSI qualifications in the use of firearms.

Medical, Health and Fitness Requirements:

• Must be physically fit in order to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties

• Must be physically able to travel by plane as required

• May be required to take a series of vaccinations and immunizations

• Moderate to arduous physical exertion involving standing, walking, running

• The use of firearms

• Exposure to inclement weather or other environmental hazards

• Manual dexterity

• Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order

• Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters.

• Adequate hearing is required in order to perform duties safely and satisfactorily; hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels

• Must possess emotional and mental stability

• Any physical or mental condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to themselves or others is disqualifying

• Must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination

OSI Additional

Hiring Information

OSI requires new entry-level civilians to have a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA 2.95 or higher or qualifying specialized experience. Applicants for journeyman positions can qualify based on their specialized experience as an agent.  Entry level vacancies are normally at the GL-7 level, but can be higher for applicants with an advanced degree (GL-9 for master’s, GS-11 for a PhD). Journeymen (experienced) level vacancies start at GS 13.

Selection Process

First, a human resources specialist reviews all applications for completeness and minimum qualifications. Next, all

qualifying applications are evaluated, scored, and rank-ordered by a Review Board comprised of OSI special agents. From those applicants, some or all may be referred for interviews. The names of the highest-ranking applicants are provided to the OSI Executive Director who approves the list. The applicants who are selected are notified that he or she has been identified for further evaluation, and must undergo and pass a pre-employment medical examination. If the medical examination is favorable, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment suitability investigation. After successful completion of the suitability investigation, employment related documents (e.g., condition of employment agreements, etc.) are sent to the selectee for completion and an enter-on-duty date is established.  The locations are determined by the needs of the Air Force. 

PALACE Acquire Program

Each year OSI hires approximately 10 new Entry Level Special Agents via this prestigious program.  This is a formal three year training and career development track.  A college degree is a requirement and college seniors may apply prior to graduation.  Read More