The Australian Federal Police (AFP) describes Pine Gap as “one of its most unique and critical protection sites.” AFP Protective Service Officers (PSOs) provide the armed security layer at JDFPG — the outer ring of a facility where CIA, NSA, NRO, and ASD run classified operations inside. PSO TRAINING AT PINE GAP specifically includes: DRONES, bikes, rapid appraisal, short-barrel rifles, four-wheel driving. Starting salary: $113,000 per annum plus overtime and penalties. Security clearance required: Negative Vetting 1 (Secret). AFP PSO Michael Erickson public quote: “There’s always something to learn while on the job whether it’s drones, bikes, rapid appraisal, short-barrel rifles being rolled out, four-wheel driving — there are plenty of unique experiences.” SIGNIFICANCE: The AFP PSOs are the Australian law enforcement presence providing perimeter and first-response capability. The AFP does not operate the classified intelligence systems — that is exclusively CIA/NSA/NRO/ASD. The AFP is essentially the armed security force that protects the perimeter while intelligence agencies operate the facilities inside. DRONE TRAINING NOTE: The explicit mention of drone training for Pine Gap PSOs is operationally significant — drones are used both for perimeter security patrols and potentially for rapid response to anomalous aerial activity near the facility. The AFP has armed first-response capability matching Parliament House and major airports — Pine Gap is classified at the same critical infrastructure protection level. Source: afp.gov.au/jobs/locations/pine-gap