[2] Its missions are centered on airport security, and it also carries out judicial inquiries pertaining to civilian aviation accidents.

The GTA's diverse missions include:[3] Personnel of the GTA cover a wide range of specialities, including security patrols, freight inspectors, counter-snipers, aviators, dog handlers, auditors, and health inspectors.

All personnel follow an initial aviation-related course called Formation Aéronautique de Base.

Most personnel receive more specialised training at the École nationale de l'aviation civile.

Seven small brigades (typically of ten to twelve gendarmes each) cover overseas installations.