Has anyone here worked for the US Border Patrol?

[MAJOR METAL]

I was curious to see if anyone here has ever worked for the US Border Patrol. I am giving some thought to pursuing employment with them. Thanks

[McHaven]

I don't suggest it.

[sandmangeck]

On the Canadian or Mexican side?

[SoComSurfing]

You looking specifically at Border Protection, or considering Customs as well? I work with CBP officers nearly every day. I went through some of the testing for a civilian position with Customs but about 1/2 way through the process realized I wasn't really interested in that job. I've still toyed with the idea of trying to get on as an Agriculture officer over the past 2-3 years, but never pursued it seriously.

[MakiSupaStar]

I have a buddy going through backgrounds right now.

[Jeff K]

One of my sons has been a Border Patrol agent for about 3 years. He's in Laredo, TX. The academy that you have to go through is pretty intense. I'm a retired federal agent, so I've gone through a lot of training over the years. The Border Patrol training is the closest to military training. They basically march everywhere they go while at the academy. The initial training for most federal agents is a bit more laid back than the B.P.

Once you get out in the field, it can be pretty dangerous. Especially on the Mexican border. A lot of whether or not you have a goodly amount of job satisfaction depends upon the supervisors where you're stationed. Sometimes the older agents aren't especially welcoming or helpful to the new agents. And of course you're always working rotating shifts.

If you already have a Bachelor's Degree or better, I'd recommend trying to get on as a Special Agent with another federal law enforcement agency (such as FBI, Secret Service, ATF, etc.). Unless of course you're specifically drawn to the Border Patrol. Then you might really enjoy it.

[MAJOR METAL]

Originally Posted by sandmangeck

On the Canadian or Mexican side?

At the time I did the initial application they were only accepting applicants for the Southern Border.

[MAJOR METAL]

Originally Posted by SoComSurfing

You looking specifically at Border Protection, or considering Customs as well? I work with CBP officers nearly every day. I went through some of the testing for a civilian position with Customs but about 1/2 way through the process realized I wasn't really interested in that job. I've still toyed with the idea of trying to get on as an Agriculture officer over the past 2-3 years, but never pursued it seriously.

Protection as of now. I'll have to check out customs as well. Thanks

[6jase5]

I used to run a Bonded warehouse. Not sure that it's a route that I'd suggest based on the "I like my job" factor which was pretty low among all the CBP folks I knew.

[MAJOR METAL]

Originally Posted by Jeff K

One of my sons has been a Border Patrol agent for about 3 years. He's in Laredo, TX. The academy that you have to go through is pretty intense. I'm a retired federal agent, so I've gone through a lot of training over the years. The Border Patrol training is the closest to military training. They basically march everywhere they go while at the academy. The initial training for most federal agents is a bit more laid back than the B.P.

Once you get out in the field, it can be pretty dangerous. Especially on the Mexican border. A lot of whether or not you have a goodly amount of job satisfaction depends upon the supervisors where you're stationed. Sometimes the older agents aren't especially welcoming or helpful to the new agents. And of course you're always working rotating shifts.

If you already have a Bachelor's Degree or better, I'd recommend trying to get on as a Special Agent with another federal law enforcement agency (such as FBI, Secret Service, ATF, etc.). Unless of course you're specifically drawn to the Border Patrol. Then you might really enjoy it.

Thank you for the feedback From what I have been experiencing , this is a pretty difficult time in trying to enter as a new professional within this given field. I do have a Masters degree in National Security Studies. Do you think at that level and relevance of education I could get in as a GS7 ?

[T-Bird]

Hi.

I haven't, obviously, but the thread title immediately reminded me of the only half decent SP episode they have come up this season.



Regards
Sam

[Jeff K]

Yeah, I would think so. My son had to start as a GS-5, but some guys with previous law enforcement experience started as a 7. Not sure if the higher education would get you the same preference or not, but it might. But either way, you do move up quickly. My son is an 11 after only 3 years.

But seriously, with your educational background, if I were you, I'd try to get on with the CIA or FBI. It's more challenging work, and you'd make more money in the long run. Plus, if you want to continue working after you retire, a background in either of those agencies gives you a lot of options. (Mandatory retirement in federal law enforcement is age 57.) Beware though if you have any skeletons in your closet. Those background investigations can be extremely in-depth. And they do a new background investigation on you every 5 years.

[onewebfoot]

Perhaps Condoleezza Rice needs bodyguard service? You were pretty keen on her for a few years. :-)