The U.S. Border Patrol is a highly trained and extremely mobile uniformed federal law enforcement organization that relies on the latest law enforcement training techniques and operational technologies to prevent terrorists and illegal aliens from entering the country. It also prevents smuggling activities and handles the deportation of criminal aliens. The organization is statutorily authorized to enforce myriad federal laws anywhere in the United States and its possessions, which makes it the premier uniformed federal law enforcement agency. Border Patrol Agents operate in all types of environments—from remote areas of the southern border to the highly urbanized downtown areas of cities such as San Diego, CA. Today more than ever, the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol are relied on to protect the borders of the United States. Today's Border Patrol Agent represents the convergence of tradition, modern technology, advanced training, and unique skills. A Short History of the U.S. Border Patrol In order to fully understand all aspects of the Border Patrol Agent position, it is necessary to briefly review its proud tradition. As early as 1904, the U.S. Immigration Service assigned a token force of mounted inspectors to patrol the southern border of the United States to prevent illegal crossings. The officers were untrained and few in number, and authorities were unable to stem the rising tide of illegal aliens. In March 1915, Congress authorized a separate group of inspectors called mounted guards, or mounted inspectors, who operated from El Paso, TX. These guards, who never numbered more than 75, rode on horseback and patrolled as far west as California. On May 28, 1924, Congress established the U.S. Border Patrol as part of the Immigration Bureau, a division of the Department of Labor. In 1925, patrol areas were expanded to include over 2,000 miles of seacoast extending along the Gulf and Florida coasts. Initially, the Border Patrol recruited many of the early force of 450 officers from the Texas Rangers and local sheriffs and their deputies. These officers knew the land and the dangers it presented. Appointees from the Civil Service Register of Railroad Mail Clerks supplemented this rough-and-ready crew. The U.S. government initially provided the Border Patrol Agents a badge, a revolver, and an annual salary of $1,680. Since its inception, the Border Patrol has achieved an almost legendary status in the law enforcement community. As in the past, Border Patrol Agents today continue to provide a critical service as their duties have evolved to encompass much more than preventing illegal entry into the United States. What the Work of a Border Patrol Agent Is Really About Even today, the work of a Border Patrol Agent is difficult, diverse, and, more often than not, extremely hazardous. This position is best suited to the rugged individualist who is self-assured, well educated, and well trained. The important task of protecting our sovereign borders in a humane and compassionate way, consistent with American ideals and security needs, has assumed an entirely new dynamic in a post-9/11 environment. So if you think this type of occupation is for you and you are prepared for the challenge of your life, read on! Important Website Addresses To find the latest information on all available federal law enforcement positions, including U.S. Border Patrol Agent, visit www.usajobs.gov. To determine whether you are veterans' preference eligible, visit www.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/mservice.htm. Salary and Benefits
As a Border Patrol Agent, you will receive all the benefits of federal employment. The generous benefits package includes personal leave days, health and life insurance, and a retirement plan that offers retirement at age 50 after at least 20 years of service or retirement at any age after 25 years of service. This generous Law Enforcement Personnel plan includes pension and savings plans to form a multitiered, diversified retirement portfolio. New Border Patrol Agents are always recruited at the GL-5, GL-7, or GL-9 level unless they are transferring from another federal agency. Where you start on the pay scale will depend on your previous education and experience in law enforcement. Salaries are significantly higher in certain metropolitan areas (like San Diego, CA). However, in general, annual starting salaries begin at around $39,400 and rapidly increase. Senior Patrol Agents routinely earn in excess of $70,000 per year, while Supervisory Patrol Agents routinely earn in excess of $80,000 per year. Keep in mind that typically 90% of Border Patrol Agents in any location are assigned to work a regular schedule of 100 hours every two weeks, which includes 2 hours of overtime per workday. Those who work at this level receive a salary supplement equal to 25% of their basic pay. Additionally, Border Patrol Agents who work more than their agreed-upon hours are provided compensation in the form of time off (capped at 240 hours a year). Education and Experience Requirements for Border Patrol Agent Positions The following table shows the amounts of education and/or experience required to qualify for Border Patrol Agent positions. Under the accelerated promotion program, after six and a half months at the GL-5 entry level, you will be eligible for promotion to GL-7; individuals hired at the GL-7 level are eligible for promotion to GL-9. Border Patrol Agents are promoted noncompetitively to the GL-11 Journeyman level grade. However, these promotions are contingent upon new agents successfully completing their six- and ten-month probationary exams as well as the field training segment of the training program.
Where the Jobs Are
Due to overwhelming illegal immigration originating from our southern border, first duty stations of new Border Patrol Agents are almost always along the Southwest United States/Mexico border in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Many initial assignments are located in small, isolated communities, and transfers from initial duty assignments are limited and normally at your own expense.
It is important that prospective agents consider the impact on their families of moving to an isolated community along the border where healthcare access, educational resources, entertainment, and housing may be extremely limited. This cultural shift is most prevalent in families relocating from highly urbanized areas such as New York City to remote locations like Eagle Pass, TX. In cases in which agents are first assigned to large metropolitan areas such as San Diego or Riverside County, CA, prospective agents should consider the cost of housing in local markets to avoid sticker shock. It is always a good idea to first visit the location where you may be assigned prior to formally accepting a position.
Trainee agents are not are not allowed to be assigned to stations within 100 miles of their hometown. Accordingly, when considering a position, be prepared for a complete household move. This move will be at your own cost (certain expenses may be tax deductible; check with your accountant).
What Makes a Good Candidate?
The task of a Border Patrol Agent is vital to the security of our country, inherently interesting, and exciting for the adventurous among us. If you are disciplined, physically fit, and up for a challenge, this position may be for you. Men and women leaving the military, recent college graduates, and current law enforcement officers are particularly good candidates for this position. Finally, because many local and federal law enforcement agencies seek the traits and training inherent in a Border Patrol Agent position and actively recruit agents, the U.S. Border Patrol often serves as an entry-level law enforcement position. Many Border Patrol Agents routinely move on to other positions throughout the federal government, including U.S. marshal, federal air marshal, drug enforcement agent, special agent, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and even the Central Intelligence Agency.
Duties of a Border Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Agents are employed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Although most people normally associate a Border Patrol Agent's duties with the external boundaries of the continental United States, Border Patrol Agents are authorized to engage in federal law enforcement activities anywhere in the United States, including Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. Consequently, Border Patrol Agents can be found in many interior locations of the United States at permanent and temporary checkpoints, major cities, airports, and even attached to some local law enforcement agencies. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Border Patrol Agents were deployed nationwide at U.S. airports as well as aboard commercial flights. Finally, Border Patrol Agents are one of the few law enforcement positions authorized to carry firearms anywhere in the United States and aboard commercial aircraft in flight. Border Patrol Agents are also considered a quasi-national police force capable of rapid full-scale deployment anywhere in the country to represent the interests of the U.S. government. Agents have been deployed in desegregation efforts during the Civil Rights era, in Los Angeles during the riots that followed the Rodney King trial, and even in the Elian Gonzalez reunification operation. A. example of one of the most routine daily activities of a Border Patrol Agent is linewatch. This activity involves the detection, prevention, and apprehension of undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the land border by maintaining strict surveillance from predominantly covert positions; following up on intelligence; responding to electronic sensor alarms; using infrared scopes during night operations; operating low-light level television systems; responding to aircraft sightings; and interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence. Some of the other major responsibilities are farm and ranch check, traffic check, traffic observation, city patrol, and transportation check. Duties may be administrative, intelligence related, undercover operations, or antismuggling activities. An agent's job normally involves significant physical exertion under harsh environmental conditions, often requiring exposure to extreme weather for extended periods of time. Border Patrol Agents are well known for their ability to engage suspects in protracted foot chases as well as their ability to track suspects over extended terrain. In recent years, agents have apprehended a million or more illegal aliens per year with as few as 5,200 agents nationwide. Most agents rarely work in pairs, and it is not uncommon for a single agent to arrest 20 or more illegal aliens without assistance at one time. It is routinely noted that Border Patrol Agents single-handedly operate in an environment that most law enforcement agencies consider a riot situation. Agents may routinely encounter an illegal alien looking for work or criminal aliens evading arrest warrants. In recent years, Border Patrol Agents have begun encountering extreme foreign criminal elements, including terrorists and violent gang members. Border Patrol Agents have even engaged in running gun battles with elements of the Mexican military suspected of conducting screen operations for drug cartels. Border Patrol Agents make critical decisions—often in split seconds—that require excellent reasoning and critical decision-making skills. As with any law enforcement officer, decisions made by Border Patrol Agents in split seconds are subject to years of scrutiny and legal analysis. On occasion, Border Patrol Agents find themselves working in a highly politicized environment that brings even harsher scrutiny. Therefore, as an agent, you will be required to study and demonstrate comprehension of various types of laws and regulations as well as legal commentary. You will be trained to apply those laws and regulations in dynamic and confrontational situations and to later testify in court proceedings in defense of your decisions. It is critical that Border Patrol Agents are able to articulate and justify their actions in criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings. Prospective agents must have the ability to project a positive and confident image in the field as well as in the courtroom. Public speaking courses are highly recommended for Border Patrol Agent candidates. More Information Online There are a great many unofficial sources of information for those considering the position of Border Patrol Agent. These sources of information are primarily Internet based and managed by current or former Border Patrol Agents. There is even a moderated Internet message board where you can talk to real Border Patrol Agents and ask questions. Here are a few sources recommended by Border Patrol Agents: - www.nbpc1613.org This is the official website of the National Border Patrol Council, Local 1613. It provides information on the latest workplace issues affecting Border Patrol Agents, pay, legislation, and general inside information regarding the work of agents. - www.honorfirst.com. This website is managed by a highly regarded former Border Patrol Agent. Current and former Border Patrol Agents recommend this site because it consolidates real-world information regarding testing, positions, academy schedules, and pay and benefits, and even includes an online message board (moderated by active Border Patrol Agents) to talk to real agents or with other applicants. Requirements and Qualifications Preemployment requirements consist of a thorough background investigation, medical examination, fitness test, and drug test. You may also be subject to a polygraph examination. If your background includes past or present arrests, convictions, dismissals from previous jobs, debts and financial issues, excessive use of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, or the sale or distribution of illegal drugs, you most probably will be rated unsuitable for this position. Job requirements: Border Patrol Agents must wear a uniform, carry a weapon, work overtime and shift work (sometimes under arduous conditions), and be subject to random drug testing. Agents undergo extensive background checks every three to five years. General Qualifications - Must be a U.S. citizen. The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants other than current CBP employees. If you are not a current CBP employee, CBP requires that for the three years prior to filing an application for employment, individuals must meet one or more of the following primary residence criteria: 1. Applicant resided in the United States or its protectorates or territories (short trips abroad, such as vacations, will not necessarily disqualify an applicant). 2. Applicant worked for the U.S. government as an employee overseas in a federal or military capacity. 3. Applicant was a dependent of a U.S. federal or military employee serving overseas. - Must possess a valid state driver's license at the time of appointment. - Must be under age 37 to apply. This position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Therefore, candidates must be referred for selection prior to their 37th birthdays unless they presently serve or have previously served in a position covered by federal civilian law enforcement retirement. Disqualifying Misdemeanor If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, it is a felony for you to possess any firearm or ammunition. A misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is defined as any offense that has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian of the victim. The term convicted does not include anyone whose conviction has been expunged or set aside or who has received a pardon. As a condition of employment, individuals selected for Border Patrol Agent positions are required to carry weapons and ammunition as part of their official duties. Therefore, an individual with a conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not be employed in a Border Patrol Agent position. General Conditions of Employment In addition to the qualifications previously mentioned, you must be willing to: - undergo an extensive background investigation - accept appointments at any location on or near the Mexican border - work rotating shifts, primarily at night - work long and irregular hours, including weekends and holidays - work alone - learn the Spanish language - adhere to strict grooming and dress standards - carry, maintain, and use a firearm in compliance with applicable laws and regulations - work under hazardous conditions such as inclement weather, rough terrain, heights, moving trains, high-speed chases, physical assaults, and armed encounters - operate a wide variety of motor vehicles including SUVs, Police Crown Victorias, and Hummers - submit to a thorough physical examination - fly as a passenger/observer in various types of aircraft, including helicopters - maintain composure and self-control under stressful conditions - bear initial travel costs to your duty location - undergo intensive physical and academic training, including a 55- or 95-day course of study at the Border Patrol Academy and subsequent probationary exams - work on operational details away from home for extended periods (35 days or more; some details may last up to a year) Overtime Requirements Under the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014, Border Patrol Agents employed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection component of the Department of Homeland Security are assigned one of three 'tours of duty.' A Level 1 regular tour of duty requires a regular schedule of 10-hour workdays (2 overtime hours per day) and provides an overtime supplement equal to 25% of basic pay. A Level 2 regular tour of duty requires a regular schedule of 9-hour workdays (1 overtime hour per day) and provides an overtime supplement equal to 12.5% of basic pay. A Basic regular tour of duty is an 8-hour workday with no overtime supplement. In some cases, Agents may choose their tour of duty. However, certain positions require a specific tour of duty; for example, Agents who work with canines must be assigned a Level 1 regular tour of duty. In addition, typically at least 90% of Agents at a location must have a Level 1 tour of duty. The Federal Career Intern Program Border Patrol Agent positions are full-time positions filled under the Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP). This hiring program helps federal agencies recruit talented individuals for entry-level government positions. FCIP appointments are designed with a two-year internship, during which time you will be learning about the job and the organization, attending formal training programs, and developing job-related skills. If your performance and conduct are satisfactory, your appointment will be made permanent after the two-year internship. However, since the FCIP is an 'excepted service' appointing authority, you may be removed from your position anytime during this two-year period for any reason. This is a significant departure from past hiring practices, which provided only a one-year probationary period. The probationary period is extended to two years under this FCIP program. How to Apply USAJOBS (Office of Personnel Management Online) Applications for Border Patrol Agent (trainee) positions are primarily submitted through the Internet. This departure from traditional paper-based methods provides the applicant with a speedier and more reliable application process. To apply online, visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)'s website at www.usajobs.gov to check for open positions. Additionally, many Border Patrol sectors maintain recruiters you can personally talk with to guide you through the process. Here is a current list of contact numbers for Border Patrol sectors that conduct hiring. Additional sector information can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
On Truthfulness in the Application Process
You cannot overestimate the importance of truthfulness and full disclosure. Applicants who gain federal employment through material falsification in the application process or through simple omission of key facts are subject to administrative, civil, and/or criminal penalty. If you fail to disclose all your speeding and parking tickets or lie about a credit card payment you did not make, you will be subject to immediate removal from federal employment and could possibly be barred from future federal employment for a period of five years or more. In addition, if your falsification or omission is discovered even five years after you are hired, you will most likely be removed from your position. When in doubt, always disclose the information. In many instances, waivers may be attainable to overcome what appears to be an obstacle to employment.
Both U.S.-born and foreign-born applicants will be required to disclose all foreign family ties and business interests, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Disclosing this information will actually protect you should your integrity ever be questioned. Be sure to have the most recent contact and financial information available in this regard.
The Next Steps in the Application Process
Following are the next important steps you must take in order to be considered for a Border Patrol Agent position.
The Written Exam
Each year, tens of thousands of people nationwide take the Border Patrol Exam, which is offered when current lists of eligible applicants are depleted and Congress authorizes additional hiring. Fewer than 800 of these candidates will be selected. Tests are normally scheduled at the nearest location to your home and could be administered in a federal building, civic hall, or library. You will be notified where to report for your written exam. When you receive the test notification packet, be sure to read all the material carefully!
You must pass a written exam. The exam consists of the following sections: Logical Reasoning and a language test. The test takes about four and a half hours. Once you have taken the Border Patrol Agent test, you should receive a Notice of Results in the mail within four weeks following the test. Compressed Testing For candidates who register to take the written test at a compressed testing location, the CBP, in cooperation with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), utilizes a compressed testing process that requires approximately eight hours on the day of your test. Compressed testing is normally conducted in Buffalo, NY; San Diego, CA; San Antonio and El Paso, TX; and Tucson, AZ. The initial step in the process is the test itself. After completing the test, a Border Patrol Agent will present an orientation session about the agent position. You will be given a copy of your test results (Notice of Results). If you successfully pass the written exam, you will be given a packet of forms to complete and mail to the Minneapolis Hiring Center, as well as a date (within two weeks of the examination date) for an oral board interview. If you are unable to attend your scheduled test and you are unable to reschedule your test date with OPM, you will need to reregister during the next Border Patrol Agent open application period. Logical Reasoning Test The Logical Reasoning section of the test measures your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills, which are necessary to prepare and perform the duties required of a Border Patrol Agent. You should know that Border Patrol Agents are often called upon to testify in legal proceedings, and it is imperative to understand the legal reasoning process. The logical reasoning questions were designed with this application in mind. They are also designed to test your ability to understand complicated written material and derive conclusions. You will be required to make logical conclusions based on various facts in the written material. Language Testing If you speak Spanish, you may take a proficiency test that measures that ability. However, if you do not speak Spanish, then you will take an Artificial Language Test that measures your ability to learn the Spanish language. The official sample questions for language will show you what the language section of the test will be like. (Even if you're a native speaker, the Spanish section might surprise you. It focuses on grammar, which may not be your strongest suit.) The Structured Oral Interview After you pass the written exam, your name is added to a register of eligible persons. As an eligible candidate, you will be called for an oral interview where you must demonstrate the abilities and characteristics important to a Border Patrol Agent. The oral interview is a panel of at least three experienced Border Patrol Agents who will present scenarios that test your ability to think quickly and respond to stressful situations. The oral interview tests your judgment, emotional maturity, and problem-solving skills. You will receive advance notice of the date and place of your interview, and you must appear at your own expense. Business dress is appropriate (i.e., suit and tie for men, suit for women). The Medical Exam After passing the oral interview, you will immediately be fingerprinted. A preemployment medical examination is also necessary and is provided at no expense. This exam is normally provided within a month of passing the oral interview. Candidates must be medically able to perform the full duties of a Border Patrol Agent efficiently and without hazard to themselves and others. Also, you must be physically able to perform all of the strenuous duties, sometimes under harsh environmental conditions. Duties require: - physical stamina - running long distances - climbing - jumping - withstanding exposure to extreme weather conditions for extended periods - standing/stooping for long periods of time In addition, irregular and protracted hours of work are required. The medical examination is designed to find out if you are medically suited for these duties. The exam is given by a medical examiner and paid for by the U.S. government. You will have to pay for any travel to the exam. Also, as a Border Patrol Agent, you will have to pass a urinalysis test to screen for illegal drugs prior to final appointment and then again randomly throughout your career. It is important to note that a positive drug test will, without exception, terminate your current application process and prohibit you from future employment with the Border Patrol. The Fitness Test Due to the strenuous nature of Border Patrol Agent duties and the associated training programs, fitness tests are required for entry-level Border Patrol Agent positions. Although fitness tests are a separate preemployment requirement, they are conducted at the same time and location as the medical examination. The three preemployment fitness tests are a push-up test, sit-up test, and five-minute cardiovascular endurance step test. 1. Push-up test is a timed test that requires you to complete 20 proper-form push-ups in 60 seconds. The depth of the push-up will be measured using a foam block. If needed, rests between push-ups must be taken in the up position. The test administrator will evaluate your form during the test and will instruct you when to start and stop. 2. Sit-up test is a timed test that requires you to complete 25 proper-form sit-ups in 60 seconds. The test administrator will hold your feet during this test and instruct you when to start and stop. 3. Step test is a timed test that requires you to step up and down on a 14-inch-high step at a rate of 120 steps per minute for a total time of five minutes. To maintain the cadence, an audiotape is used that maintains a constant beat and gives verbal cues. The audiotape also contains instructions to switch your lead leg every minute to avoid local muscle fatigue. Note: It is extremely important that you are well prepared for the fitness test. If you fail any of the three tests, the fitness testing process will be discontinued and you will immediately lose your conditional job offer with the U.S. Border Patrol. Because there is no fitness retesting, you will have to start the entire application process over the next time a vacancy announcement is advertised. In order to graduate from the required training at the Border Patrol Academy, all trainees must pass a fitness test that includes running 1.5 miles in 13 minutes or less, running a 220-yard dash in 46 seconds or less, and completing the confidence course in 2 minutes and 30 seconds or less. If a trainee fails the test, he or she will be provided only one additional chance to pass. The Background Investigation Your appointment is subject to a thorough background investigation to ensure you have the loyalty, honesty, and integrity expected of a Border Patrol Agent. This can take three months or more, and you can be disqualified for evidence of any of the following: - habitual use of intoxicants - disloyalty to the U.S. government - moral turpitude - disrespect for law (excessive moving violations, prior arrests) - failure to honor just financial obligations - unethical dealings - misstatement of material fact on the application for employment and any related documents Note: Misstatement of material fact or material falsification of employment application discovered at any time in your career is justification for immediate termination without appeal. Furthermore, you will be barred from all government service for no less than five years. During your background investigation, investigators will examine every part of your life, including schools, jobs, military service, civic organizations, and social groups. Just about everyone you ever knew will be contacted for references and, in many cases, interviews. Additionally, your credit and arrest reports will be collected by the investigator, as well as bank records and financial holdings. The investigator has wide latitude in evaluating your suitability for employment with the U.S. Border Patrol. Even after you are approved by the investigator, your suitability for employment will be further reviewed by agency suitability specialists. Following your acceptance into the Border Patrol, you will undergo periodic background checks no less than every five years and upon each successive promotion. Once the background investigation is successfully completed and all other phases of the application process are complete, you will receive your first duty station assignment offer (typically six to eight months). Normally, it is not wise to turn down the offer in anticipation of a better location. However, if it is imperative, you may request another duty station assignment in lieu of the one offered. Once selected, you may have only a short amount of time to report to your station, and Border Patrol practice requires that you relocate at your own expense. You will need funds to cover travel, lodging, and expenses for three to four days. This is commonly referred to as Entrance on Duty (EOD). You should not bring your family or loved ones with you during your EOD, since you will be busy for no less than ten hours a day. Additionally, you will report right to the Border Patrol Academy from your EOD. If, during the EOD process, any significant errors or omissions are discovered, you may be rejected at that time. It is therefore very important that you have been truthful throughout the entire process. When your EOD is completed, you have successfully been accepted as a Border Patrol Agent trainee. The Border Patrol Academy Following your EOD process, you will be detailed to the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. At the academy, trainees undergo 55 days (95 if you do not speak Spanish) of intensive instruction and receive full pay and benefits. The curriculum includes subjects such as the following: - Immigration and Nationality Law - Criminal Law and Statutory Authority - Intensive Spanish - Physical Training - Firearms Training - Border Patrol Operations - Drivers Training A Word on Recycles or Retreads The U.S. Border Patrol Academy has historically had an unusually high washout rate; many trainees wash out for personal reasons or injury, while others simply cannot perform academically or physically. Trainees who drop out of the academy have the opportunity to recycle from the beginning. In other words, if a trainee drops out of the academy in week 20, he or she will have to repeat the entire program to graduate. To accomplish this, trainees will require the approval of the chief of the Border Patrol Academy as well as their instructors. Probationary Period After graduation from the Border Patrol academy, you will continue formal training to prepare for probationary examinations at six and a half and ten months. Postacademy training is predominantly conducted by designated classroom instructors and field training officers in a field training unit. The unit will train as a group in the field and attend regular classroom training when not in the field. Trainees are required to attend all training sessions, both classroom and field. The use of sick or annual leave should be severely limited until the probationary period ends. The classroom component of the postacademy training requires the successful completion of numerous exams in addition to the formal six-and-a-half- and ten-month exams. All Border Patrol Agents must successfully complete a one-year probationary period concurrently with successful completion of the two-year stipulated FCIP. The Border Patrol probationary period expires at the one-year anniversary date of EOD, whereas the FCIP period expires at the two-year anniversary. Probationary exams consist of essentially three components: law, Spanish, and field assessment (ratings by experienced agents). Failing any of the three exams will result in immediate removal from your position as a Border Patrol Agent. During the FCIP period, you may also be removed from your position for virtually any reason prescribed by your supervisor. Removal from your position under either of these circumstances is generally unappealable. Information For A Border Patrol Agent's Spouse If you have a spouse who would like to talk to spouses of current Border Patrol Agents, he or she should visitwww.bpspouses.com This free site, managed by the spouse of a current Border Patrol Agent, provides just about all information any spouse would need regarding life as a spouse of a Border Patrol Agent. A Special Word on Postacademy Training Formal training and evaluation and their inherent stresses continue well after the academy graduation ceremony. These stresses, combined with the stress of relocating oneself and one's family, coupled with the ongoing possibility of failing a critical exam, can be burdensome not only for the new agent, but also for the entire family. Many trainees succumb to this stress and fail to prioritize adequately. It is extremely important that new agents continue studying and preparing for their new jobs and the continuing assessments without neglecting their family obligations. Expenses Living quarters and meals are provided free at the Border Patrol Academy. In addition, towels, linens, and physical training clothing (except athletic shoes) are provided and are laundered free of charge. As a trainee, you are paid a small per diem for incidental expenses in addition to your salary. The government pays costs to and from the training academy and the first duty station. However, the first year of service with the Border Patrol can be costly, so you should have adequate resources before entering. Uniforms On arrival at the academy, trainees must buy official Border Patrol uniforms. A $1,500 allowance offsets this cost; however, you are encouraged to have an additional $100 on hand for the purchase of additional uniform items required while attending the academy. Thereafter, an annual uniform allowance of $500 is provided toward additional or replacement uniforms, but a complete set of official and rough duty uniforms costs approximately $1,275. Border Patrol Agents, particularly trainee agents, wear out a lot of uniforms due to harsh environmental conditions. Other Tips The Border Patrol recommends that trainees not move households and families to permanent posts of duty until completion of training. Trainees are required to live on campus at the academy, which has no facilities for family members. It is recommended that you not bring your car, as parking is at a premium at the academy. Also, because you must fly from the academy to your first duty station, having a car could prove problematic. While at the academy, you will receive breaks on occasion. These could prove a good opportunity for you to receive visitors. Visitors will not be allowed to stay on campus. Therefore, hotel reservations should be made early. Additionally, there are a number of rental car companies available near the academy.
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