Border Patrol Recruiters Cross Ocean Seeking Job Applicants
Written by Imperial Valley News
Saturday, 22 March 2008

Washington, DC - U.S. Customs and Border Protection recruiters will embark on an unconventional journey to help add more than 6,000 additional Border Patrol agents this year. For the first time, CBP, the largest uniformed law enforcement agency in the U.S., will venture to U.S. military installations in Germany to expand hiring efforts.

Recruiters depart from Philadelphia International Airport Monday, for the Kaiserlauten Military Community, the largest military community outside the continental U.S., along with other military installations that include:
* Manheim—March 27
* Heidelberg—March 28
* Vilseck-Rose Barracks—March 26
* Wiesbaden—March 28
* Schweinfurt—March 27
* Kaiserslautern—March 26

The recruiting team looks to the military as a fertile source for applicants, considering the fact that military veterans currently make up more than 25 percent of CBP’s workforce. While scheduling installation visits, recruiters have been encouraged by the supportive responses for this new recruiting approach.

Various military transition centers called to request additional installations on the list and expressed the general consensus that although they do not want soldiers to leave, if they choose not to reenlist, with CBP they will still be in service to the country.

"We are reaching out to the military because, like CBP, the military is committed to service to country and evokes the same professional attributes necessary for protecting the homeland." Joe Arata, CBP’s national recruiter said. "As we often say, 'You can change your call sign, but not your calling,' and being a vet myself, I know this is true."
Three senior managers for CBP national recruitment are military veterans.

While non-veterans make strong border agent candidates, recruiters attribute the notable success of former military personnel to comparable job experience such as familiarity with working outdoors, understanding a chain of command and self discipline. For veterans, employment with CBP allows an opportunity to buy back time toward retirement, leave time that is based on prior years of service and continued enrollment in the Federal Thrift Savings Program.

While onsite, recruiter teams will offer:
* Answers to applicant questions;
* Application assistance;
* Test taking advice; and
* Accounts of their career experiences protecting our nation's borders.

Training is paid for Border Patrol recruits who earn between $36,000 and $46,000 in their first year, with the potential of earning up to $70,000 within three years of service. Other benefits include federal health insurance, life insurance and retirement, and up to 25 percent additional pay in overtime opportunities.

Successful Border Patrol candidates will complete a rigorous screening process, which includes a written examination and structured interview, language aptitude or Spanish proficiency, along with a physical fitness test and medical examination. Candidates also must pass a drug test and a background investigation before completing a 16½-week basic training academy in Artesia, New Mexico.

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