How to Become A Customs Border Patrol

Security is one of our nation’s main concerns today. History is witness to many terrorist related acts that have threatened our national security and the lives of many innocent civilians. Apart from terrorism, there are a number of other issues such as drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and trafficking. To counteract such issues, many agencies are working hard in their respective areas. The US Customs and Border Protection agency is among the many that regulate and facilitate border trade. This is the largest agency in the United States and works under the Homeland Security agency. Its main purpose is to prevent terrorists from entering the country, and apprehend suspected criminals.

Individuals who are seeking a job that is fulfilling, rewarding, and well-paying may consider joining the customs border patrol department. The customs border patrol offers a range of career opportunities for enthusiastic individuals who want to serve their nation.

Requirements of Border Patrol Jobs

If you are planning to join the US customs and border patrol agency, you need to be well equipped with knowledge, and should be physically fit. The career demands individuals who can endure tough situations and are ready to dedicate their lives to this field. The requirements for careers in this field may vary and depend upon the job you wish to pursue.

You can start off by completing your college education. Having a bachelor degree will help you qualify for job positions in this agency. On the other hand, an associate degree may also help you prepare for an entry level job here. You can choose between a wide range of study fields such as criminal justice, business administration, and homeland security. Many colleges are offering these specialization areas to graduate and undergraduate students. Through such programs you will acquire a better understanding of national security, current security issues, how organizations function, and what sort of a role criminal justice plays.

Once your education is complete, you can get in touch with the border patrol agency and apply for training. Once your application has been accepted, you will be required to pass a few tests that will evaluate your psychological compatibility, strength, and stamina. You may also be required to undergo a background check and a polygraph test. The agency aims at selecting the most suitable and dedicated candidates. Once these tests are cleared, you will be enrolled in a training program that will cover a wide range of areas. During this program, you will learn how to operate firearms, use computers, understand the report writing process, and learn about various terrorist threats. Once the training is complete, you will be allocated to a border area for duty.

Salary of a Customs Border Patrol Agent

The salary of border patrol agents is determined through the GL scale. The job position will fall in the specific category on the scale. For example according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the income level of border patrol agents in GL-5, 7 or 9 was $33,829 in 2010. Along with the monetary benefits, the career offers other benefits such as healthcare insurance, life insurance, tuition assistance, transportation subsidy, and more.