And we are working all the time to help you meet the challenges that do exist.

What are my chances of getting a dog handler position?With the large emphasis in the Border Patrol on drug and narcotics interdiction, the use of dogs is becoming more and more common, so your chances of working with a dog are relatively good.

You may have to drive a long distance to get reasonable grocery prices and selection.

Some of the things that can increase the amount of time it takes are: health issues, complications in your background investigation, or a lack of sufficient or requested information. These examinations are as critical as successfully completing the Academy. The amount of the buyback depends on how soon you begin repayment. Additionally, Agents also receive night deferential pay, Sunday pay and Holiday pay.What about salary deductions and insurance benefits?There are deductions for income tax, retirement, and social security. Many new Agents say that the amount of academic study required at the Academy was much more than they had anticipated. As stated above, Border Patrol training is rigorous. SES typically make organizational decisions, provide vision for the organization, and interact with Congress and other executive external stakeholders. The interview consists of situational questions that do not require technical knowledge. If you are so enthusiastic about becoming an Agent that you would like to start the process much earlier, apply on-line through the Border Patrol website and upon successful registration, you will need to contact Minneapolis Hiring Center (MHC) and work out the details on a case by case basis. However, a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence that prevents you from carrying a firearm – a requirement for a Border Patrol Agent – is a serious issue.

Your off duty hours will be consumed by study and other training-related activities, and the additional responsibilities of family life often prove to be too much for new trainees.

... and the additional responsibilities of family life often prove to be too much for new trainees. You can also pull information from the Internet by searching the Chamber of Commerce for a particular city.Should family members accompany the trainees to the duty station?We recommend that trainees should not consider movement of their household goods and family to their permanent post of duty until completion of training at the Academy. Border Patrol Agents are eligible for a non-competitive promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete one year in each grade level, with supervisor approval.At the GS-13 level and beyond, you compete for positions and are promoted based on merit. And you should know what the real score is if you intend to become a border patrol agent.Hollywood has shown us all the excitement of being a law enforcement officer.

You can expect your first posting to be in California, Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas. What your lifestyle is like will largely depend on where you are stationed. Statistically speaking, it takes an average of five months to get through the process. Agents are eligible to choose from a variety of premium federal health insurance programs. These shifts are subject to change, often on short notice.Living quarters and meals are provided free at the Border Patrol Academy.

The Customs and Border Protection, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, is tasked with protecting the borders of the United States and ensuring that terrorists and their weapons do not gain entry to our homeland. Second, training continues at the duty station during the one-year trial period. However, if you will be eligible for Social Security at age 62, or retirement, whichever is later, your retirement annuity will be reduced by eliminating all credit for post-1956 actuve0duty military service UNLESS you make a deposit. The base starting salary is GL-5 ($36,658), GL-7 ($41,729), and GL-9 ($46,542) grade levels, with excellent opportunity for overtime pay.

You are responsible for your own housing at your duty station. Payment can be made in lump sum or over a period of time; minimum individual payment is $25. The ALT is a test that helps us predict your ability to learn Spanish. As stated above, Border Patrol training is rigorous. Though there can be significant challenges for the spouse of a Border Patrol Agent, it can also be an adventure.

The deposit required is three percent of your military earnings plus accrued interest. To do this, they need to employ dedicated agents who work tirelessly day to keep our families and country safe.A career as a border patrol agent is not easy but offers GREAT rewards. Border Patrol Agent is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12.