Border Patrol Careers - Border Patrol Career Opportunities

If you have found your way into this site, it only means that you are interested in what Border Patrol Careers are available out there. Being a Border Patrol Agent can be one of the most fulfilling careers any one can pursue, not only are you serving your country, you are also well compensated with a lot benefits. So if you are really interested in a career in law enforcement please read on.

The United States Border Patrol is the mobile, uniformed law enforcement arm of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It was officially established on May 28, 1924 by an act of Congress passed in response to increasing illegal immigration. As mandated by this Act, the small border guard in what was then the Bureau of Immigration was reorganized into the Border Patrol. The initial force of 450 officers was given the responsibility of combating illegal entries and the growing business of alien smuggling

The Border Patrol is specifically responsible for patrolling the 6,000 miles of Mexican and Canadian international land borders and 2,000 miles of coastal waters surrounding the Florida Peninsula and the island of Puerto Rico. Agents work around the clock on assignments, in all types of terrain and weather conditions. Agents also work in many isolated communities throughout the United States

The key requirements are:

o U.S. citizenship

o No Conviction of Domestic Violence

o Residency requirement - Candidates must be a US resident for at least three (3) years

o Must have valid driver's license at the time of appointment

o Age requirement - Candidate must not be 40 years of age at the time of appointment

o Medical exam

o Drug Testing

o Physical Fitness

o Background Investigation

New agents are hired at the GL-5, GL-7 or GL-9 level depending on education and experience and are paid at a special salary rate for Federal law enforcement personnel. 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. In addition, you'll receive a uniform allowance of $1500.00 and an excellent Federal Government benefits package including life insurance, health insurance, liberal retirement benefits, and a thrift savings plan (401-K).

Now that you know what are the requirements and the benefits, you must now face the biggest hurdle the Border Patrol Exam.

If you are contemplating about being Border Patrol Agent, then there is no better time than now. However, before you become an agent you must first pass the Border Patrol Exam. The examination is divided into three parts, the initial exam, oral interview and the physical exam.

Only when you pass the initial exam will you be able to proceed with the rest of the examination. The test will consume almost 8 hours of the rest of the day so please dedicate the whole day if you are going to take test.

According to statistics only 30% of applicants ever pass the initial exam and move on to the hiring process. The initial exam is when the agency weeds out the applicants that are not suited for the job. The proctors of the exam even look at the way you fill up your application form and asses your abilities.

So it is crucial that you come to the examination day prepared and knowing what type of questions and characteristics the recruiting officer is looking for. If you do not come prepared you will most definitely fail the exam.

If you are really serious about a Border Patrol Job then I suggest you go and check out Border Patrol Careers.