Border Patrol jobs today are much different than they were in the beginning. At its inception in 1904, the Border Patrol was comprised of just 75 mounted men, called “inspectors,” who were charged with patrolling the United States Border. These original Border Patrol agents were responsible for providing their own horses and were given little direction in the disposition of their duties. With limited resources, these men sought to protect the United States/Mexico border from raids and to expel illegal Chinese immigrants from the California border.

In 1924, the government expanded the Border Patrol’s territory and numbers, and border protection became more of a coordinated effort. Most of the agents recruited during this time were former Texas Rangers or local law enforcement. In 1934, a formal school was opened for training Border Patrol agents in horsemanship and marksmanship. During World Wars I and II, agents were tasked with overseeing internment camps and patrolling the Gulf Coast to protect against infiltration by enemy spies.

Working for the Border Patrol today is about more than just providing border security. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, the Border Patrol’s focus expanded from simply deterring the flow of illegal immigrants and substances across the border to preventing terrorists and weapons of terrorism from gaining access to our country. Border Patrol agents play a vital role within the Department of Homeland Security in the prevention of terrorism. In addition, Border Patrol agents regulate the flow of people and products as they enter America, and work tirelessly to bring an end to human trafficking.

As the largest federal enforcement agency, the Border patrol employs not only enforcement agents, but support personnel including biologists, engineers, and legal counsel. The Border Patrol continues its tradition of excellence and requires that recruits posess a college degree, meet certain fitness requirements, and have a clean background. Border Patrol agents must complete basic training similar to military boot camp, and must become well-versed in such topics as immigration law. Furthermore, agents are required to be fluent in Spanish or undergo intensive Spanish language courses. The modern Border Patrol agent works from land, sea, or air and utilizes technologies such as GPS and aerial mapping, and may even perform his or her duties on horseback or with a canine team. While Border Patrol jobs have changed greatly over the years, the spirit of service to country remains the same.

If you are looking for a lucrative, challenging, and honorable career, then you need not look any further! The United States Customs and Border Patrol is looking for a number of talented and dedicated individuals to help defend our nation’s borders. While working for the US Border Patrol, you will be aiding in keeping our country safe from terrorism and illegal drugs.

We live in a very patriotic and dangerous time. Border Patrol Agents are our main defense against illegal aliens, drug smuggling, and terrorists entering our country. Since the attacks on September 11, 2001, the US Border Patrol has begun recruiting more and more Agents. The apprehension of dangerous terrorists has become top priority. From 2006 to 2008, the number of Border Patrol Agents increased by roughly fifty percent. Today, there are roughly 18,000 men and women defending our borders, and that number continues to rise. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about a career with the United States Customs and Border Patrol.

Joining the brave men and women that defend our borders can be a very exciting and rewarding career for you. Of course, no one will tell you that it is an easy job to have. It requires long hour and hard work. It is, however, a very respected and important position. When working for the Border Patrol, Agents are working towards keeping our country safe and secure. Finding the time to obtain the proper education needed to get your foot in the door can be difficult though. One solution is to get a degree from an accredited online university. An increasing number of people are finally getting the education that they require from the internet.

Advantages of an Online Criminal Justice Degree

While there are some that may argue that an online degree just isn’t the same as a degree from a traditional campus, this is simply not true. Students that earn an online degree work just as hard as those that earn a degree the “old fashioned” way. They simply did it in a simpler, more convenient manner. With that being said, lets take a look at just a few of the advantages of an online criminal justice degree.

1. Time
   Probably the most apparent advantage of obtaining an online degree is the freedom that it offers you. Since online universities came about to cater to the non-traditional student, they are more likely to be flexible. Because of these universities, more and more people are able to obtain or finish their degrees while juggling their personal lives at the same time.

   Many of these online universities will allow a student to work at their own pace. This means that you are able to earn your degree when and how you want. You can easily earn your degree in your spare time after work, on the weekends, or when the kids are in school.

2. Money
   Although many of us may not like to admit it, most things in life boil down to this one thing – money. Unfortunately, for some students, this is a difficult position. You need a decent job to pay for a good education to get a…well, decent job. Doesn’t make much sense, does it?

   Instead of drowning in debt to get a degree at a traditional university, you can get your degree for a fraction of the price online. Many online universities offer much lower tuition than traditional institutions, and since many of the texts are available online, you won’t be shelling out much money for a ton of books either. An enormous amount of money can be saved in the long run on just the little things also, such as childcare and transportation costs.

3. Convenience
   Another huge advantage to earning a degree online is the convenience. Instead of hurrying across a mammoth campus to get from class to class, you can get your degree from the comfort and security of your own home. With the internet at your disposal, you may never even have to hit a library. While other students are hustling to beat a surprise rain storm or making up canceled classes, you can sit comfortably at home in your own environment and on your own schedule.

Today, with the internet becoming more and more accessible, getting a decent education is a snap. Instead of sitting around wondering how you can make your life better, do something about it. The United States Border Patrol is looking for new Agents today! Don’t fall behind. Learn more about an online Criminal Justice degree!

A Border Patrol Agent’s working duties can vary greatly from day to day. Location is a major consideration when it comes to the requirements of the job. During the online application, you will be able to indicate one of the Sectors where you prefer to be stationed. These Border Patrol Sectors are areas along the United Stated border. Each Sector is made up of a number of different stations.

While your location preference is taken into account, it does not guarantee that you will get stationed in the Sector of your choice. Where you get stationed mostly depends on where the US Border Patrol needs you the most. Some costs of relocation may be available to certain Border Patrol Agents if necessary.

Hours

As a US Border Patrol Agent, you will be considered a full time employee. This position consists of a forty hour work week, as well as mandatory overtime. Administrative Uncontrollable Overtime is for tasks that are impossible to schedule during your shift, such as processing illegal aliens or covering shift changes. This overtime is compensated up to 25% of your base pay.

Long hours are not uncommon or unusual for Border Patrol Agents. The job usually requires that you work nights, weekends, and holidays. Working these hours, however, does qualify you for extra compensation.

Working Conditions

The working conditions for a Border Patrol Agent may not always be ideal. If hired, you will often be working outside, and many times you will be working in hostile weather conditions and difficult terrain. You may also be asked to relocate or sent on temporary assignments at a moments notice. Therefore, you should be able to easily adapt to sudden changes.

Uniforms

All US Border Patrol Agents are required to wear uniforms, and you will be measured for your uniform when you arrive at the Academy. You do have to pay for these uniforms, but you will receive a $1,500 allowance to help pay for the initial uniform cost. Every year after, you will receive an annual uniform allowance of $500. This can be used to purchase additional and replacement uniforms.

Duties

US Border Patrol Agents are, above all, law enforcement officers. They are there to ensure that all laws are observed when goods or people enter the United States. Upholding the law is the primary duty of a Border Patrol Agent. What this entails will differ depending on the area that you are stationed.

Border Patrol Agents may conduct traffic checks along ports of entry into the United States, arrest illegal aliens, or partake in covert surveillance missions. Other duties of a US Border Patrol Agent may include making suggestions in court regarding immigration matters, and inspecting agriculture that enters the country.

The use of “sniffing dogs” is becoming common place in the US Border Patrol. These dogs help by sniffing out narcotics or illegal aliens hidden in vehicles. Becoming a dog handler for the US Border Patrol is no small responsibility, though. These handlers are expected to assume all kenneling responsibilities, including housing and feeding for the animals.

Since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the major mission of the US Border Patrol has changed. Detecting and apprehending terrorists and weapons has become a major priority.

Benefits

You probably would not consider a career opportunity without researching the benefits of the position. While the US Border Patrol Agent position comes with great responsibility, it also comes with great benefits.

Excellent life insurance and health insurance packages are offered, but they are optional. The different packages that you choose will determine how much you will pay.

Vacation time varies depending on the years of service that you have provided. Agents that have been with the US Border Patrol for less than three years are given thirteen days of vacation per year. Agents that have been with the Border Patrol for three to less than fifteen years are given twenty days of vacation. Agents that have served with the Border Patrol for fifteen years or more are given twenty-six days of vacation.

In addition to vacation time, Agents are also eligible for sick leave. Every Agent is given thirteen sick days each year. These days can accumulate from year to year.

Agents that have served the US Border Patrol for at least twenty years are eligible for early retirement at the age of fifty. Retirement is mandatory at the age of fifty-seven if they have served twenty years. If an Agent has not served for twenty years at the age of fifty-seven, they may continue to do so until they reach the service requirements.

Border Patrol Agents have very physically demanding jobs. A number of strenuous activities are performed each day including pursuing and apprehending suspects, heavy lifting, climbing, and jumping. It is not uncommon for a day to be full of swimming, walking, and running long distances. To ensure that potential Agents are able to meet the physical requirements of the job, they are given a medical exam along with a fitness exam.

The medical exam, in most cases, is directly followed by the fitness test. While it is at the same time and location as the medical exam, it is a completely separate requirement for employment. If you pass the medical exam but fail any part of the fitness test, you will not be considered for employment. If you do happen to fail the fitness test, however, you are welcome to reapply at a later date, as long as you meet the fitness requirements at that time.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes should be worn when going in to perform the fitness test. This can be your regular workout clothes, such as a tee shirt, shorts, or a sweat suit. Athletic shoes with good support are also recommended.

Water bottles or other drinks are also welcome. This is optional to bring, but it is not supplied by the test site. If you have a medical condition that may hinder your ability to complete the test, you must also bring any applicable information provided by your treating physician.

Requirements of the Fitness Test

The fitness test is made up of three different parts, and each part is timed. The parts of the test, in the order they will be administered, are push-ups, sit-ups, and a five minute cardiovascular step test. A short practice time is allowed before the test, and you will be allowed to rest for three minutes between each test.

• Push-Ups
  To pass the first part of the fitness test, you must be able to do 20 push-ups in sixty seconds. To count, these must be proper form push-ups, according to the US Border Patrol. This means that your hands should be roughly shoulder length apart, your feet should be close together, and your body should be straight. Any push-ups that are performed with your feet too far apart, your back sagging, or your buttocks raised will not count. Also, your knees must not touch the ground during this test; if they do, the test will end, and you will fail.

  You must start in the “up” position. The test administrator will then place a foam block directly underneath your sternum. This block will be eight inches long by four inches wide, and your sternum must touch it each time you go down for the push-up to count.

  When you hear “go,” the test has begun. One complete push-up is dropping down to touch the block with your sternum and pushing back up, while keeping your body straight. Repeat as many as you can in the time allotted. If you must rest during this test, do so in the “up” position. The test will end when you complete twenty push-ups, when you hear “time,” when you aren’t able to do anymore push-ups, or if your knees touch the ground.

• Sit-Ups
  To pass the second part of the fitness test, you must be able to do 25 proper form sit-ups, according to the US Border Patrol. You must first lay on your back with your knees at a 90 degree angle, about 18 inches apart. Your fingers must be straight behind your head with your palms cupping or touching your ears.

  For this test, the administrator will aid you by holding your feet. When you hear “go,” the test has begun. Your goal is to do at least 25 sit-ups in sixty seconds. The administrator will count each correct and complete sit-up. One complete sit up requires you to use your abdominal muscles to pull yourself up so that your elbows touch your upper thighs or knees. When your shoulder blades touch the ground, this completes one sit-up.

  The test ends when you hear the word “time” or you complete 25 sit-ups in the allotted time. The test will also end if you stay with your back on the floor for more than two seconds. If you do get stuck in the “down” position, immediately pull yourself up with your hands. While this sit-up will not count, you will not fail if you continue and complete the rest of the test.

• Five Minute Cardiovascular Step Test
  Before the step test, you will be allowed to practice stepping up and down on the 14 inch bench used during the test. There will be an audio tape to assist you, and the instructor will also assist you. At the start of the actual test, the instructor will move to a position in front of you.

  You will stand in front of the bench after the practice session and before the test. The audio tape will then start again and instruct you to start the test by marching in place. You will then be instructed to step up onto the bench and back onto the floor. For example, you will step up with your left foot then up with your right foot; you will then step down with your left foot then down with your right foot. This pattern, known as a stepping cadence, will repeat for five minutes.

  You will fail this test if you do not step for the whole five minutes. Missing two stepping cadences in a row, or six cadences throughout the entire test will also qualify as a failure. During this test, you are not allowed to push on your thighs or any other part of your leg to help you step.

If the personnel office has determined that you meet the minimum requirements after you have completed the Border Patrol Online Application, you will be scheduled for the written exam. This test is no walk in the park. It is difficult, but understanding what the test consists of and preparing for it properly will greatly increase your chances of passing.

Once you are scheduled for the written exam, you will be given a test admission notice, user ID, and password. The test admission notice will give you important testing information, such as the date, time, and location of the test. It is important to print this notice. If you lose this information, you can use your used ID and password to log onto the USA Test Manager website. From there you will be able to print another copy of your test admission notice, and you will also be able to reschedule your test and print the study guides.

Three Sections of the Written Exam

Before you take the written exam, it is important to know a little bit about it. The test will take approximately four and a half hours, and it has three sections. These sections will test your logical reasoning skills, language skills, and job-related experience.

• The Logical Reasoning Test
  Reasoning is considered to be the most important competency when it comes to Border Patrol jobs. Excellent reasoning skills will help an individual with problem solving and making difficult decisions.

  The Logical Reasoning Test will determine your ability to understand complex information and draw a conclusion from this information. These questions consist of a paragraph with a scenario. No outside information is needed to answer these questions, and you should accept every fact in these paragraphs as true in order to answer the question. Following each paragraph is a multiple choice question.

• The Spanish Language Proficiency or Artificial Language Test
  Every US Border Patrol Agent must either know or learn Spanish. Knowing Spanish as a second language can help reduce miscommunication, and it also demonstrates goodwill and a certain level of respect. You will be given a choice to take either a Spanish Language Proficiency Test or an Artificial Language Test.

  If you already know the Spanish language, you should take the Spanish Language Proficiency Test. This section of the test is divided into two parts. The first part is mainly vocabulary questions, while the second part is divided into three more sections. Each of the three sections of the second part of the Spanish Language Proficiency deals with a different type of Spanish grammar.

  If you do not know Spanish or you aren’t fluent in this language, you should opt for the Artificial Language Test. This test is considered to be very effective at predicting an applicant’s ability to learn a foreign language. It give a vocabulary list, grammatical rules, and grammatical terms of an artificial, or made up, language. From this, you will be tested on how well you are able to translate the artificial language into English and vice versa.

• Assessment of Job-Related Experience and Achievements
  In the last section of the written exam, you must be able to show that you have at least a year of related job experience. This does not necessarily have to be law enforcement experience.If you have no job-related experience, you can substitute college experience. The completion of a Bachelor’s degree at a university is equivalent to one year of job-related experience. The completion of one year of graduate education in a law enforcement field is also an acceptable substitute.

Studying and Preparing for the Written Exam

Now that you know what the test consists of, now is the time to start studying. While you may think that just about anyone with a little common sense and reasoning should be able to pass this test, it’s not really that simple. The US Customs and Border Patrol website offers a free study guide that you can download and print.

This guide will help you prepare for the US Border Patrol Test. It offers an explanation of each section, along with sample questions and explanations. It also offers general test taking tips.

Interested applicants can download the study guide here.

Test Taking Tips

For some, taking a test is a simple matter. For others though, taking a test can be a very intimidating and stressful time. Below are a few tips to keep in mind while taking the US Border Patrol Test.

• Above all, stay calm. Relax. This may be easier said than done, but it is important. Take a few slow, deep breaths to calm yourself if necessary.
• Read all of the directions from beginning to end. If something is unclear, read them again. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Before answering a question, read the entire question and all of the answers first.
• If you are stuck on a question, skip it and come back to it later. Finish the easy questions first, and then go back and work on the more difficult ones.
• To help figure out the answer to a particularly difficult question, eliminate the answers that you know are incorrect. From there, you can look over the question and answers again.
• If you still aren’t sure of an answer, guess. Since you are not penalized for incorrect answers on this test, it is better to guess than to leave an answer blank.
• If you finish before the time is up, don’t be in too much of a rush to turn in your test. Go back over your test and check your answers.
• If you must change an answer, make sure that you erase the incorrect answer completely before answering it again. Pay attention to where you mark your answers, especially if you skip a question. Make sure that the answer number is the same as the question number.

In the past few years, the United States Customs and Border Patrol has undergone extraordinary growth. Now is the time to join these brave men and women, and serve your country. Those with skill and ambition will have a number of opportunities for advancement along with a generous retirement plan.

Making a the decision to become a United States Border Patrol Agent is a big one. It is a very strenuous, physically demanding, but also rewarding career choice. It is not, however, as simple as filling out an application and being hired. The application process is a long one, and it consists of a number of different steps and requirements.

Basic Requirements

Since this is a government job, there is a list of basic requirements. For example, you must be a United States citizen with a valid driver’s license. An applicant must also be younger than forty years of age when selected. This requirement may be waived for current or past law enforcement employees or military personnel.

Applicants must also pass a series of physical fitness tests, medical exam, and drug screen. Background checks are also conducted.

When and Where to Apply

When the US Customs and Border Patrol has positions available, the jobs will be posted on their website or the USA Jobs website. You may apply online at anytime during this open period.

The Office of Personnel Management will then review your answers to determine if you meet a set of basic qualifications. If these qualifications are met, you will then be notified and scheduled for the written exam, and you will receive a test admission notice along with a user ID and password. The test admission notice, which will contain the date, time, and location of the test, should be printed and brought with you to the test site.

The Written Exam

The written exam is a crucial part of the application process. This test takes approximately four and a half hours and consists of three parts – the Logical Reasoning Test, the Spanish Language Proficiency Test (or if you do not speak Spanish, the Artificial Language Test,) and job-related experience and achievements. You must pass all three sections of this exam to continue with the application process, and you should receive your test scores within four to six weeks.

If you pass the written exam, your name will be placed on an inventory, which is based on score order. In other words, the higher your score, the higher your name is on the list. Once a position opens and you are selected, you will receive something called a tentative selection package. This package contains forms and information that explains further requirements, such as the oral interview, medical exam, fitness test, drug test, and background investigation.

The Oral Board

The Oral Board is a structured oral interview, which is conducted by three current or veteran Border Patrol Agents. It is used to assess an applicant’s judgement, decision making skills, emotional maturity, interpersonal skills, cooperativeness, and sensitivity to needs of others. A number of different situational questions are asked to determine this.

This interview usually takes place roughly six weeks after you receive the tentative selection package. Unlike the written exam, this interview is pass/fail. An applicant must receive a “pass” in all areas in order to be considered for employment.

Drug Screen

Before being offered a position with the US Border Patrol, you must first submit to a urine drug screen. This will test your urine for any illegal substances. After being hired, employees are also subject to random drug tests.

Medical Exam

Being a Border Patrol Agent is a physically demanding career. Duties of this job often involve physical exertion in unfavorable environmental conditions, such as extreme weather and difficult terrain. Applicants must be found to be medically suitable to perform the full range of duties.

Fitness Test

A fitness test will be scheduled at the same time and location as your medical exam. Agents will be required to perform strenuous duties that require physical stamina, and upper and lower body endurance. The fitness test will help determine if applicants are able to perform these duties.

The test is divided into three different parts, and a rest period of three minutes is allowed between each test.

• Push-Ups
  Twenty proper form push-ups are required in a sixty second period. To measure the depth of the push-up, a foam block (8 inches long and four inches high) is placed directly under your sternum. To complete one push-up, your sternum must touch the block each time you go down, and you must then push up until your elbows are straight.
• Sit-Ups
  Twenty-five proper form sit-ups are required in a sixty second period. During this test, the administrator will hold your feet.
• Five Minute Cardiovascular Step Test
  This test requires you to step up and down on a fourteen inch high bench for five minutes. You must maintain a rate of 120 steps per minute.

Background Investigation

To ensure that you are reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and loyal to the United States, you will be subject to a background investigation. During this time, yours and your family memebers’ citizenship will be verified. Your credit, criminal history, education and employment will also be checked and verified. Interviews with friends and neighbors will also be conducted.

Poor credit history, criminal history, and association with undesirable individuals or foreign nationals can possible result in you not getting hired with the US Border Patrol.