Border Patrol recruiters seek Kansas City-area veterans

Published: Thursday, November 6, 2008 12:38 PM CST
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection recruiters will look to the Midwest with a one-day recruiting event during a final push to reach the deadline for a presidential hiring mandate.

The Kansas City event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Embassy Suites Kansas City, 220 West 43rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.

In 2006, President George W. Bush announced his commitment to add 6,000 additional Border Patrol agents by the end of 2008. With more than 17,600 agents on board today, CBP is working toward a total of 18,000 agents by the end of this year. This is the largest expansion of the Border Patrol in history.

Border Patrol recruits earn between $36,000 and $46,000 in their first year, with the potential of earning up to $70,000 per year within three years of service. 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 test, along with a physical fitness test and medical examination.

Training is provided and includes a 55-day basic training program upon successfully passing a Spanish proficiency exam in the academy; all others will complete a 40-day Spanish immersion course upon completing basic training. All training is conducted in Artesia, N.M.

Initial assignments will be in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.

Nov. 8, on-site recruiters will offer answers to applicant questions; application assistance and online application submission; test-taking tips, practice testing and evaluation; and accounts of their career experiences protecting the nation's borders.

Simultaneous Border Patrol recruitment events are being conducted across the country in under-recruited areas, along with advertising and recruiting at U.S. military installations in the continental U.S. and abroad. Recruiters consider military veterans a fertile source as they make up 25 percent of CBP's workforce.

For recruiting event information, dial toll free (877) 277-9527 or apply online at www.borderpatrol.gov.