Welcome to HonorFirst.com

HonorFirst.com was create by Ray Harris in the mid-1990's to provide information to assist people in navigating the U.S. Border Patrol hiring process.

In 2021, HonorFirst.com expanded to include pages of interest to  Border Patrol employees (current and former), as well as those interested in the Border Patrol.

​Please take your time and explore the site.  We have pages and pages full of great information and nearly 2,000 photographs in the galleries!
Help spread the word!
U.S. Border Patrol Badge
U.S. Border Patrol Badge - Border Patrol Agent
HonorFirst.com recognized by Border Patrol HQ with the USBP Commendation Medal
Visit Our Applicant's Forum

!!! News Flash !!!

I have it on good authority that the GL-5-1896 announcement is going to return next month (February 2023).
The current GL-7-1896 position requires that an applicant be an exceptional scholar, 3.7 GPA or better, to qualify based on education alone.
The GL-5-1896 announcement will allow college graduates who did not achieve a 3.7 GPA or better to qualify at a lower pay grade based on education alone.
U.S. Border Patrol Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Reinstatement Opportunity

​U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is currently soliciting interested candidates for reinstatement to the the position of Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, GS-1896-13.  Follow the link below for more information
SBPA Reinstatement Opportunity

Links to apply to be a Border Patrol Agent

Border Patrol Trainee Requirements
Border Patrol Agent -
$20,000 Recruitment Incentive 
**Effective Immediately**
Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents who meet the criteria defined 5 CFR 575.102 for new federal employees will be offered a $10,000 recruitment incentive upon successful completion of the academy. Additionally, new agents who accept a hard-to-fill duty location will be eligible for an additional $10,000 recruitment incentive (for a total of $20,000). Hard-to-fill locations include: Sierra Blanca, Texas; Presidio, Texas; Sanderson, Texas; Comstock, Texas; Lordsburg, N.M.; Freer, Texas; Hebbronville, Texas; Ajo, Ariz. All incentive recipients will be required to sign a two-year service agreement.
GL-5 Border Patrol Agent positions to be announced in February 2023.
USAJOBS.gov USBP Search

Border Patrol Videos

CBP Video - Your Journey To Becoming A Border Patrol Agent 

The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. This video includes what you need to know as you navigate the journey in becoming a Border Patrol Agent.
CBP Video - A Day In The Life - U.S. Border Patrol Agent

A career as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent provides unique experiences that will be hard to find in any other job. In this video, actual agents in the field provide insight into the skills needed to be successful in the role, the tools they use, what drives U.S. Border Patrol Agents, and more.
The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. This video includes what you need to know as you navigate the journey in becoming a Border Patrol Agent.
The US-Mexican border is the most heavily used corridor for human trafficking and drug running in the United States. From the harsh conditions, to chasing down smugglers, being a border patrol agent is one of the most dangerous jobs in law enforcement.
A 2009 documentary style video showcasing what a U.S. Border Patrol Recruit can expect from the classroom to the frontline.
Are you ready for one of the greatest challenges of your life? The United States Border Patrol Academy is recognized as one of the most difficult and challenging law enforcement academies in the world. To graduate from the demanding 6-month academy, all new hires must pass practical and written tests in driving, firearms, Spanish, and physical techniques. If you are ready for a rewarding career dedicated to protecting our country, apply now at www.cbp.gov/careers
It's the test of their lifetime at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. The training is exhausting both physically and mentally. CBS 4 Reporter Sydney Hernandez was given rare access inside the training facility and reports first hand what it takes to be responsible to secure our borders.
The Tucson Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol is responsible for covering almost the entire U.S./Mexico border, 262 miles stretching from the Yuma County line to the New Mexico state line.
CBC's Paul Hunter travels to Nogales, Arizona to spend a day with a border agent patrolling the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
The United States Border Patrol is a multi-tasked federal law enforcement agency that has been securing the border since 1924. The mission of the United States Border Patrol is to preventing terrorist and terrorist weapons from entering the United States and at the same time preventing the illegal entry of aliens into this country; and we do this by enforcing the Immigration Laws of this nation. The Laredo Sector Border Patrol is responsible for securing 171 miles of river border and keeping our communities safe through the deployment of personnel, technology and infrastructure.
Join an elite team of men and women committed to making an impact for our country. Border Patrol is hiring.
There's freedom in a place where everyday is different.  Here, there is no script to follow, just your gut.  Here, you combine your strengths and work together to protect something bigger than yourself. This is no ordinary job.  This is the border.  Are you ready to apply?
A 2019 news report from KTSM-TV is a television station in El Paso, Texas.
Tres hermanas intentaron cruzar las peligrosas montañas de San Diego, California.

​MARIJUANA

Is Marijuana legal in your state? Since you are reading this, hopefully, you will not also be a doper.  If you ARE interested in becoming a Border Patrol Agent, you need to be aware that Marijuana is STILL a VIOLATION of federal law. This is so important that I am posting it on the home page.
​So make up your mind NOW:

DOPER or BORDER PATROL AGENT
Visit this page - CBP's Prior Drug-Use Guidelines

​"CBP has guidelines which have an unfavorable recommendation for employment if the applicant has used marijuana, anabolic steroids, or misused prescription drugs (used someone else’s prescription, used a prescription for recreational as opposed to medical purposes, etc.) within the  24 months prior to application to work for CBP.  CBP guidelines have an unfavorable recommendation for employment if the applicant has used other Schedule I-V drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroine, etc.) within the 36 months prior to application to work for CBP."
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Hiring is currently OPEN until the end of this year. (See green button above).

Bookmark this page and check back frequently.


"America's True First Line of Defense"

Why US Border Patrol?  Because we expect more from you as an agent. 

We challenge you and give you the tools to do the job. If YOU are up to the challenge of being one of US, come inside.  We will guide you, but it is really all up to YOU!

Take that first step and see if you have what it takes.


"We take you from on-line to the Border Line!"



The Oath

I, (your name) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

5 USC § 3331


You have just taken the first step to become an Agent with the United States Border Patrol. You are embarking on an adventure that few will ever experience. This is not a job for the faint of heart. Choose well and good luck.
Your host and web master, Ray Harris, US Border Patrol Agent, Special Agent, Retired.'
Mission Statement

The stated goal of this web site is to provide you, the applicant, with the best information available to become an Agent with the United States Border Patrol and to provide to the Border Patrol the best, most qualified and well-informed applicants that can be found.

Prepare to Begin The 

Adventure of Your LIFE!



A Career with the

United States Border Patrol.

HonorFirst.com