Life at My New Station
-The Adventure Begins-
DISCLAIMER: The following information is intended as a general guide for new Border Patrol Agents and their families. Policies, procedures, and work conditions may change over time. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to official CBP onboarding materials, your duty station leadership, and HR representatives. If you receive any information that conflicts with what is stated here, particularly regarding required documents, please inform us so we can update this page accordingly.
Q. What should I bring when I first report?
Q. How do I arrange for housing at my duty station?
Q. What will life be like after reporting for duty?
Q. I am the spouse of an applicant. What will life be like at the duty station?
Q. What are the work hours like?
Q. What kinds of duty can be expected?
Q. Are there specialized units I can apply for?
Q. What kinds of vehicles does the Border Patrol use?
Q. Once assigned to a station, what are the chances of getting a transfer?
Q. What should I bring when I first report?
- Required Documents (Verify Before Arrival): DD214 (Copy/member 4) if Former Military Service, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card (original, if required), Current Driver’s License, Acceptance Letter from Border Patrol (indicating your pay grade). However, requirements may vary depending on the onboarding process, so confirm with your hiring paperwork or HR representative before arrival.
- Financial Information: Voided check or direct deposit form from your bank, Social Security numbers for spouse and dependents (if needed for benefit enrollment).
- Health Insurance Selection: You typically have 60 days to choose a health plan, but decisions made at onboarding will be in effect until the next open season. Research plan options ahead of time.
- Dress Code: Business casual (e.g., Docker-style trousers and a collared shirt) is recommended for your first day.
- Be on time! If unsure of the location, arrive a day early to familiarize yourself with it.
Q. How do I arrange for housing at my duty station?
- Smart Approach: Contact a property management company or realtor in advance to explore rental options. If possible, have your family visit early to check housing availability before signing a lease.
- Caution: Avoid signing long-term leases before seeing the property in person. Some duty stations may provide a contact person to assist new hires with housing.
Q. What will life be like after reporting for duty?
- Initial Assignment: You will be assigned to a unit and work with a journeyman agent or a Field Training Officer (FTO). Arrive early to check and prep the vehicle (fuel, oil, A/C, radios, etc.).
- Training & Exams: Post-Academy Training: Usually one or two days per week, depending on progress. Language & Law Tests: At seven months, you must pass Spanish and Law exams. If you struggle with Spanish, remediation may be available before final testing. At ten months, a final evaluation determines your full certification. If you pass, you can work alone and will be treated almost like a journeyman.
- Probationary Period: You remain on probation for one full year before gaining full career status.
Q. I am the spouse of an applicant. What will life be like at the duty station?
- Location Considerations: Many stations are in rural or remote areas with limited shopping and services. Your children may be in a different cultural environment than they are used to. Learning some Spanish can be helpful in daily life.
- Work & Daily Life: Federal employment may be available (e.g., CBP Officer, Immigration Services). Consider joining spouse support groups for advice and networking. Wildlife awareness: Some areas have snakes, scorpions, or desert wildlife—train children accordingly.
- New Agent Stress: The first year is high-pressure as new agents must master Spanish, pass exams, and prove themselves. Expect long hours, shift work (often nights), and intensive training.
Q. What are the work hours like?
- Border Patrol work is based on operational needs: Standard: 60-hour workweek compensated with Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act
Q. What kinds of duty can be expected?
- Varies by station location: Border Stations: Patrol the border, tracking (sign-cutting), vehicle stops, surveillance. Interior Stations: City patrols, farm & ranch checks, highway traffic observation. Checkpoints: Some stations (e.g., Sierra Blanca, TX, or San Clemente, CA) primarily work at vehicle checkpoints.
Q. Are there specialized units I can apply for?
- Yes, after your probationary year, you can apply for a range of specialized units and career advancement paths (see the U.S. Border Patrol Authorized Devices):
- Agent Support
- Chaplaincy: The Chaplaincy Program supports the mental and spiritual health of agents, contributing to their overall well-being.
- Honor Guard: This unit honors fallen law enforcement personnel through memorial services and final honors.
- Peer Support Program: PSP offers confidential support to Border Patrol employees and their families during times of need.
- Special Operations
- BORTAC: This tactical unit responds rapidly to national security threats requiring specialized tactics and procedures.
- BORSTAR: Focused on search, rescue, and emergency medical operations, this unit exemplifies the humanitarian aspect of the Border Patrol's mission.
- MRT: The Mobile Response Team provides a flexible response capability to emerging and evolving threats along the nation's borders.
- Horse Patrol: Agents patrol challenging terrains on horseback, particularly in environmentally sensitive or inaccessible areas.
- Bike Patrol: This unit uses the tactical advantages of bicycles for stealth, mobility, and agility in various terrains.
- K-9 Unit: Canines are used for detecting hidden humans and narcotics, and in search and rescue operations.
- Maritime Patrol: Agents operate patrol boats to secure the varied water boundaries of the United States.
- Off-Road Vehicle Unit: Specialized vehicles are used to navigate terrains not accessible by standard vehicles.
- National Pistol Team: Showcasing exceptional firearms skills, this team represents the high level of training in the Border Patrol.
- Training Programs: Agents receive top-tier training in firearms and less-lethal tactics, ensuring preparedness for various operational scenarios.
- Emergency Medical Program: EMTs and paramedics in this program provide emergency medical response and training.
Q. What kinds of vehicles does the Border Patrol use?
- Fleet varies by terrain and location: 4WD SUVs & Trucks (Ford Explorers, Tahoes, F-150s, etc.), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs & UTVs) for off-road operations, Bicycles in urban environments, Some locations still use motorcycles for specialized patrols.
Q. Once assigned to a station, what are the chances of getting a transfer?
- Transfers: You can apply for transfers, but desirable stations (e.g., northern border) require seniority. A point-based system is used for competitive transfers.
- Forced Moves: Rare but possible based on operational needs, station closures, or staffing changes.