Other FAQ's
(Stuff That Really Didn't Fit Anywhere Else)
DISCLAIMER: The following information is intended as a general guide for new Border Patrol Agents and applicants. Policies, procedures, and work conditions may change over time. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to official CBP resources, duty station leadership, and HR representatives. If any information you have conflicts with what is stated here, especially regarding job requirements, required documents, or agency policies, please notify us so we can update this page accordingly.
Q. Why is Border Patrol Agent the Best Job on Earth?
Q. What can you tell me about retirement benefits?
Q. Is this job very dangerous?
Q. I want to work with canines. What are my chances?
Q. I am a licensed pilot. Can I fly for the Border Patrol?
Q. What are the chances for career advancement?
Q. What gun does the Border Patrol use? Can I carry my own?
Q. What are the chances I’ll ever have to use my firearm?
Q. What are some commonly used Border Patrol terms?
Q. What other weapons and gear does the Border Patrol use?
Q. Why is Border Patrol Agent the Best Job on Earth?
- The position of Border Patrol Agent is what YOU make of it.
- It offers a mix of outdoor work, office work, horse patrol, ATV patrol, and off-roading.
- You get a government-issued four-wheel-drive vehicle and all the gas you can burn.
- Training is top-tier: firearms, law enforcement tactics, Spanish, and more.
- You get paid to train, travel, and learn a new language.
- The badge is shiny (not gold, but it’s still pretty nice).
- You interact with people from all over the world—sometimes while arresting them.
- It’s an adrenaline-filled, meaningful career—when the excitement is gone, it’s time to move on.
Q. What can you tell me about retirement benefits?
- Border Patrol Agents fall under federal law enforcement retirement, which includes enhanced benefits.
- For up-to-date retirement options and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) details, visit the official TSP website.
Q. Is this job very dangerous?
- Border Patrol is law enforcement—and all law enforcement carries risks.
- Most apprehensions involve individuals looking for work, but agents also deal with:
- Drug smugglers, criminals, and individuals who will resist arrest.
- Harsh environmental conditions (deserts, mountains, extreme weather).
- Border Patrol provides some of the best training available to ensure you go home safe.
Q. I want to work with canines. What are my chances?
- Pretty good—but only after reaching journeyman status (GS-12).
- Not all stations have canine units. Dogs are trained for human and narcotics detection, not attack.
- Being a handler means full responsibility for your assigned dog, including kenneling duties.
Q. I am a licensed pilot. Can I fly for the Border Patrol?
- Border Patrol no longer operates its own aircraft.
- CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) handles aviation. If you’re interested, apply directly to AMO.
Q. What are the chances for career advancement?
- Border Patrol Agents receive non-competitive promotions to GS-12.
- Step increases occur at periodic intervals up to step 10.
- If you stay at GS-12, step 10, and don’t seek advancement—that’s as high as you go.
- Advancement options include:
- Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (SBPA) – GS-13
- Patrol Agent in Charge (PAIC) – GS-13 to GS-15
- Watch Commander – GS-13 to GS-14
- Assistant Chief Patrol Agent (ACPA), Deputy Chief Patrol Agent (DCPA), and Chief Patrol Agent (CPA) – Higher-level leadership roles.
- Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (SBPA) – GS-13
Q. What gun does the Border Patrol use? Can I carry my own?
- Issued firearm:s
- Glock 47
- Glock 19 9mm
- Glock 26 (Plain Clothes)
- Glock 43X (Plain Clothes)
Q. What are the chances I’ll ever have to use my firearm?
- Varies greatly. Some agents never fire their weapon in the field during their careers, while others face life-threatening encounters early on.
- Violence on the border has increased, particularly due to cartel activity and organized smuggling networks.
- Training and mental preparation are key—always be ready.
Q. What are some commonly used Border Patrol terms?
- Tricky bag – Your gear bag (from the Spanish word triques, meaning “things”).
- EOD (Enter on Duty) – Your official start date with Border Patrol.
- Sector – A regional headquarters overseeing multiple stations.
- O.S. (Official Station) – Your assigned duty station.
- T&A (Time and Attendance Report) – Used for payroll.
- I-50 – Old weekly time report (no longer in use).
- Pay Period – Two-week payroll cycle.
- Post Academy Training – Additional classroom and FTO training after the Academy.
- FTO (Field Training Officer) – Agent responsible for training new hires.
- Journeyman Agent – A fully trained Border Patrol Agent (GS-12 and above).
- Coyote – Human smuggler (not the animal).
- Pollo – Smuggled migrant (“chicken” in Spanish—used by smugglers).
- OTM (Other Than Mexican) – Non-Mexican migrants.
- Migra – What Spanish-speaking migrants call Border Patrol (short for Inmigración).
- P.A. (Patrol Agent) – General term for an agent.
- BPA (Border Patrol Agent) – Your official job title at GS-5 through GS-12.
- SBPA (Supervisory Border Patrol Agent) – GS-13, first leadership position.
- CPA (Chief Patrol Agent) – The highest-ranking agent in a sector.
- I-213 (Record of Deportable Alien) – Primary processing form for apprehensions.
- VR (Voluntary Return) – When a migrant voluntarily returns to their home country without a formal deportation order.
Q. What other weapons and gear does the Border Patrol use?
- Collapsible steel baton.
- Pepper spray (OC spray).
- Shotguns and M-4/M-16 rifles are available for checkout.
- TASERs are used in some situations.
- Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) – Use passive mode to avoid detection.
- Scope Trucks – Thermal imaging units for detecting movement based on heat signatures.
- The most important tool is YOU – Your training, instincts, and decision-making define your success.