This Week in USBP History, Vol. 84

April 9 - April 15

---

INTRO

Good morning,

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! ​

Jumping right into it!

The Quest for a Logical Border Patrol Rank Structure
 
Introduction

When the Border Patrol was created, it only had two positions: Border Patrol Inspectors and Immigrant Inspectors who were designated as Patrol Inspectors In Charge (PIIC). PIICs supervised the Border Patrol personnel within the subdistricts (sectors).  PIICs would be considered Chief Patrol Agents today. Hat insignia, collar discs, shoulder ornaments, and buttons were silver for Patrol Inspectors and in gold for PIICs as defined in the Patrol's first uniform policy from 1924, General Order 42. In 1926, the Patrol expanded to the following uniformed positions:

• Assistant Superintendents
• Chief Patrol Inspectors
• Senior Patrol Inspectors
• Patrol Inspectors.

See this page for their rank insignia.

Last week, I stumbled upon a graphic illustrating the career ladder of the Patrol on one of its social media accounts (I'll write about that in the future). It made me wonder: have you ever given any thought to the chaos that is the Patrol's rank structure? Just take a look at its Wikipedia page - the structure is mind-boggling!

The USBP's Career Ladder

Initial Approaches
 
Back in 2007, the Patrol was considering a revamp of its rank insignia hierarchy. Intrigued by the idea, I decided to delve into the subject and try to come up with a well-thought-out and logical proposal. To start, I mapped out all of the Patrol's positions and, to my astonishment, there were thirty-six in total!
 
The Military Approach
 
My initial approach was to examine the military and determine the percentage of forces occupying each pay grade, intending to apply the same logic to the Patrol. Here are the approximate numbers I found:

Enlisted Personnel ​(E-1 to E-9) ~​ 82% of the total force	Warrant Officers (W-1 to W-5) ​~ 2% of the total force	Commissioned Officers ​(O-1 to O-10) ~​ 16% of the total force
E-1: ~1% E-2: ~3-4% E-3: ~10-12% E-4: ~14-16% E-5: ~14-16% E-6: ~8-10% E-7: ~4-6% E-8: ~1-2% E-9: ~1%	W-1: ~0.3-0.4% W-2: ~0.6-0.8% W-3: ~0.4-0.6% W-4: ~0.2-0.4% W-5: ~0.1-0.2%	O-1: ~3-4% O-2: ~3-4% O-3: ~4-5% O-4: ~1.5-2.5% O-5: ~1-1.5% O-6: ~0.3-0.6% O-7: ~0.1-0.3% O-8: ~0.05-0.1% O-9: ~0.01-0.05% O-10: <0.01%

Unfortunately, this method didn't work as I'd hoped.  None of those percentages plugged into the Patrol well.
 
The Pay-based Approach
 
Next, I attempted to create a Border Patrol rank structure based purely on pay. However, this approach was also flawed. For example, a GS-13 Supervisory Border Patrol Agent might receive a step increase that pushes them into the next rank insignia, despite the scope and complexity of their position remaining unchanged. Furthermore, those at the GS-14 and GS-15 pay cap would all share the same insignia. This approach wasn't viable either.
 
The Personal Perception Approach
 
Then, I had a eureka moment! I created an Excel spreadsheet, listing each USBP position title in a column and assigning three additional columns for Scope, Complexity, and Influence, with a maximum of 10 points each. Naturally, the Chief of the Border Patrol would score 30 points, and all other positions would receive less. After spending a considerable amount of time assigning values, I sorted the positions based on total points and started designating rank insignia. Upon completion, I was initially thrilled with my results - a rank insignia structure for the Patrol that seemed logical, defendable, and undoubtedly the best. But then reality struck...
 
I realized my method was purely based on my personal perception of the prestige associated with each position. Embarrassed by my amateurish approach, I was grateful I hadn't shared it with too many people.
 
A New, Improved Structure
 
Yet, I still believed there had to be a better rank structure for the Patrol. Currently, the Patrol's system is title-centric. A Chief Patrol Agent (CPA) wears two stars regardless of whether they are a Senior Executive Service (SES) member or a GS-15. A Patrol Agent in Charge dons eagles whether overseeing a 600+ agent station as a GS-15 or a 10-agent station as a GS-13. Furthermore, a GS-15 CPA sports two stars, while an HQ SES Deputy Directorate Chief has only one. Ridiculous, right? This system is confusing not only for the workforce but especially for external groups.
 
Eventually, I developed a logic that focuses on the scope and complexity of each position, as reflected in their assigned pay grade, while accommodating certain exceptions specific to the Patrol.
 
The Proposed Structure
 
I believe this new structure addresses the issue of overlapping pay grades and rank insignia. Check out the table below and let me know your thoughts.  

Insignia	Pay Grade	Exception
4 Stars	Senior Executive Service (SES)	Chief of the Border Patrol
3 Stars	SES	​Supervising a 3-star SES, wear 4 stars.
2 Stars	SES	​Supervising a 2-star SES, wear 3 stars.
1 Star	SES	​Supervising a 1-star SES, wear 2 stars.
Eagles	GS-15	​Supervising a GS-15, wear 1 star.
Silver Oak Leaves	GS-14	​Supervising a GS-14, wear eagles.
Gold Oak Leaves	GS-13	Supervising a GS-13, wear silver oak leaves.
Double Silver Bars	GS-13	Only Supervisory Border Patrol Agents wear this insignia
Single Silver Bars	GS-13 ​Non-supervisory	Only Border Patrol Agents - Programs wear this insignia

Maybe this will motivate the HQ folks to do better and to develop a more coherent and logical Border Patrol rank structure. 

Now to the history!  In 1904, Jeff Milton was appointed a Chinese Inspector.  The Father of the Border Patrol opined on the merging of customs and immigration functions in 1922.  The birth of the USBP Pistol Team happens in 1935 and much more!

There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week.  However, please see the 1981 recipients for the Newton-Azrak Award.  No dates are given for any of their actions.  Five of the 26 non-USBP Newton-Azrak Award recipients were from 1981.

​We remember Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins on the anniversary of his death.

Enjoy and have a great week!

​Cliff
PS - 

• As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to [email protected]).
• As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the documents and pages.
• Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

---

​ESPRIT DE CORPS

The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

• Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
• Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employee based in part on their perception of:
  • Being valued by the organization,
  • Fairly compensated, and
  • Performing meaningful work.

 
Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees.

The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale.

Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale

Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees.

​Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps.

---

DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

1904

• On April 13, 1904, Milton was appointed as a Chinese Inspector with the Immigration Service at the age of 43 and posted at the Tucson District, covering the territory from Yuma, Arizona, to the New Mexico line.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco 

1918

• On April 11, 1918, the Commissioner-General wrote a letter to the Chief of Military Intelligence in Washington D.C.  The referenced document was written on February 5, 1918, by future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934), and provides a 10-page summary of the status of the border.  

1922

• On April 13, 1922, Frank Berkshire wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the suggestion of merging aspects of the Customs Service with the Immigration Service.  Berkshire divided his answer into two parts, administrative and patrolling functions.  Berkshire did not support merging customs and immigration inspection functions (which would occur in 2003 when the U.S. Customs Service was renamed and absorbed the Patrol and Immigration Inspectors).  However, he did support merging all federal border patrol functions under one organization.

1926

• On April 12, 1926, Thomas A. Robinson received a letter of inquiry to ascertain if he would accept a probational appointment as a Patrol Inspector in the Jacksonville District.  Although Mr. Robinson indicated he would accept the position, there are no records that support him ever having become a Border Patrol Inspector.

1931

• The document in this file describes a brief gunfight that occurred on April 10, 1931 involving Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, two other Patrol Inspectors and shooters believed to have been Mexican Fiscal Officers.  The shooting occurred immediately after the Patrol Inspectors intercepted alcohol smugglers at the river bank in El Paso, TX.  Patrol Inspectors involved in the shooting:
  • Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr.​ (1907-1999)
  • Patrol Inspector Brett Burgett Hurff (1897-1952)
  • Patrol Inspector Chloe John McNatt (1898-1977)

1935

• On April 11, 1935, former Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel Davenport (1878-1961) wrote a response to the current Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly (1903-1969) concerning training newly appointed Patrol Inspectors.  
  • This response is believed to have been related to a December 22, 1934 memo that Chief Kelly had sent to all of the border districts (except for the El Paso District).  The memo shared the El Paso District training plan, requested all other districts to explain how they trained new inspectors and invited them to give suggestions and comments.
• On April 11, 1935, District Director Harry R. Landis (1880-1950) of the Montreal District (District #1), sent a telegram to INS headquarters in relations to a visit by Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly.  The telegram pertained to the state of the facilities in the district which includes modern day Houlton, Swanton and Buffalo Sectors.
• On April 11, 1935, in what would prove to lead to the birth of the USBP Pistol Team, the Tampa Sub-district issued a nationwide shooting challenge to all USBP sub-districts, “We will shoot any course of fire at any distance.”  See “How did the USBP Pistol T​eam begin?” in the HonorFirst History page for the full story and to find out how Tamp placed after issuing the challenge.

1937

• On April 13, 1937, Newport District Director Landis sent the Commissioner of the INS a report​ of all the Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers in their inventory.  This was in response to the USBP transitioning to the Colt New Service Model .38 caliber revolver.  Interestingly, it is mentioned that Patrol Inspector Charles Askins visited the district in the memo.

1942

• On April 10, 1942, Assistant Chief Supervisor of the Border Patrol Walter Frederick Miller (1893-1967) wrote a letter, forwarding a request for 20 guard badges to be furnished to the Oak Grove Inn in Asheville, NC.  This letter is noteworthy for several reasons:
  • It shows that the INS was headquartered in Philadelphia at the time.
  • It contains one of the earliest uses of the title “Assistant Chief Supervisor of the Border Patrol” which is believed to have evolved into the modern, “Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol”.
  • It shows an early connection between the USBP and the internment of Axis diplomats.  The Oak Grove Inn was one of the first places that foreign diplomates from enemy countries were interned.

1970

• On April 12, 1970, the Van Horn Station and its area of operation covering 3,775 square miles including 31.1 miles of border, was transferred from the El Paso Sector to the Marfa Sector. Previously, Van Horn was a substation of the Sierra Blanca Station. Two decades later, its parent station would also be transferred.​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco 

---

NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD
​ACTION ANNIVERSARIES

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

• An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important.  It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce.  Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll

There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week.  However, please see the 1981 recipients for the Newton-Azrak Award.  No dates are given for any of their actions.  Five of the 26 non-USBP Newton-Azrak Award recipients were from 1981.


George Fernandez Jr.
Border Patrol Agent 
San Diego Sector
Border Patrol Agent George Fernandez Jr. was recognized for his courage in jumping into the driver’s seat of a run-away van in time to steer it out of the path of an oncoming truck.  As a result, five persons, including two children, were saved from death or certain injury.


John Gallo
Interpreter
New York, New York
John B. Knowles
Investigator
New York, New York
Joseph Occhipinti
Investigator
New York, New York

• ​Occhipinti was convicted in 1991 of conspiracy to violate civil rights under color of law.  His sentence was commuted by President H.W. Bush and he was pardoned in 2020 by President Trump.

Reginald D. Ricks
Investigator
New York, New York
Interpreter John Gallo, Investigator John B. Knowles, Investigator Joseph Occhipinti and Investigator Reginald D. Ricks were recognized for their participation in several highly complex and dangerous undercover bribery-corruption investigations resulting in some of the most noteworthy arrests and convictions in the history of the INS.


Edwin Rodriguez
Criminal Investigator
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Investigator Edwin Rodriguez was recognized for aiding local police by capturing an assailant who had mortally wounded a police officer.

---

U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band

As of March 6, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 154* fallen.
Titles

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 49 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
• 101 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
• 1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

​The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.
 
The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.
 
Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:

• National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
• Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
• Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

Agent Gigax is buried in Florida's 5th Congressional District. I have contacted Congressman John Rutherford for assistance in this case.  Please contact the Congressman Rutherford if you would like to help.

---

Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background.

2021

Christopher Shane Simpkins
Date of Birth:                       September 23, 1972                              
Entered on Duty:                 July 6, 1997
Title:                                      Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:                      April 12, 2021
 
Details: 
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins passed away on April 12, 2021.  The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty.  Agent Simpkins will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
 
Agent Simpkins entered on duty on July 6, 1997 at the Falfurrias Station, McAllen Sector, Texas, as part of the 342nd Session of the Border Patrol Academy.  At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Lake Charles Station in the New Orleans Sector.
 
A native of Selma, Alabama and a graduate of the University of Alabama, Agent Simpkins also honorably served his country in the National Guard as a military police officer.  He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents and two brothers.
 
Gravesite