Border Patrol and Customs
I have been seeing advertisements and TV commercials for US Border Patrol and Customs Agents jobs. I have been thinking about joining the civil servant ranks. Something just snapped and I signed up to became an agent on the website for Customs and Border Patrol.
Not really knowing what I have gotten myself into I am really excited. I filed the initial application out and requested a duty post in the Pacific Northwest. Just because I request it doesn’t mean I will get it. Some of the larger duty stations are along the Southern Border and Mexico plus at Major International Airports and port cities. I somewhat hope that if I make it through the process, which is long and grueling, I will get a duty station closer to home. When you sign up they can move you to any duty location they need more personnel.
The employment process is vigorous and demanding. There are academic test that require a certain score. I believe the test is a lot like the civil service exam. I am signed up to take the exam in Washington DC. I find my time and date of the exam and if my application has been excepted further within the next 10 days. Then there will be medical exams, background checks, and fitness test. Oh the fitness test. I guess I better get back into shape and loose that weight I gained sitting behind a desk the last few years. If you make it past the background and testing period there is a 14 or 15 week training camp in Georgia. Don’t know anything about the camp but guess it will be like a military basic training. Hopefully without all the Paris Island style Marine Corps “Uh Rah” training. If it is I sure need it to cut my weight.
I am excited about the opportunity to give back to those who have protected our borders for so long. This will be a career change for me. But not one that I haven’t wanted to do since high school. Ever since getting to spend the day with the FBI for an award to an achievement I earned. I have wanted to join the ranks of our federal civil servants.
As I progress more into the beginings of this journey I will keep you informed. Any words of wisdom about how to prepare for the steps ahead of me are greatly appreciated. Now just to tell my family about the decision.