With a career in the field of border patrol, there are many benefits that are received by agents. Agents are in charge of patrolling the borders that the US shares with Mexico and Canada to make sure that there are no illegal immigrants trying to enter the country, and they watch for any suspicious activity that could mean that there are instances of drug trafficking. Agents go through an intense screening program and training before being allowed to be a part of border patrol.

With all of their responsibilities, they are paid quite well. The amount of money that is earned depends on the level and the experience that you have. The higher level that is attained through experience and education, there will be job responsibilities. With more job responsibilities comes greater pay. Each level has a six and a half month time period to advance to the higher level. GL-5’s can advance to GL-7’s, and GL-7’s to GL-9’s.

Salary per Level

GL-5

• Makes around $36, 658
• Lowest rank
• Requires a bachelor’s degree
• Has a good combination of experience and education

GL- 7

• Makes around $41,729
• Job duties include:
  • Making arrests
  • Using firearms
  • Using sound judgment with law-enforcement matters
  • Maintains relationships with informants

GL-9

• Makes around $46, 542
• Highest rank
• Job duties include:
  • Develop cases
  • Conduct interviews
  • Make arrests
  • Appears as a witness in court
  • Conduct firearm training
  • Prepare legal reports
  • Analyze intelligence data

Benefits

All levels of border patrol agents receive an excellent benefits package. This includes:

• Leave days for vacation
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• 401k
• Spending accounts for medical expenses

When looking into the law enforcement field, border patrol is one of the most exciting, riveting and rewarding paths to take. Border patrol agents are part of a federal agency that works under US Customs and Border Protection, which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. Being an agent involves keeping constant watch on the borders that the United States shares with Canada and Mexico to make sure that there are no illegal immigrants who are trying to get into the country.  They not only prevent illegal immigrants, but they also prevent illegal drug smuggling into or out of the United States.  To become a border patrol agent, there are several requirements and processes involved.

Basic Requirements

Before even applying to become an agent, there are basic requirements that applicants need to have. If they do not fit the criteria, they will not event be considered for a position.

• At least 40 years of age
• US citizen
• US resident for at least 3 years
• Pass a drug test
• Pass a medical exam
• Pass a physical test
• Proof of ability to make decisions quickly
• Having a clean record
• Valid driver’s license
• One year of law enforcement experience

Background Education

Having the proper education is necessary for a career as a border patrol agent. Having a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is the bare minimum, and to be impressive to recruiters, two more years leading up to a master’s degree is even better. If a degree is not obtained, then having at least four years of experience in a law enforcement area is also accepted.

Application Process

There is an application online that is required to fill out during the open period to take the written exam. Once this application is complete, you’ll need to sign up to take the written test, which is also known as the entrance exam. The exam is comprised of three sections: logical reasoning skills, Spanish language (or Artificial Language Test), and job-related experiences. The whole exam takes approximately four and a half hours.

If the exam is passed, your name is placed on a list and you will have a live interview with three border patrol agents. During the time of the interview process, you will undergo a drug test in addition to a physical fitness test and a background check.

Training

If all aspects of the application process are passed, then training will begin. This is an internship has on the job training and more education to be successful in this position. This internship last for two years and becomes a permanent position after the two years.

Working in a career for the United States border patrol is very exciting, action-packed, and noble. The main job responsibilities are to prevent immigrants from crossing onto United States soil illegally and preventing the smuggling of illegal aliens from entering or exiting the United States. The most important duty of border patrol is to guard the borders between the US and Canada and the US and Mexico. Patrolmen detect smuggling and illegal crossing by following leads, surveying television systems, and observing traffic and aircraft sightings. With such an involved job description, the government is quite stringent about any potential patrolmen meeting the requirements. The requirements are for the safety and well-being of the individual as well as other patrolmen.

Requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
  •  It’s a government sanctioned job and everyone who works for the government must be a US citizen.
• No charges of any type of violence, including domestic.
  • They run severe background checks.
• U.S. resident of no less than 3 years.
• At least 40 years old.
  • This does not apply if you are under the age of 40 and you are currently serving in the law enforcement field or have in the past. It also doesn’t apply if you are applying for veteran’s preference, but you must show proof of preference while applying.
• Medical exam.
  • You need to be clear of anything that could hinder your ability to perform your best.
• Pass drug test.
• Pass physical fitness test
  • It’s important to be in your top physical condition. With any job within the field of law enforcement, it may be necessary to have to chase a suspect or protect yourself.
• Knowledge of the Spanish language
  • The Mexican border is kept under surveillance by border patrol; therefore border patrol needs to be able to communicate with those who are trying to cross the border.
• Pass Border Patrol Academy with a 70% or higher.
  • The Academy will test your ability to understand the laws and regulations that are involved with border patrol.