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U.S. Customs and Border Protection protects the public against terrorists and the instruments of terror. We steadfastly enforce the laws of the United States while fostering our Nation's economic security through lawful international trade and travel. We serve the American public with vigilance, integrity and professionalism.

Border Patrol Operations Courses

The Academy law program consists of five (5) separate courses. Successful completion of the combined courses requires the intern to attain a minimum overall average of 70%.

• Nationality Law teaches the basic trainee how to determine whether a person being questioned is: 1) an alien, 2) a citizen of the United States, or 3) a national of the United States.
• Immigration Law teaches the basic trainee to verify the classification of aliens, determine the legality of status, recognize violations, and initiate the appropriate action.
• Applied Authority teaches the basic intern to recognize violations of Federal criminal statutes and either take appropriate action, with regard to laws under Department of Homeland Security purview, or make referral to another Federal agency of primary jurisdiction. It also teaches the basic intern the primary statutes, implementing regulations and court decisions from which a Border Patrol Agent derives his or her authority to act in any given situation.
• Operations 1 and 2 provide training on the tasks agents perform in the field. The Operations courses provide practical labs so that interns can experience hands-on training to make the curriculum come alive.

Firearms Training

Firearms training is designed to instruct the intern in range safety, survival shooting techniques, judgment pistol shooting, quick point, and instinctive reaction shooting. Both classroom and range practice sessions are provided for the following firearms.

• Heckler & Koch P2000 Handgun
• Remington 870 Shotgun
• Colt Arms M4 Carbine Rifle

Physical Techniques

The purpose of the Physical Techniques Program at the Border Patrol Academy is fourfold:

1. To physically condition each new agent to an acceptable standard that will enable the new intern to perform the day-to-day duties of a Border Patrol Agent working in the field environment.
2. To physically train and condition the new agent to successfully react to environmental or man made obstacles and physically dangerous situations in a manner most likely to minimize the likelihood of injury to the new agent, other agents or innocent third parties.
3. To psychologically condition each new agent to have confidence in their own physical ability to react positively to physically strenuous or dangerous situations while, at the same time, maintaining an awareness of their own physical limitations.
4. To instill in each intern agent an awareness of the importance of physical fitness to the border patrol agent and the need to maintain an individual physical fitness program after leaving the Academy.

Philosophy:
The philosophy behind the aforementioned purpose has been developed due to the nature of the Border Patrol Agent's duties.
The job or primary function of the Patrol agent is to apprehend violators of the immigration and nationality laws, both at and after entry. Secondly, due to our presence in the border areas, we frequently encounter and apprehend smugglers of both aliens and narcotics. The majority of agents perform their duties in rural areas, often on foot, and many times must respond to potentially dangerous situations by themselves without benefit of assistance. This fact, in itself, requires each patrol agent to be prepared, both psychologically and physically, to deal with armed and dangerous persons.

Final Test:
Border Patrol Agent interns will be required to take a final test. Testing is accomplished during a two hour Physical Techniques class. Failure in any portion of the Final Test is failure of the course. Border Patrol Agent interns must successfully pass the entire test during one class period to graduate from the Academy. The test consists of three timed events. The following is a list of the three events and their maximum times.

• 1 1/2 Mile Run - Maximum time: 13 minutes
• Confidence Course - Maximum time: 2 1/2 minutes
• 220 Yard Dash - Maximum time: 46 seconds

Driver Training

The Driver Training program is designed to train Border Patrol Agent interns in the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles. Emphasis is placed on principles and techniques relating to laws of motion, vehicle dynamics and driver response. Under close supervision and guidance, the interns will learn to recognize their personal limitations as well as limitations of the vehicle. The Border Patrol is charged with the prevention of illegal entries in the expanses between the Ports of Entry as well as the apprehension of illegal aliens anywhere within the U.S. The safe operation of patrol vehicles under a variety of extreme conditions is vital to the accomplishment of the Agency’s mission. The Driver Training Department is tasked with providing interns with the necessary skills to become effective border patrol agents.

The following three areas of instruction must be successfully completed in order to graduate from the Border Patrol Academy:

• Van/Utility Vehicle Operation
• Skid Control
• Emergency Response

Once the intern has successfully completed the pass/fail portion of the program, he or she will be given further advanced instruction in the areas of:

• Pursuit Driving
• Vehicle Stops (low-risk and high-risk)
• Night Driving
• 4x4 Off Road Driving
• SUV/Van Evasive Driving

Spanish TBLT Program

Spanish Language Training enables interns to communicate effectively with those people they will encounter in the field who speak only Spanish. This is a critical element of the job because over 90% of the more than one million undocumented aliens apprehended each year speaks only Spanish.

The Spanish taught at the Border Patrol Academy is very specialized. Our staff provides an 8-week Task-Based Language Training program that is focused on critical Border Patrol-specific tasks. Soon after arriving for 55-days of basic academy training, all students are tested on their language abilities. Those who fall below a benchmark score that has been established by the language training experts and Academy subject matter experts are assigned a Spanish class that will begin upon successful completion of the 55-day program. Proficient Spanish speakers will report directly to their duty stations to begin Post Academy Training.

Students must be able to understand and employ law enforcement-specific language unique to the Border Patrol Agent’s work environment as well as be able to solicit information and use colloquial phrases and idiomatic expressions. Instructors use a wide variety of the most modern methods available in second language acquisition methodology to provide students with an exciting, creative, and challenging course that will enable them to remain safe and effective in the field.

Ready to join the team of dedicated men and women of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and begin your journey of making an outstanding contribution to public service? Apply Now!

1. Go to ( USAJOBS ) (For more detailed instructions, see ( First Timers on USAJobs ) )

    

2. Search for Desired Vacancy Opportunity. Review the entire vacancy announcement for important information about who may apply, job qualifications, duties, position requirements, salary, and duty location. Use this information to decide if your interests, education, and experience are a right match for the job. Be sure to take note of the HR Contact listed on the vacancy announcement. If you should have any questions during or after the vacancy open period, you will need to have this contact information.

    

3. Apply to the Vacancy. Carefully follow the specific instructions provided in the “How to Apply” section of the vacancy announcement. Be sure to submit all required documents requested in the vacancy announcement to receive full consideration. If you are unable to apply on-line or need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, notify the Human Resources Office contact identified on the announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.

    

4. Application Evaluation. Once your complete application is received, an evaluation of your qualifications and ranking will be determined. Application status updates will be sent to individuals who provide a valid email address on the online questionnaire, or log in to the Central Applicant Self-Service (CASS) to see the status. ( CASS )

    

5. Selection. The names and applications of the highest-ranking candidates are referred to the manager or selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted directly. Selection procedures are subject to Federal Civil Service laws, which ensure that all applicants receive fair and equal treatment in the hiring process.