Border Patrol Agent: Northern Border intern rumor?

[bpyankees2]

Hello all,

I am currently in process for both the positions of BPA (Border Patrol Agent) and CBPO (Customs Officer). I applied under the northern border announcement a few month ago. I may have to choose between both and it's a tough decision, so any new information will greatly affect my decision.

I've heard a rumor from multiple sources claiming HR has been talking about shortening the time on the southern border for interns. Specifically, the rumor says that the current 15-month intern program (trainees go to the southern border before going up north to their duty stations) is being discussed for a possible shortening. Does anyone know if this is just BS or is there an imminent change pending?

[SHU]

Why would they make it shorter? How would any of them learn how to be a PA? Its not possible to learn how on the northern border. They should make the program 2 to 3 years.

[bpyankees2]

I've heard it was an issue with funding. It costs alot of money to detail people to the southern border for 10 months. The BP has had problems filling northern border positions because very few people are willing to do VRP with the current housing market slump.

[flyfrog]

I too am a NB applicant. My BI just called this week and I'm out of town for another month. Part of me hopes the 10 months is cut down, but on the other hand I think the extra training on the SB would be great. We may also build near our NB station and the 15 months would be perfect timing for a new house at our new station!!! Good luck.

[BigPat]

I still cannot fathom why somebody who joined the Patrol to do actual BP work would choose to go to the NB for their first duty station. I just don't get it.

[madchiken]

That makes two of us.

[GreenLine]

I still cannot fathom why somebody who joined the Patrol to do actual BP work would choose to go to the NB for their first duty station. I just don't get it.

There are guys up here at a couple of different stations who were only on the SB for a year or two. I've worked with a few of them, and also with many of the vets who "did their time" down there. The difference in experience is easy to see, plus the newer guys don't get much respect from their colleagues, in general.

I guess if someone wants to deal with that, as well as a very steep learning curve, that might explain it.

[SHU]

They don't want to be a PA. They just want a paycheck.

[flyfrog]

Maybe we (NB apps) like the cold temperatures and different challenges of the NB, while still serving to protect our nation and keep it (and our family) safe. I can get Mexican food in WA/ID/MT, but I the SB doesn't have much of a ski season. Besides, you want a big, pale white guy in the hot SW sun? See you all in Patrol some day.

[Solohammer]

Nevermind.