CBP officer

[sap123]

Yeah well im the opposite. The things werent sticking and i said "maybe they'd stick better if i had a hairy chest." And she wasn't pretty...

If the Beach Boys had anything spot on, it was about the California girls.

[MAVERIK]

My medical test was near LAX by a big bald gangsta dude! You guys with female nurses got lucky.... I still wake up in cold sweats. He was a cool guy though and medical was a breeze.

SAP123: Hi-Five on the pick-up hot nurse line!!! Point taken on the forum thing.

[sap123]

Believe me when I say that my lousy attempts to inspire women to talk to me is about as far as it goes. Smooth operator I am not.

[USMC3537]

I'm in the same boat as you, as I'm doing the VBT in a couple of weeks and then hopefully I'll be off to TSU before the end of the year. When did you get your med/fit/BI done? Looking at when you got your TO, you shouldn't have to do the refreshes in a few months, but if you did, that would be :(

My medical cleared in September because I had a NOPA, and my BI in April or so. I just took my drug test last month also, so everything should be good for those.
I also just got my letter for my VBT today. I'm taking it on Nov. 4th. Movin' along...

[s0lid snake]

Got the call yesterday! I start Nov 10th in SFO. Then Dec. 9th I leave for FLETC. Anyone else start then? Let me know! And thanks for all the help on here!


Hey can you please give me your time line?


Also, did they give you a choice for either Oakland or SFO? I am scheduled for VBT at Oakland, but I listed SFO as my geographic preference, does that mean Oakland would probably be the place of my EOD? I think I am just worrying too much.

[audi0xpl0de]

I have my medical and fitness tests scheduled for next week. How long are these tests? Do I need to take the day off of work or can it be done in an hour or so?

Mine was also just over an hour. No drug test yet. Went through everything back to back with no waiting. They said they do about five of them a day.

[cross.sandiego]

Does any one know where I can find a list of everything they teach in FLETC? I am trying to figure out if they do EVOC?


You will not get EVOC. You will drive around for an afternoon responding to calls from dispatch, but that evolution is more a judgement shoot exercise than a driving course.

There had been a "no pursuit" policy at the POE in the past. Pursuit beyond the POE was the realm of BP, so there was no need for EVOC. CBP policy has evolved only recently to allow for properly trained officer/drivers (and a back-up officer) to pursue port runners and absconders. I completed B/U officer training just today. We told to expect driver training by Dec/Jan. Should be a nice change from, "Que trae? Goodbye."

[qixfeet]

You will not get EVOC. You will drive around for an afternoon responding to calls from dispatch, but that evolution is more a judgement shoot exercise than a driving course.

There had been a "no pursuit" policy at the POE in the past. Pursuit beyond the POE was the realm of BP, so there was no need for EVOC. CBP policy has evolved only recently to allow for properly trained officer/drivers (and a back-up officer) to pursue port runners and absconders. I completed B/U officer training just today. We told to expect driver training by Dec/Jan. Should be a nice change from, "Que trae? Goodbye."


You lucky dog you!

[sap123]

My medical cleared in September because I had a NOPA, and my BI in April or so. I just took my drug test last month also, so everything should be good for those.
I also just got my letter for my VBT today. I'm taking it on Nov. 4th. Movin' along...

Awesome, looks like you shouldn't worry then. Hopefully you and I will get called before the year is over!

Not holding my breath though.

EDIT: My official VBT letter came in the mail today, I'll be at SFO's cargo facility.

[DaBonk112]

My medical cleared in September because I had a NOPA, and my BI in April or so. I just took my drug test last month also, so everything should be good for those.
I also just got my letter for my VBT today. I'm taking it on Nov. 4th. Movin' along...

Did you get a phone call for the drug test? or by mail?

[nasapso234]

I don't know the exact time frame. Applied in Jan 08. Took the written in Feb. NOR in like April. Then didn't hear anything for ever. Then in July I think got the cond. offer. Took my medical, and VBT in like 3 weeks. I took my VBT in Oakland. The kind of ****ed me off. Cause I Showed up early. Then had to sit around for 2 and half hours while they found out who I was suppose to meet with. But what ever I passed. And I didn't have a choice when I got the call. They said SFO was it. Don't sweat it. VBT was a breeze. Good luck! Let me know if you have an more question about it.


Hey can you please give me your time line?


Also, did they give you a choice for either Oakland or SFO? I am scheduled for VBT at Oakland, but I listed SFO as my geographic preference, does that mean Oakland would probably be the place of my EOD? I think I am just worrying too much.

[nasapso234]

Thanks for the info. B/U stands for what? Back up officer training?

You will not get EVOC. You will drive around for an afternoon responding to calls from dispatch, but that evolution is more a judgement shoot exercise than a driving course.

There had been a "no pursuit" policy at the POE in the past. Pursuit beyond the POE was the realm of BP, so there was no need for EVOC. CBP policy has evolved only recently to allow for properly trained officer/drivers (and a back-up officer) to pursue port runners and absconders. I completed B/U officer training just today. We told to expect driver training by Dec/Jan. Should be a nice change from, "Que trae? Goodbye."

[fedpolice]

To ALL,

I have a question, well after almost 2 years in the process I have finally been referred to the scheduling and training unit!!!! Hallalluya!!!! This is a good example of being patient and not bugging them!! APPLICANTS YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!! But enough preaching!!! Now onto my question..

I believe my medical/physical expires in either NOV/DEC. I realize that I have to redo my medical/physical, but what about my background. I just recently cleared the BI (11 months after meeting with the BI). I called MHC about my medical/physical having to be redone, they told me I would have to contact Training and Scheduling. I guess I have to do the step test again and see a doc again, correct? Should I contact training and scheduling or will they send you something in the mail? As far as the BI goes, don't they just pull your credit again? I have the phone number to Training and Scheduling, does anyone have the email address?

Brother Yoda, how are doing with your NOPA!!! I haven't heard from you in awhile. Send me a PM!!!

Fedpolice

[cross.sandiego]

You lucky dog you!


Wooof.

[rjdispatch]

Just a quick question. How do you know when your BI is complete. Do they send you a letter in the mail like the other steps or does it just change in CASS?

[cross.sandiego]

B/U stands for what? Back up officer training?

Affirm. The "official" term for the back-up is "pursuit passenger", but I like to refer to it as Co-pilot.

[audi0xpl0de]

I have a question about locality pay. I'm going to be stationed in Maine and there is a table for "FOR THE LOCALITY PAY AREA OF BOSTON-WORCESTER-MANCHESTER, MA-NH-RI-ME" I first assumed that this meant the whole state of Maine received this pay, but then saw there were only a few cities located on the definitions page, none of which have POEs. Does this mean I would fall under the "Rest of the U.S." scale?

[pheonix]

Hello everyone this is my first post so I hope i did this right. But I just wanted to let everyone know I;ve been in the process since May 08 about 2 months ago I recieved A NOPR about my credit history I did what they asked responded in writing back to them. I have not heard back on my letter. I also was sent a letter stating they needed additional info from my DR for medical clearance about a month ago. I have not heard back on that yet. But Something good must have come about all my bumps in the road because I am meeting with the invistigator on wed 29 oct and he has already sceduled meetings with other contacts in my area that I had listed on my forms. so hopefully everything is cool now and wont be long till I here good news. On a different note Those of you who are going down to FLETC say Hi to Officer/Instuctor Lund for me not sure what they call them down in FLETC he is a relitive of mine he just got transfered down there in July from MI . Good luck everyone hope to see everyone get in.

Pre-Employment Forms :completed
Qualifications :completed
Medical Exam pending : You have been sent a letter requesting additional medical information.
Structured Interview: completed
Drug Screening :completed
Background Investigation :pending Your case is in the security office.
Fitness completed.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[will0861]

To ALL,

I have a question, well after almost 2 years in the process I have finally been referred to the scheduling and training unit!!!! Hallalluya!!!! This is a good example of being patient and not bugging them!! APPLICANTS YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!! But enough preaching!!! Now onto my question..

I believe my medical/physical expires in either NOV/DEC. I realize that I have to redo my medical/physical, but what about my background. I just recently cleared the BI (11 months after meeting with the BI). I called MHC about my medical/physical having to be redone, they told me I would have to contact Training and Scheduling. I guess I have to do the step test again and see a doc again, correct? Should I contact training and scheduling or will they send you something in the mail? As far as the BI goes, don't they just pull your credit again? I have the phone number to Training and Scheduling, does anyone have the email address?

Brother Yoda, how are doing with your NOPA!!! I haven't heard from you in awhile. Send me a PM!!!

Fedpolice


I'm in the same boat. Took the medical and physical on the same day, but my medical actually cleared later than the physical. So I only have to redo the fitness test on Monday.

So most likely you won't have to redo both, unless they cleared on the same day, which is unlikely.

[fedpolice]

Just a quick question. How do you know when your BI is complete. Do they send you a letter in the mail like the other steps or does it just change in CASS?

You will not receive a letter, unless you get a NOPA. Your status will change in CASS, but most of the time it will be updated on the phone line before it updates in CASS. You also could be offered an "interim clearance" and it clear quicker than normal. Hope this answers your questions.

[fedcopboston]

Yoda and a few others know my situation. I have been "in the process" for three years now. Once a year, they "loose" my package and I am not in "both systems" I know have 3 TO's. But, I have never met the BI. BUT ------ I got a call on Thursday that my BI wants to meet on Tuesday. He has to have my BI done before November 1st. I guess the brain storming sessions Yoda and I have had are finally working.

So to the new posters, keep reading and stop wondering when it is all going to happen.

YODA !!!!!! GOOD LUCK MAN ON YOUR NOPA, GLAD YOU FINALLY FINISHED. :D

[JRizEJ6]

So I noticed that the check list for my pre employment forms does not include all the forms in the packet of forms they sent me. I am required to send in all the forms listed on MY checklist and not every single form that came with the packet is that correct? I just want to make sure that I dont screw this up. Also, it is asking for an original and three copies of the Modified Background Investigation Statement but I can not locate this form anywhere in my packet. It is listed separate from the e-qip online application but i do have a form titled "Provisional Clear Background Investigation Statement of Understanding. Is that what it is referring to?

[jwm0516]

[QUOTE=JRizEJ6;1464964]So I noticed that the check list for my pre employment forms does not include all the forms in the packet of forms they sent me. I am required to send in all the forms listed on MY checklist and not every single form that came with the packet is that correct? [QUOTE]
You only need to fill out the forms and make copies of the forms on your checklist. There are forms in the packet that you do not fill out.

[rjdispatch]

You will not receive a letter, unless you get a NOPA. Your status will change in CASS, but most of the time it will be updated on the phone line before it updates in CASS. You also could be offered an "interim clearance" and it clear quicker than normal. Hope this answers your questions.

It did answer my question and thank you very much for the reply :o

[hitthelights]

Tomorrow marks 105 days in the scheduling unit :)

[jwm0516]

Tomorrow marks 105 days in the scheduling unit :)

That is crazy. I haven't met a single person going to Newark, plenty to JFK though.

[Mangie2k]

Can anyone shed some light into the new LEO coverage? Is the new 6(c) coverage just for retirement or are 1895 series now covered? I'm going back and forth with people at my port. Even sup's are giving conflicting stories. I want to apply for an Enforcement position and people are telling me I'm too old to apply. My argument is that if we got the coverage it should not matter that I'm over 37 or 40 whatever the age limit is. Who's gonna' tackle this one.

[irishlad2nv]

Are you currently a CPB Officer? IF so, when you EOD and if you were under the age limit, then on your SF-50 it would state whether or not 6c was started or not! For 6C in the past the max age was bumped to 37, so if you are over that, no you most likely will not be 6c, but check with your HR or Union.

[southwest]

does anybody know how the academy has change
are there new requirements on any of the pt courses
thanks

[kc12]

I have a question about locality pay. I'm going to be stationed in Maine and there is a table for "FOR THE LOCALITY PAY AREA OF BOSTON-WORCESTER-MANCHESTER, MA-NH-RI-ME" I first assumed that this meant the whole state of Maine received this pay, but then saw there were only a few cities located on the definitions page, none of which have POEs. Does this mean I would fall under the "Rest of the U.S." scale?

You fall under the rest of the US scale.

[kc12]

Can anyone shed some light into the new LEO coverage? Is the new 6(c) coverage just for retirement or are 1895 series now covered? I'm going back and forth with people at my port. Even sup's are giving conflicting stories. I want to apply for an Enforcement position and people are telling me I'm too old to apply. My argument is that if we got the coverage it should not matter that I'm over 37 or 40 whatever the age limit is. Who's gonna' tackle this one.

As I understand it when we received the 6(c) our "6(c) clock" stopped. If you were over the age limit for the position you are applying for then you would not qualify. I read something a bit confusing in the recent CBPO(E) announcement. It appeared that as long as you are a current CBPO with 6(c) retirement then you would qualify for the CBPO(E) position. I would contact HR though to make sure.

[yoda]

Fedcop...

Thanks for lending me a helping hand through all of this!... I hope you meet your investigator and get it over and done with :cool:

Right now I feel somewhat back in the process, in a weird way... I have to redo my Med/Fit tomorrow (since a year has gone by already), and have to send out my NOPA response letter with supporting documents by Wed... My response letter came out to be 9 pages long (I do hope it is enough to finally clear and move on)...

Yes, it seems like quite a few newbies here simply post without looking for an answer on previous postings....but hey... I've been saying the same thing for months and it keeps happening :D

Good Luck to all the guys doing their VBT's this coming week... Remember to use common sense, and always keep a customer service mindset. That's the best and only advice on it I or anyone else can give you:cool:

[JRizEJ6]

it is asking for an original and three copies of the Modified Background Investigation Statement but I can not locate this form anywhere in my packet. It is listed separate from the e-qip online application but i do have a form titled "Provisional Clear Background Investigation Statement of Understanding. Is that what it is referring to?
Any help?

[audi0xpl0de]

Any help?

As I remember it was listed as the modified background investigation statement and it was only one page long. Are you sure you just didn't miss it going through the packet?

[merlin436]

Can anyone shed some light into the new LEO coverage? Is the new 6(c) coverage just for retirement or are 1895 series now covered? I'm going back and forth with people at my port. Even sup's are giving conflicting stories. I want to apply for an Enforcement position and people are telling me I'm too old to apply. My argument is that if we got the coverage it should not matter that I'm over 37 or 40 whatever the age limit is. Who's gonna' tackle this one.

Where to begin...?

First, unless you are a person hired in the early 80's or before, there's no way to have 6C coverage. For virtually everyone, including new hires, we're talking of 12D coverage.

Second, we don't have 'LEO' coverage. We have 'enhanced CBPO coverage'...whatever that means. They are equivalent coverages, but ours wasn't derived from our 'LEO' status. We are not "LEO's" as defined under either retirement, we were added on to 5USC8412(d) and 5UCS8336(c) as a class separate from 'LEO's', much the same as the Supreme Court Police and the Capitol Police are.

As far as your problem goes...

Since you're over they age of 37, I serious doubt that management will agree with your view on applying your new coverage towards a CBPO-E job. If you have previous coverage from another 12D/6C covered job you worked in the past, you most likely could use that to extend your clock, but I don't think that's the case with you.

Contact the union though...I'd love to know they're take on it.

Personally, I think if one had a boatload of cash to throw at it, a good case could be made at least for the folks under 37. Both series are 1895 and both coverages are equivalent now.

A related question to this, and one which no one I've talked to seems to have a good answer to:
"Can a current, pre-07/08 hired CBPO-E leave his 'LEO' covered positon sometime before his mandated retirement at 57 and return to the ranks of 'enhanced CBPO retirement' CBPO's, thereby avoiding forced retirement and allowing him to work as long as he wants?"

If he can, then I'd say your case for movement into the CBPO-E job post age 37 is somewhat strengthened.

[will0861]

Would someone mind explaining the difference between a CBPO and a CBPO(e).

thanks

[merlin436]

Would someone mind explaining the difference between a CBPO and a CBPO(e).

thanks


Well...I'll leave it up to a CBPO-E to explain his position.

Essentially though, a CBPO-E is an unfettered one.

Or...to put it another way, a CBPO-E job is a CBPO position in which one is allowed much more leeway in developing the CBPO position towards it's full potential.

[nasapso234]

Anyone been to FLETC recently? Did you get your locality pay while you were there? Or do they bump you down to the regular GS rate without locality pay?

[merlin436]

Anyone been to FLETC recently? Did you get your locality pay while you were there? Or do they bump you down to the regular GS rate without locality pay?

While you are at FLETC you'll be on temporary duty there. Your pay will come from your home port. You'll get paid at FLETC whatever locality pay your home port offers.

[merlin436]

Would someone mind explaining the difference between a CBPO and a CBPO(e).

thanks

To clarify things abit further:

The CBPO-E position was created by CBP (and legacy agencies) because of the need to have a few CBPO's do things like prosecutions and investigations. Prosecutions and investigations require "LEO" status, so the decision was to 'promote' a few CBPO's into the 'new' job, rather than to just make everyone "LEO's" and under 12D/6C retirement.

Now that eneryone is covered under 12D/6C, either by "LEO" status or "enhanced CBPO" status, who knows where the position will end up.

[JRizEJ6]

As I remember it was listed as the modified background investigation statement and it was only one page long. Are you sure you just didn't miss it going through the packet?

im positive there is no form in the packet listed as the modified background investigation statement. but again, there is a "provisional clear background investigation statement of understanding" form.

[ArmouredSainT]

CBP Enforcement Officers are defined as law enforcement officers under 12(d) whereas CBP Officers are not. Both now have the same retirement, but a CBPOE is specifically designated a LE officer under the law.
What a CBPOE does is different at every location. At some ports, CBPOE's do nothing extra and continue to do basic CBPO work. At other's, they are responsible for more complicated cases. Where I work, CBPOE's do any type of investigation they can...Sometime too much since in most cases they are limited to the phone, fax, mail, email, and their imagination to complete an invesitgation/prosecution case.

[nasapso234]

Thanks for the info! I assume its 40 hours a week?

While you are at FLETC you'll be on temporary duty there. Your pay will come from your home port. You'll get paid at FLETC whatever locality pay your home port offers.

[merlin436]

Thanks for the info! I assume its 40 hours a week?


As far as I know...yes. Mon.-Fri. 0730-1630. 1 hour off for lunch some time midday.

Sometimes, in order to push people out quicker they run classes 6 days a week with folks working Sat. on 8hrs. 2X OT. Depending on when you'll be going, you might run into a 6 day schedule

[FLA22]

Merlin,
I am over 37 but my SF-50 states in box 30 that I am under "M" coverage and not 12d or 6c. Where would I fall. I was also 1896 and not an 1895 series. Basically a BPA for a short period of time. We will see soon if I can still continue the CBPO process.

[sap123]

Sometimes, in order to push people out quicker they run classes 6 days a week with folks working Sat. on 8hrs. 2X OT. Depending on when you'll be going, you might run into a 6 day schedule

Maybe you or a recent graduate of FLETC might know this, but how is doing a 6 days a week scheduled out? Is it strictly done when the budget has room for it or when they are in dire need of bodies at ports at a particular time? Or do they just decide that a range of classes will be moving along quicker than others?

[merlin436]

Merlin,
I am over 37 but my SF-50 states in box 30 that I am under "M" coverage and not 12d or 6c. Where would I fall. I was also 1896 and not an 1895 series. Basically a BPA for a short period of time. We will see soon if I can still continue the CBPO process.

How much older than 37 are you?
When did you get apply?
When did you get your TO?
How long were you a PA? Did you ever hold another 12D/6C covered position?

I'll have to look into what "M" in box 30 means.

[merlin436]

Maybe you or a recent graduate of FLETC might know this, but how is doing a 6 days a week scheduled out? Is it strictly done when the budget has room for it or when they are in dire need of bodies at ports at a particular time? Or do they just decide that a range of classes will be moving along quicker than others?

From what I've seen, it's done to punch out the maximum numbers of Officers.
I suppose they could do it for whatever reason they want. Obviously, the budget needs to be able to accomodate it.

Back in 03-04 it was done more often. Of course, back in those days it was CBP's position that they needn't pay OT for extra hours under 'training status'. Officers waited 2-3 years for that to battle itself out but eventually most folks received back OT for the academy.

[Orleanian84]

Tomorrow marks 105 days in the scheduling unit :)

Don't feel too bad... I got you beat: 147 days for me. Also Nov '07 tester.

[Dfly123]

so... In my ninth week here for CBP and I get the call for IEA... Isn't that just wonderful.

[shawal16]

so... In my ninth week here for CBP and I get the call for IEA... Isn't that just wonderful.

What are you going to decide to do?

[barnaj]

What are you going to decide to do?

Whats new shawal? CBP pulled my credit and i got a call for an additional reference. Any news on your app?

[shawal16]

Barnaj,

I sent the NOPA response. I called the adjudicator he said he'll forward it to his supervisor. Haven't heard anything as of yet.

[barnaj]

Barnaj,

I sent the NOPA response. I called the adjudicator he said he'll forward it to his supervisor. Haven't heard anything as of yet.

Yeah, let me know how that goes. I got a random call from an investigator, seemed like a nice guy. Siad he just needed one more personal reference that i didnt put on my SF86. Not sure if its because its the same people i used before or what. My buddy said no one called him so im not sure. At least i can rest easy knowing someone is working my case.

[135i]

Tomorrow marks 105 days in the scheduling unit :)

i'm also a Nov '07 tester.

[Hound77]

Tomorrow marks 105 days in the scheduling unit :)

Damn and here I am bitching that tomorrow is 90 days for me. I guess Newark is such a small port they don't need many officers. Not like many passengers come through there. :)

[shawal16]

Damn and here I am bitching that tomorrow is 90 days for me. I guess Newark is such a small port they don't need many officers. Not like many passengers come through there. :)

Newark a small part? Not at all.

[hitthelights]

Hahaha..I don't really mind the wait..lets me finish up this semester at school, then hopefully wont interfere with my vacation to Hawaii during New Years :)

[sap123]

so... In my ninth week here for CBP and I get the call for IEA... Isn't that just wonderful.

Haha nice. I read about a guy over on 911jobforums that was basically a FLETC rat and was around training for nearly a year because he EODed and went to training for border patrol. At the end of training there he got the call for USMS and decided to do that. At the end of training there he got the call for USSS, and had to go to training for THAT! Haha, imagine that!

Either way, congrats on being able to have a choice!

[bobcatgolthwait]

Hello all, new member here. Gonna try to not ask questions that have already been answered, but theres too much to read. Anyway, Got my pre-employment forms around the end of september, did my medical and fitness on the 14th of October. On CASS for my medical it still says an appointment has been scheduled for me. Is this something I should be worried about?

[sap123]

Hello all, new member here. Gonna try to not ask questions that have already been answered, but theres too much to read. Anyway, Got my pre-employment forms around the end of september, did my medical and fitness on the 14th of October. On CASS for my medical it still says an appointment has been scheduled for me. Is this something I should be worried about?

I think it will stay like that until your medical gets cleared, which could take weeks. My fit/med was the same. Fit will eventually show clear, but since the med has to be seen by a certain amount of eyes, that usually takes a bit longer. Not to worry!

[bobcatgolthwait]

Thank You. Dont wanna go through that stepping again! That was WAY harder than I thought it was gonna be.

[Hound77]

Newark a small part? Not at all.

I was kidding.

[audi0xpl0de]

Thank You. Dont wanna go through that stepping again! That was WAY harder than I thought it was gonna be.

Yeah, the pace was actually a lot faster than I thought it would be. Just got done meeting with my investigator, seemed like a great guy. Talked about a guy who transferred jobs 4 times just so he could stay in Boston. Next week VBT then I'm done hopefully.

[wmcgalrd]

Hello all, new member here. Gonna try to not ask questions that have already been answered, but theres too much to read. Anyway, Got my pre-employment forms around the end of september, did my medical and fitness on the 14th of October. On CASS for my medical it still says an appointment has been scheduled for me. Is this something I should be worried about?

Yeah, CASS still shows everything pending for me except pre employment forms are complete. Yet I have already completed my physical/fitness and my VBT is scheduled. The CASS phone system seems to be much more reliable.

[audi0xpl0de]

Usually it takes 3-4 weeks for medical to clear after it's been sent in and 1-2 weeks for the fit test. Mine says it's been forwarded to the medical review office for determination and my fit test says it's been scheduled.

[wmcgalrd]

Usually it takes 3-4 weeks for medical to clear after it's been sent in and 1-2 weeks for the fit test. Mine says it's been forwarded to the medical review office for determination and my fit test says it's been scheduled.

CASS online or the phone system?

[audi0xpl0de]

CASS online or the phone system?

Both online and the phone show that for me. Although online it says my vbt hasn't been scheduled, but the phone says it has and I've received the paperwork and a phone call.

[bobcatgolthwait]

When I got the medical exam done my blood pressure was a little high. the doc let me go on to the fitness test, told me to go get checked by another doc and get on meds and he would check it again. When I went to a different doc to get it checked it was normal time after time so he wouldnt prescribe anything. Rushed right back to the place the exam was done and it was high again(nerves I think). Anyway it finally came down to the numbers they wanted 140/90. Should I be expecting one of those NOPA's everybody talks about?

[sap123]

When I got the medical exam done my blood pressure was a little high. the doc let me go on to the fitness test, told me to go get checked by another doc and get on meds and he would check it again. When I went to a different doc to get it checked it was normal time after time so he wouldnt prescribe anything. Rushed right back to the place the exam was done and it was high again(nerves I think). Anyway it finally came down to the numbers they wanted 140/90. Should I be expecting one of those NOPA's everybody talks about?

You could get one for high blood pressure. I'm almost positive that being on meds for high BP is bad juju. If you get one, you'll just have to go to another doctor and get it looked at more closely. It could have been you being nervous or being hot in the room or whatever, but rules are rules.


Alright, I have a predicament that I'm going to play out to see if I can get people's advice. Basically, I've been working for peanuts while waiting to EOD. I visited a temp agency a couple weeks ago to see if I could find a job with a higher pay. There are positions available, but they are mostly temp to hire situations. I wouldn't have any issues taking one of these jobs, but I'm afraid what the consequences are if I take a job, leave it after a month or so (because I get the call for CBPO), and then in a future BI (or perhaps a BI refresh?) the employer sandbags me or says "oh well he left after we trained him, what a jerk" and the following consequences for an employer basically giving me bad lip service to a BI. I've heard of stories of NOPAs and all sorts of nightmares because of an employer bad mouthing the applicant. Anyone want to offer any insight to this? My employment history otherwise has been completely spotless.

[bobcatgolthwait]

Well I got a note from the doc who checked my blood pressure when it was normal and gave it to the one who cbp sent me to so hopefully he sent it with my paperwork and everything will be ok, but I forget to ask if he was going to.

[rbakous1]

You could get one for high blood pressure. I'm almost positive that being on meds for high BP is bad juju. If you get one, you'll just have to go to another doctor and get it looked at more closely. It could have been you being nervous or being hot in the room or whatever, but rules are rules.


Alright, I have a predicament that I'm going to play out to see if I can get people's advice. Basically, I've been working for peanuts while waiting to EOD. I visited a temp agency a couple weeks ago to see if I could find a job with a higher pay. There are positions available, but they are mostly temp to hire situations. I wouldn't have any issues taking one of these jobs, but I'm afraid what the consequences are if I take a job, leave it after a month or so (because I get the call for CBPO), and then in a future BI (or perhaps a BI refresh?) the employer sandbags me or says "oh well he left after we trained him, what a jerk" and the following consequences for an employer basically giving me bad lip service to a BI. I've heard of stories of NOPAs and all sorts of nightmares because of an employer bad mouthing the applicant. Anyone want to offer any insight to this? My employment history otherwise has been completely spotless.

Well, unless your temporary employer chooses to disregard labor law, your concern about being sandbagged is justified, but unlikely. Former employers can only give out certain information about you. I.E. length of employment, eligible for re-hire, ect. They are not allowed to defame you in any way. You can go into the BI interview and by your own admission discuss things about your employment activities that can be seen as unfavorable by any potential employer, that's really up to you. I have similar issues with respect to prior employment. From my experience and feedback gathered from background investigators and recruiters;having multiple jobs and length of employment isn't really an issue in and of itself. It's the reasons for job hopping and leaving, and whether or not you acted responsibly in leaving those jobs, that's what they are really interested in.

[southwest]

When I got the medical exam done my blood pressure was a little high. the doc let me go on to the fitness test, told me to go get checked by another doc and get on meds and he would check it again. When I went to a different doc to get it checked it was normal time after time so he wouldnt prescribe anything. Rushed right back to the place the exam was done and it was high again(nerves I think). Anyway it finally came down to the numbers they wanted 140/90. Should I be expecting one of those NOPA's everybody talks about?

I had a BP of 140/88 the only thing i got was a letter from CHS the company that does the health services. It just said they want to inform of it and to possible get it checked up with my doctor but thats it. i didn't have to send any additional info to them.

I already know this bp is around what i usually am at it either in the 120 to 140; also if your nervous or pumped up for the exam it will affect your bp as well

IN the same letter i also recieved notice of mild hearing loss but it was because i could hear everything that was happing around ie people talking doors shutting health personnel come to check if i had finished.
the loudest beep i could barely hear. i had to concentrate on listing

I asked this before but didn't get a response does anybody know of new requirement for the fletc pt course just want to be a in shape for it.

[southwest]

Alright, I have a predicament that I'm going to play out to see if I can get people's advice. Basically, I've been working for peanuts while waiting to EOD. I visited a temp agency a couple weeks ago to see if I could find a job with a higher pay. There are positions available, but they are mostly temp to hire situations. I wouldn't have any issues taking one of these jobs, but I'm afraid what the consequences are if I take a job, leave it after a month or so (because I get the call for CBPO), and then in a future BI (or perhaps a BI refresh?) the employer sandbags me or says "oh well he left after we trained him, what a jerk" and the following consequences for an employer basically giving me bad lip service to a BI. I've heard of stories of NOPAs and all sorts of nightmares because of an employer bad mouthing the applicant. Anyone want to offer any insight to this? My employment history otherwise has been completely spotless.

I would also explain to your perspective employer about your situation. For example that you are in the process of getting hired by CBP and that you will leave if offered the job with CBP. I did the same with my new employer. I'm currently working for a government contractor and they were ok with it.

[s0lid snake]

Yeah, the pace was actually a lot faster than I thought it would be. Just got done meeting with my investigator, seemed like a great guy. Talked about a guy who transferred jobs 4 times just so he could stay in Boston. Next week VBT then I'm done hopefully.



How did you meet with an investigator before your VBT? Are you lucky or what? :) I wish I would meet an investigator before my VBT next week. Hopefully I would meet one soon!

[barnaj]

How did you meet with an investigator before your VBT? Are you lucky or what? :) I wish I would meet an investigator before my VBT next week. Hopefully I would meet one soon!

Meeting with mine tommorrow at 10 a.m. Luckily i got the same lady who did mine back in '07

[sap123]

IA is mostly independent of other components, and it's really a matter of when your name shows up as the next applicant that is assigned to your local BI. These guys are juggling a bunch of cases all of the time, so sometimes people get the call real early or it takes awhile.

Also: Thank you to the posters take on my situation.

Barnaj: Are you doing a refresh or something?

[audi0xpl0de]

How did you meet with an investigator before your VBT? Are you lucky or what? :) I wish I would meet an investigator before my VBT next week. Hopefully I would meet one soon!

My process has actually been moving pretty fast since I got my TO. It may be because I'm in a critical needs state. I didn't even know my background had started until he called me last Thursday. He had pulled my credit ten days ago, so he's been gathering info for a little while. He's only here for two days so I think he's working overtime to get my case done.

[bronze01]

I asked this before but didn't get a response does anybody know of new requirement for the fletc pt course just want to be a in shape for it.

From what I gather. Here's my take on it:

15 minute 1 1/2 mile.

Make sure you can touch your toes and/or beyond (something about a flexibility issue of back/legs).

Agility course (sprinting 30 yards up & back, then going around 4 cones up and back the 30 yards, then sprinting 30 yards up and back in I think in a range of 15 - 18 seconds????

Heard push-ups are mandatory. Dfly says to start doing them now.

[barnaj]

IA is mostly independent of other components, and it's really a matter of when your name shows up as the next applicant that is assigned to your local BI. These guys are juggling a bunch of cases all of the time, so sometimes people get the call real early or it takes awhile.

Also: Thank you to the posters take on my situation.

Barnaj: Are you doing a refresh or something?

I guess, same lady, same situation. I had an interim back in '07, was at the FLETC and resigned for personal reasons. Re-applied back in July and was asked to meet her tommorrow. Also gonna interview my friend tommorrow and my parents tonight.

[yoda]

Hello guys...
Just got back from my Medical/Fitness... I have to say thank God since I was simply re-taking cause it expired, I only had to do EKG, Blood Pressure and Fitness :cool: I didn't have to do the whole physical, hearing or eye exams again....whoohoo!...cause most of these places don't do that good of a job at those other tests... The first time I was told I had hearing loss and no depth perception...to be proven incorrect on my dime!... At least the 2 times I've had to go through the fitness I haven't had to do it along with the audio tape, they simply gave me verbal commands and then told me to step up and down for the five minutes changing lead legs whenever I felt like it :D
Now all I have to do is wait to see if my NOPA clears...:D:cool:

[barnaj]

From what I gather. Here's my take on it:

15 minute 1 1/2 mile.

Make sure you can touch your toes and/or beyond (something about a flexibility issue of back/legs).

Agility course (sprinting 30 yards up & back, then going around 4 cones up and back the 30 yards, then sprinting 30 yards up and back in I think in a range of 15 - 18 seconds????

Heard push-ups are mandatory. Dfly says to start doing them now.

Yeah but the only thing that can affect your employment is the run. Everything is (or at least was) participation only. They just like to see improvement in your fitness level.

[sap123]

At least the 2 times I've had to go through the fitness I haven't had to do it along with the audio tape, they simply gave me verbal commands and then told me to step up and down for the five minutes changing lead legs whenever I felt like it :D
Now all I have to do is wait to see if my NOPA clears...:D:cool:

Hahaha, that's crazy! How are they keeping time then? heck, all you have to do is bring out a metronome, set it to 120BPM, and go along with it for 5 minutes!

It seems like there is a lot of movement lately with old and new applicants; good luck to everyone on their tests!

[yoda]

From what I gather. Here's my take on it:

15 minute 1 1/2 mile.

Make sure you can touch your toes and/or beyond (something about a flexibility issue of back/legs).

Agility course (sprinting 30 yards up & back, then going around 4 cones up and back the 30 yards, then sprinting 30 yards up and back in I think in a range of 15 - 18 seconds????

Heard push-ups are mandatory. Dfly says to start doing them now.

I think the only mandatory there is the RUN, everything else is a simple check on your physical strength and abilities (similar to what the FBI PT does) at the end they crown the best in shape guy/gal.

[yoda]

Hahaha, that's crazy! How are they keeping time then? heck, all you have to do is bring out a metronome, set it to 120BPM, and go along with it for 5 minutes!

It seems like there is a lot of movement lately with old and new applicants; good luck to everyone on their tests!

As long as you don't pause the action during the 5 minutes (which they time), or use your hands to push up from your legs, you're good to go!... The place I went to today had never done the test before, the guy was simply looking over the instructions they sent him in the packet...lol...at least this time I didn't have to do the stand and kneel drop on bare concrete (he put a mat down for me):D

[GeM168]

Hi All,
I've been reading quite a bit. I have appointment for VBT 10/31. Can anyone give a me an approximate how many scenario? and how long is the process might take? (it doesn't have to be exact :) ) In addition, for the BI, do you meet with the investigator at his place or at your home ?

[barnaj]

Hi All,
I've been reading quite a bit. I have appointment for VBT 10/31. Can anyone give a me an approximate how many scenario? and how long is the process might take? (it doesn't have to be exact :) ) In addition, for the BI, do you meet with the investigator at his place or at your home ?

VBT takes about 30 minutes to an hour. As far as a BI, you will meet at a neutral site (mine is at a local PD tommorrow), and they may come to your home. Mine is talking to my parents at their home right now.

[audi0xpl0de]

Hi All,
I've been reading quite a bit. I have appointment for VBT 10/31. Can anyone give a me an approximate how many scenario? and how long is the process might take? (it doesn't have to be exact :) ) In addition, for the BI, do you meet with the investigator at his place or at your home ?

I think the FAQ says about 8 scenarios and about 30mins to complete. It depends on the investigator's preference. Mine wanted to meet at work, we ended up meeting at a local PD.

[Dfly123]

Haha nice. I read about a guy over on 911jobforums that was basically a FLETC rat and was around training for nearly a year because he EODed and went to training for border patrol. At the end of training there he got the call for USMS and decided to do that. At the end of training there he got the call for USSS, and had to go to training for THAT! Haha, imagine that!

Either way, congrats on being able to have a choice!


Thanks...Im not to sure what to do at the moment, I know for long term, IEA is the way to go... and I mean Im not married, no kids... so another 18 weeks wouldnt cause much strain on me, but .... I mean thats a long time here at FLETC... it gets old.

Plus, Im curious... anyone know what the IEA training is like? Im told that it is more "in your face, physical" then academics like CBP is.

[shawal16]

Thanks...Im not to sure what to do at the moment, I know for long term, IEA is the way to go... and I mean Im not married, no kids... so another 18 weeks wouldnt cause much strain on me, but .... I mean thats a long time here at FLETC... it gets old.

Plus, Im curious... anyone know what the IEA training is like? Im told that it is more "in your face, physical" then academics like CBP is.

Your at FLETC now...look around and ask questions.

[Dfly123]

Your at FLETC now...look around and ask questions.


Done that.... but im looking for more from a 3rd person point of view... From CBP its basically "stay with CBP, cause I work here" and ICE its "come to ICE, its better, cause i work here". And God knows, nobody at Dallas can answer any questions regarding the job.

[Pawn922]

VBT takes about 30 minutes to an hour. As far as a BI, you will meet at a neutral site (mine is at a local PD tommorrow), and they may come to your home. Mine is talking to my parents at their home right now.

Meeting with your parents huh.... I guess if you can't get a good reference from them then you're in bad shape ;)

I wonder if we have the same BI. Oddly, my BI told me that they rarely meet with parents and siblings. I met two BI's in a local PD. They met with two of my references, my girlfriend, and an acquaintance that they found though one of my references. They also met with two of my current managers, at least one of my past employers, and at least one of my neighbors. That's all that I know of so far. The investigators are done now, so I'm checking the status line full force again anxiously waiting to be referred to TSU. Maybe we'll be at FLETC at the same time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed to get "the call" and an EOD still this year and FLETC early next year. Then I’ll be crossing my fingers for a private room:cool:

[MilwaukeeBucks]

What should I wear for the VBT?

[audi0xpl0de]

What should I wear for the VBT?

Use your best judgment and treat it as if it was any other interview.

[barnaj]

Meeting with your parents huh.... I guess if you can't get a good reference from them then you're in bad shape ;)

I wonder if we have the same BI. Oddly, my BI told me that they rarely meet with parents and siblings. I met two BI's in a local PD. They met with two of my references, my girlfriend, and an acquaintance that they found though one of my references. They also met with two of my current managers, at least one of my past employers, and at least one of my neighbors. That's all that I know of so far. The investigators are done now, so I'm checking the status line full force again anxiously waiting to be referred to TSU. Maybe we'll be at FLETC at the same time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed to get "the call" and an EOD still this year and FLETC early next year. Then I’ll be crossing my fingers for a private room:cool:

Yeah well i had fallen on some hard times and they helped me out with some money when i wasnt working. So they BI wanted to verify that and that i wasnt selling dope or something. They called one of my references and are meeting with another one tommorrow. Yeah, it sure would be nice to get into TSU and down to georgia asap!

[Pawn922]

Yeah well i had fallen on some hard times and they helped me out with some money when i wasnt working. So they BI wanted to verify that and that i wasnt selling dope or something. They called one of my references and are meeting with another one tommorrow. Yeah, it sure would be nice to get into TSU and down to georgia asap!

I hear ya.... I fell on some bad times too (as I'm afraid that many Michiganders have) and was unemployed for a bit.

It seemed odd to me when the BI asked me what I did when I was unemployed. I remember thinking, "what do you mean what did I do??? I looked for a job....and watched a lot of TV".

Looking back on it....it's a good question. Since I don't do illegal things, my first thought wasn't that he was asking me if I was doing something illegal to pay my bills. That's so far from reality that it didn't even cross my mind. I really wonder if they are trained to watch for reactions to questions, and record reactions that they feel may be deceptive or questionable; or do they just record your answers?

What does the hotline say when everything is cleared and you are sent to TSU?

[barnaj]

I hear ya.... I fell on some bad times too (as I'm afraid that many Michiganders have) and was unemployed for a bit.

It seemed odd to me when the BI asked me what I did when I was unemployed. I remember thinking, "what do you mean what did I do??? I looked for a job....and watched a lot of TV".

Looking back on it....it's a good question. Since I don't do illegal things, my first thought wasn't that he was asking me if I was doing something illegal to pay my bills. That's so far from reality that it didn't even cross my mind. I really wonder if they are trained to watch for reactions to questions and respond to, and record reactions that they feel may be deceptive or questionable; or do they just record your answers?

What does the hotline say when everything is cleared and you are sent to TSU?

I cant remember, something along the lines of "congratulations you have passed all pre-employment processes and have been referred to the scheduling unit." Yeah the BI finished up with my folks and my neighbor. Small talk mostly and things like "would he take race into consideration when making decisions?", etc.

[sap123]

My parents were interviewed because they were vouching for my times of unemployment for the first year of college, as well as all of my study abroad work and what not. I won't lie, my parents are extremely lucky and were able to help cover most of my costs while in my first year of college, so it let me concentrate on my studies. Beyond that I held a job through out college to pay for things. I told the BI this and he told me that while it was less common for him to interview parents, he told me that it was the right thing and that they were the only way to verify information on my timeline.

[southwest]

I got my vbt date today:D I an august tester
Wonder if it is really easy as people seem to say on here?
Also i have new employment with a gov contractor i also had to do a sf86 for them; but this was after i sent my app for cbp. How do i update it for cbp or do i just wait for my BI and tell them?

[sap123]

I got my vbt date today:D I an august tester
Wonder if it is really easy as people seem to say on here?
Also i have new employment with a gov contractor i also had to do a sf86 for them; but this was after i sent my app for cbp. How do i update it for cbp or do i just wait for my BI and tell them?

Tell your BI when you meet up with him/her, they will act on it accordingly.

[wmcgalrd]

Thanks...Im not to sure what to do at the moment, I know for long term, IEA is the way to go... and I mean Im not married, no kids... so another 18 weeks wouldnt cause much strain on me, but .... I mean thats a long time here at FLETC... it gets old.

Plus, Im curious... anyone know what the IEA training is like? Im told that it is more "in your face, physical" then academics like CBP is.

I know nothing about IEA, why would you say thats better in the long run? More pay, better job? Or maybe someone else can answer for me.

Thanks

[robeans]

Thanks...Im not to sure what to do at the moment, I know for long term, IEA is the way to go... and I mean Im not married, no kids... so another 18 weeks wouldnt cause much strain on me, but .... I mean thats a long time here at FLETC... it gets old.

Plus, Im curious... anyone know what the IEA training is like? Im told that it is more "in your face, physical" then academics like CBP is.

It's not really "in your face" or very "physical". Outside of the ATF academy or USMS, nothing at FLECT fits that bill. I saw more than a few tater hog IEA's graduating (ask if you can't figure out what tater hog means). It's more police like than CBP, more tactics, a little more situational shooting, a little more PT, but nothing crazy. CBP is much more academic than IEA. And just so it's known, CBP has a higher shooting standard than IEA (they shoot the investigator course of fire).

We have had a few legacy INS guys go to IEA (did not require academy) and most came back. IEA is an old job under a new agency and it's still trying work the bugs out like we are.

If your single and want to travel, then IEA would be a good job. Depending on where your at, you may be a defacto corrections officer, so check out locals before applying.

Hope this helps.

[tigers2007]

It's not really "in your face" or very "physical". Outside of the ATF academy or USMS, nothing at FLECT fits that bill. I saw more than a few tater hog IEA's graduating (ask if you can't figure out what tater hog means).

Are those the same guys as the IRS-CI's??? Right now there are some IRS guys here that have some wicked hair styles. One guy looks like he hasn't shaved his beard or head in probably seven years. There is another guy that looks like he was the captain on the titanic.

By far the BOP candidates fill their trays the most. An average of four full plates of food and two small dishes of pie slices. Not to forget a farewell closer to the ice cream machine on the way out. I saw one guy that was so big he was sitting on TWO CHAIRS. I think their physical agility consists of running one lap around the track (1/4mile) in 2:45. That must be a challenge for some folks here. Granted there are a handful of CBPO's that are seriously 100lbs overweight. There is no way they could have passed that step test without someone illegally pushing them through. I'm in okay shape but that step test was harder than running the 1.5mile. These are the guys that have 60 inch belts and are always eating junk slop. Another interesting fact is that they disappear after class and are never seen at the PT building. Its a free 17-19 weeks of GS5 or 7 pay and then bubye!

[s0lid snake]

Is anyone else excited for the VBT? I can't wait to get it over with! I wonder if there are different versions of VBT with different scenarios depending on where your port is at, such as seaport, airport, etc?

[sap123]

I was hearing from people that it was getting a little more standardized and harder to PT, but that seems to be a little more on the crystal ball side of questions because it seems to depend on the PT instructor. Personally, I've always had a slight weight problem, but I've been running for awhile now trying to get ready to PT, although my pushups have suffered a bit since my injury. I'm hoping for a decent PT instructor. It would be nice for someone to pay me so I could get in better shape than I am. I'm not looking for a free ride through training.

[wmcgalrd]

I just pulled my credit report and saw Customs checked my credit on 10/21. Does anyone have an idea as to when people heard from the BI after their credit was pulled?

[wmcgalrd]

Is anyone else excited for the VBT? I can't wait to get it over with! I wonder if there are different versions of VBT with different scenarios depending on where your port is at, such as seaport, airport, etc?

Yeah, excited, nervous whatever you want to call it. I went before a 6 person hiring board for my current department and I think I'm more nervous about this because I have no idea what to expect.

[audi0xpl0de]

I just pulled my credit report and saw Customs checked my credit on 10/21. Does anyone have an idea as to when people heard from the BI after their credit was pulled?

I met with my BI ten days after my credit was pulled.

[sap123]

I'm excited for the VBT. My previous work experience is mostly customer service, so I feel ready to try it out. I don't know how I will feel about talking to a video camera though. The one thing I think I will prefer about the BPA oral board is that there were actual people there. Who knows. All I know is that when I took that oral board I walked out of that room feeling like I completely bombed it, and whaddyaknow, I passed. Knowing that, I'm trying to keep my confidence low intensity. No point at becoming over confident at this point in time.

[merlin436]

Thanks...Im not to sure what to do at the moment, I know for long term, IEA is the way to go... and I mean Im not married, no kids... so another 18 weeks wouldnt cause much strain on me, but .... I mean thats a long time here at FLETC... it gets old.

Plus, Im curious... anyone know what the IEA training is like? Im told that it is more "in your face, physical" then academics like CBP is.


What exactly leads you to believe that taking an IEA job over a CBPO job "is the way to go"?

In the past, many CBPO's used to jump over to get 6C coverage...but that's moot now.

It might be a step across, but it's sure not a step up...IMO.
There's a reason they're call "bus drivers" to our "stamp monkeys".

[wmcgalrd]

What exactly leads you to believe that taking an IEA job over a CBPO job "is the way to go"?

In the past, many CBPO's used to jump over to get 6C coverage...but that's moot now.

It might be a step across, but it's sure not a step up...IMO.
There's a reason they're call "bus drivers" to our "stamp monkeys".

Thanks Merlin, I was a bit confused and thought maybe I needed to put in an application there for a minute.

[tigers2007]

It might be a step across, but it's sure not a step up...IMO.
There's a reason they're call "bus drivers" to our "stamp monkeys".

Merlin has a good point. Plus, where else can you rack up as much double-OT as much as you can handle?

If anything, at least stick around CBP to rob them of the OT for a few years while you move up to GS-11. At that point, you might never leave. Making $63/hr has its benefits...(we'll we might have to wait and see what happens after our Democratic Super-Majority takes the helm)

Merlin -- does the yearly cost-of-living raise begin on Jan 1.? Do you know if it will be 2.5% again?

[merlin436]

Thanks Merlin, I was a bit confused and thought maybe I needed to put in an application there for a minute.

Put in an app. for IEA if you want...I'm not knocking their job.

They're just two different jobs with different pains/perks and different missions.

[merlin436]

Merlin has a good point. Plus, where else can you rack up as much double-OT as much as you can handle?

If anything, at least stick around CBP to rob them of the OT for a few years while you move up to GS-11. At that point, you might never leave. Making $63/hr has its benefits...(we'll we might have to wait and see what happens after our Democratic Super-Majority takes the helm)

Merlin -- does the yearly cost-of-living raise begin on Jan 1.? Do you know if it will be 2.5% again?


Your world may be different, but I've never been to a point or a port where I could "rack up as much double-OT as much as you can handle".
Sure...at some of the 327 ports within CBP there is the option to work 35K(or more, if you get a waiver) in OT but I dare say at the majority of ports that isn't a reasonable outlook. In 5 years as a CBPO my personal best is something like 7.2K. Very few Officers I know of cap (or come close to capping) out.

About the raise...last I knew it was 3.9% and OPM was working on it. There was something about tying the actual percentage to locality pay, so I'm guessing that some Officers will see more than 3.9% and some will see less.
It should come about in January...

[merlin436]

Making $63/hr has its benefits...

In my world, making $63 an hour on OT is something you'd need to be a GS11/08 to do. That step takes about 14 years to reach, assuming one starts as a GS-05.

[tigers2007]

In my world, making $63 an hour on OT is something you'd need to be a GS11/08 to do. That step takes about 14 years to reach, assuming one starts as a GS-05.

In my port a GS11/4 would make $64.57/hr OT in 2009. A GS11/1 would make $58.70. I'm surprised we get such a premium for working in Detroit.

[merlin436]

In my port a GS11/4 would make $64.57/hr OT in 2009. A GS11/1 would make $58.70. I'm surprised we get such a premium for working in Detroit.

You have access to the 2009 OPM wage charts?

Please, share the link.

[s0lid snake]

How do I check to see if my credit has been pulled or not? Thanks.

[wmcgalrd]

How do I check to see if my credit has been pulled or not? Thanks.

I used this website because they do not make you enter a credit card.

https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

[barnaj]

Are those the same guys as the IRS-CI's??? Right now there are some IRS guys here that have some wicked hair styles. One guy looks like he hasn't shaved his beard or head in probably seven years. There is another guy that looks like he was the captain on the titanic.

By far the BOP candidates fill their trays the most. An average of four full plates of food and two small dishes of pie slices. Not to forget a farewell closer to the ice cream machine on the way out. I saw one guy that was so big he was sitting on TWO CHAIRS. I think their physical agility consists of running one lap around the track (1/4mile) in 2:45. That must be a challenge for some folks here. Granted there are a handful of CBPO's that are seriously 100lbs overweight. There is no way they could have passed that step test without someone illegally pushing them through. I'm in okay shape but that step test was harder than running the 1.5mile. These are the guys that have 60 inch belts and are always eating junk slop. Another interesting fact is that they disappear after class and are never seen at the PT building. Its a free 17-19 weeks of GS5 or 7 pay and then bubye!


Haha, that is hilarious, "captain on the titanic"!! Yeah thats how i remember it. Im not knocking anyones job, because it cant be easy working with federal prisoners for a living, but yes BOP mostly consisted of guys who looked like they were in special ed in high school and gals that had purple hair...

[Hound77]

From what I gather. Here's my take on it:

15 minute 1 1/2 mile.

Make sure you can touch your toes and/or beyond (something about a flexibility issue of back/legs).

Agility course (sprinting 30 yards up & back, then going around 4 cones up and back the 30 yards, then sprinting 30 yards up and back in I think in a range of 15 - 18 seconds????

Heard push-ups are mandatory. Dfly says to start doing them now.

Regardless of the requirements start doing push ups and running now if you're not already. Do core stuff as well while you're at it, but from experience being lacking when it comes to upper body strength or cardio can really make your days much less enjoyable.

I went into basic training as a complete stick and could do the fewest push ups of any guy there on day one (not a great day for my pride I gotta say.) It's not just PT that it kicks your *** in, if you're already sore from PT then hand to hand crap or anything else becomes an absolute bitch.

I realize this isn't going to be anything like that situation. But over prepare, believe me you'd much rather do this crap at a nice comfy gym or on your basement floor that trying to catch up during drills on some muddy patch or a PT mat somewhere. No one ever had their day ruined from being too in shape.

[2g2gn]

I met with my Investigator almost a month ago and last night I checked the three credit reporting companies and it showed no inquiries at all. Is this unusual or what?

[barnaj]

I met with my Investigator almost a month ago and last night I checked the three credit reporting companies and it showed no inquiries at all. Is this unusual or what?

Seems odd to me because during your interview you are supposed to be able to explain any derogatory credit findings. I just got home from my interview and i had to go over and verify my credit report. But who knows? There seems to be no ryhme nor reason to the way they do things.

[audi0xpl0de]

Mine had a copy of my credit report with him to go over things like my student loans.

[pheonix]

Hmmm I have student loans I am sure he will ask me about them. Getting kinda anxious my Investigator comes tommarow to talk to me then he gonna go talk to two of my references. Funny he said he will be in town all day tomarrow. hopefully he gets what he needs and can submit my case. But of course i will prolly have too wait another 6 months until I get a call LOL. Seriously though it would be nice to start soon.

[LAboundCBPO]

Is anyone else excited for the VBT? I can't wait to get it over with! I wonder if there are different versions of VBT with different scenarios depending on where your port is at, such as seaport, airport, etc?

Just completed my vbt at Long Beach. It was easier then I thought, but that does not mean I'll pass. I was really nervous in the beginning. My "answers" got better as the test went on. good luck to all the people who are taking the vbt.

[pheonix]

I was stressed over the VBT too I left wondering if i did what I was suppose too and if I should have done more. The stressing was the worst part about the whole darn thing. it is actually A piece of cake.:)

[bobcatgolthwait]

Hmmm I have student loans I am sure he will ask me about them. Getting kinda anxious my Investigator comes tommarow to talk to me then he gonna go talk to two of my references. Funny he said he will be in town all day tomarrow. hopefully he gets what he needs and can submit my case. But of course i will prolly have too wait another 6 months until I get a call LOL. Seriously though it would be nice to start soon.

When did you do the written test? In August? I completed my forms, medical and fitness, and my credit was checked So hopefully Ill hear from the BI soon.

[pheonix]

I believe I tested at the begining of the year. This is my second time I tested once before but I got declined because of my veterens preference. so my score went down. I got my package in march. as of right now this is where I stand:
Pre-Employment Forms :completed
Qualifications :completed
Medical Exam :pending
Structured Interview:completed
Drug Screening: completed
Background Investigation: pending) I meet with the investigator tommarow morning.
Fitness completed.

[bobcatgolthwait]

I believe I tested at the begining of the year. This is my second time I tested once before but I got declined because of my veterens preference. so my score went down. I got my package in march. as of right now this is where I stand:
Pre-Employment Forms :completed
Qualifications :completed
Medical Exam :pending
Structured Interview:completed
Drug Screening: completed
Background Investigation: pending) I meet with the investigator tommarow morning.
Fitness completed.

Youre way ahead of me then. Itll probly be forever til they get me in. I was hopin to be in around the start of the new year.

[yoda]

Hello guys,
I talked to my adjudicator this morning and she told me that from what she had seen on my NOPA response, she would be giving me a recommendation, after that it would be in the hands of her supervisor and God knows how long and if he will approve it as well. The only way to know now is getting a response from HR.

Now to the NEW posters,
Welcome to the Forum!... Please keep in mind that this is a Law Enforcement Forum, and as CBPO Hopefuls we need to watch our language, and our spelling! We don't want to give the wrong impression, that our agency to be hires people from the bottom of the barrel, or clearly not qualified to be a LEO's. Read through the thread before posting a question, it most likely has been answered 20 times if not more, the search feature IS your friend...
So...:cool: Welcome :D and lets look sharp ;)

[audi0xpl0de]

Hello guys,
I talked to my adjudicator this morning and she told me that from what she had seen on my NOPA response, she would be giving me a recommendation, after that it would be in the hands of her supervisor and God knows how long and if he will approve it as well. The only way to know now is form a response from HR.

Well good luck. I've been following all you've had to go through and it'd be a travesty if you didn't get on. I'll keep my fingers cross for you.

[sap123]

Hello guys,
I talked to my adjudicator this morning and she told me that from what she had seen on my NOPA response, she would be giving me a recommendation, after that it would be in the hands of her supervisor and God knows how long and if he will approve it as well. The only way to know now is form a response from HR.


Thank goodness. I remember reading why you got your NOPA, and hopefully this will all clear up soon. Good luck to you.

Also, to the newer applicants: Use the search function to search for answers to your questions!

I REPEAT:
USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION TO HELP FIND ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS.

using the search function (or just using google's specific site search feature) can usually answer lots of your questions. Example: If you want to read up on NOPA responses, you can type it in and it will spit out all the possible matches. Another way is to go to google and type in 'nopa response site:forums.officer.com' This will make google spit out all the related matches on nopa responses just from O.com. It works just as well, but some people prefer Google cause of its highlighting and caching options. Happy posting!

[tigers2007]

You have access to the 2009 OPM wage charts?

Please, share the link.

I googled around and found this (http://www.fedsmith.com/pay_rates/index_estimated.php)

I like how they post daily TSP rates so I can feel unsteady

[MissNia23]

Hello all...

FYI, started pre-academy last week at JFK. Not too bad except for the cd's which will put you to sleep after some time. Shadowing is way better and more interesting.

Heading to FLETC on 11/12.

Good Luck to everyone in the process and just be patient!

[Pawn922]

Seems that there are all of a sudden a lot more Detroiters on the forum.

Has anyone heard of new hires being offered a choice of locations between the airport, tunnel, or bridge?

[audi0xpl0de]

Hmmm I have student loans I am sure he will ask me about them. Getting kinda anxious my Investigator comes tommarow to talk to me then he gonna go talk to two of my references. Funny he said he will be in town all day tomarrow. hopefully he gets what he needs and can submit my case. But of course i will prolly have too wait another 6 months until I get a call LOL. Seriously though it would be nice to start soon.

Mine was in town for two days. I think he interviewed about 15 people. He just kept building lists by asking each reference for even more references. He was very thorough. Not every thing can be done immediately, it will probably take some time for everything to clear. Best thing to do is not think about it and go about your life.

[tigers2007]

Seems that there are all of a sudden a lot more Detroiters on the forum.

Has anyone heard of new hires being offered a choice of locations between the airport, tunnel, or bridge?

Nope. I was given a choice of Airport, Land border, or Port Huron. I kinda wish I took Port Huron.

Anyone that goes to the land border will be assigned to the Tunnel, Bridge, or Cargo facility depending on where they need bodies. I hope I get the tunnel but it is a crap shoot from what i was told by the port AD's. Apparently they used to cross-train folks at the airport but that changed a while ago. There should be plenty of OT available at the land border as they have GS-5's hitting the $35k cap.

[sap123]

Small weird question: Do the locality rates depend on if you're in the exact city that's listed, or is it just a general area? For example, If I were to hypothetically work at the Otay Mesa border crossing near San Diego, would I get the locality pay for San Diego or just the normal hike because it's technically not San Diego (I believe it's Chula Vista or San Ysidro or one of the two)?

[audi0xpl0de]

I had the same question because the cities listed for locality for Maine don't even have POEs or stations in them. I was told that I would fall under the "Rest of the U.S." scale, so ultimately I would lose about 7%.

[sap123]

I had the same question because the cities listed for locality for Maine don't even have POEs or stations in them. I was told that I would fall under the "Rest of the U.S." scale, so ultimately I would lose about 7%.

Under that assumption, the only thing that would fall under the San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos pay locality would be the airport. All of the other POEs or stations are (obviously) along the border. Huh.

[rbakous1]

I googled around and found this (http://www.fedsmith.com/pay_rates/index_estimated.php)

I like how they post daily TSP rates so I can feel unsteady

How do you determine if you fall under step 1, 2,...ect within the GS Scale?

[audi0xpl0de]

Under that assumption, the only thing that would fall under the San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos pay locality would be the airport. All of the other POEs or stations are (obviously) along the border. Huh.

I don't know if it's true. I got the response off this board. I'll wait until I hear something official.

[audi0xpl0de]

How do you determine if you fall under step 1, 2,...ect within the GS Scale?

You won't have to worry about steps until you make it to GS-11.

[sap123]

If there's a CBPO or employee at SFO, could you kindly try to help me by giving me directions on how to get to SFO's cargo facility to take the VBT? I've spent 10 minutes on google maps figuring out how to get there, but I'm not sure if I'm at the right place or not...thanks in advance.

EDIT: nevermind, I think I got it.

[rbakous1]

You won't have to worry about steps until you make it to GS-11.

ok cool.

[s0lid snake]

If there's a CBPO or employee at SFO, could you kindly try to help me by giving me directions on how to get to SFO's cargo facility to take the VBT? I've spent 10 minutes on google maps figuring out how to get there, but I'm not sure if I'm at the right place or not...thanks in advance.

EDIT: nevermind, I think I got it.


Hey Sap, I think you and I have the same time line, I am also taking my VBT soon but its at Oakland. Did they complete your qualifications yet? I am qualifying with my education but its been like a month and it is still pending.

[bronze01]

EDIT: nevermind, I think I got it.

For Google Maps use the address:

648 W. Field Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128

When you get on W. Field Rd, don't stop where the red "a" is on google maps...go down to the stop sign and make a left to the north side of the China Airlines/ANA building (Modern white Cargo warehouse that looks like a circus tent. You'll see a Blue sign saying "Customs and Border Protection". Take a Customer parking space and head to the little glass vestible entrance and tell the front desk whatchagoing to do.

Good luck and as I said, ask for me when your done. My last day there is Friday, Nov 14th (yes, I got the call this morning).

[sap123]

Hey Sap, I think you and I have the same time line, I am also taking my VBT soon but its at Oakland. Did they complete your qualifications yet? I am qualifying with my education but its been like a month and it is still pending.

Hey snake,

Everything has cleared for me except the VBT. Interestingly enough, my quals cleared (based on education) the week after I sent in my pre employment forms as well as my transcripts from college. Dont be fooled though, my BPA app is still pending for my quals. And I sent in those in March or something like that. The best you can do is to do what I did and email them to try to confirm if they received your transcripts (mine had to come directly from my university, and sometimes they are flaky with that stuff).

[sap123]

For Google Maps use the address:

648 W. Field Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128

When you get on W. Field Rd, don't stop where the red "a" is on google maps...go down to the stop sign and make a left to the north side of the China Airlines/ANA building (Modern white Cargo warehouse that looks like a circus tent. You'll see a Blue sign saying "Customs and Border Protection". Take a Customer parking space and head to the little glass vestible entrance and tell the front desk whatchagoing to do.

Good luck and as I said, ask for me when your done. My last day there is Friday, Nov 14th (yes, I got the call this morning).

Hah! The zipcode is printed differently on the official letter! I ended up studying where W. Field road was on google maps enough to figure out how to get there. I even saw that there was a way to access it not using the normal terminal route, but thanks for the heads up on where the CBP building is.

Also, CONGRATS ON THE CALL!!! When do you EOD/FLETC? Also, is it for SFO or Oakland?

[madchiken]

Under that assumption, the only thing that would fall under the San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos pay locality would be the airport. All of the other POEs or stations are (obviously) along the border. Huh.

Everyone in San Diego County gets San Diego locality pay.

[sap123]

Everyone in San Diego County gets San Diego locality pay.

Ah ha! Thanks for clearing that one up for me.

[yoda]

Thanks guys for the wishes, they are much appreciated :cool:

SAP,
If you passed the Interview process with actual people in the room, it won't be a problem to pass the VBT, I'd say that if you've done the previous and/or done the California VBT for a PD, then you have an advantage on those who haven't. Good Luck tomorrow, wear a suit!...

Cheers guys....:cool:

[wmcgalrd]

Well, I got a TO from USMS today. I thought they were out of my life for good since it had been so long with no word.

I guess its better to have a win win decision than no decision at all, but it is still stressful.

[bronze01]

Also, CONGRATS ON THE CALL!!! When do you EOD/FLETC? Also, is it for SFO or Oakland?

EOD for SEATTLE (Cost of living in Bay Area is not GS-7able for buying a home). I'm moving up there. Maybe I'll return to the bay area looking for a GS-12 position in 5 years. EOD: Nov 24. FLETC: Dec 30 (Had to make a pac with the Devil).

My Application was the Nov 2007 period. One year wasn't a bad wait.

[sap123]

EOD for SEATTLE (Cost of living in Bay Area is not GS-7able for buying a home). I'm moving up there. Maybe I'll return to the bay area looking for a GS-12 position in 5 years. EOD: Nov 24. FLETC: Dec 30 (Had to make a pac with the Devil).

My Application was the Nov 2007 period. One year wasn't a bad wait.

I hear you on that. I grew up for a bit in the Bay Area and it would be nice to live around there, but even with the locality pay, I couldn't see myself living there. Well congrats again, and maybe we'll pass each other at FLETC!

[nordy racer]

EOD for SEATTLE (Cost of living in Bay Area is not GS-7able for buying a home). I'm moving up there. Maybe I'll return to the bay area looking for a GS-12 position in 5 years. EOD: Nov 24. FLETC: Dec 30 (Had to make a pac with the Devil).

My Application was the Nov 2007 period. One year wasn't a bad wait.

Congrads man :):)

[Firebug]

Well, unless your temporary employer chooses to disregard labor law, your concern about being sandbagged is justified, but unlikely. Former employers can only give out certain information about you. I.E. length of employment, eligible for re-hire, ect. They are not allowed to defame you in any way. You can go into the BI interview and by your own admission discuss things about your employment activities that can be seen as unfavorable by any potential employer, that's really up to you. I have similar issues with respect to prior employment. From my experience and feedback gathered from background investigators and recruiters;having multiple jobs and length of employment isn't really an issue in and of itself. It's the reasons for job hopping and leaving, and whether or not you acted responsibly in leaving those jobs, that's what they are really interested in.


This is not entirely true. An former employer can say whatever they would like about you to an prospective employer as long as it is true and verifiable. Most avoid the whole problem by only verifiying dates of employment.

FB

[rbakous1]

This is not entirely true. An former employer can say whatever they would like about you to an prospective employer as long as it is true and verifiable. Most avoid the whole problem by only verifiying dates of employment.

FB

You're right anything can be said as long as it's true, verifiable, job related, and made without malice. I wouldn't worry too much about a former employer describing you as an as$#%# or a loser to an investigator, if that's your concern.

[Feiu]

New to the forum, posting that is, but I have been reading for a long time. I am in the process and almost there and I have a few questions.

1. What is the actual pay for gs-7 at fletc?
2. What is the job really like?
3. What are the transfer and special team opportunities like?


This forum is a great place to find out new information and interact with others in the field, with a few postings excluded, it is very professional and very infromative for any prospective CBP employee. I have been through Fletc before, how demanding is both the physical and academic side of the course? Any information on actual pay, overtime, and the job itself would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[bobcatgolthwait]

I am a laid off teacher now substituting and only listed my work experience for my teaching career(7 years in February). I didnt list any of the jobs I had in college because they were so spread out and random that I cant remember any of the dates. Plus they were all just retail jobs like K-Mart and what not. After reading some of these posts Im starting to get worried. Will the BI question this? Im sure hell find see these jobs from tax records and what not.

[shawal16]

New to the forum, posting that is, but I have been reading for a long time. I am in the process and almost there and I have a few questions.

1. What is the actual pay for gs-7 at fletc?
2. What is the job really like?
3. What are the transfer and special team opportunities like?


This forum is a great place to find out new information and interact with others in the field, with a few postings excluded, it is very professional and very infromative for any prospective CBP employee. I have been through Fletc before, how demanding is both the physical and academic side of the course? Any information on actual pay, overtime, and the job itself would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I usually don't say this because we all don't mind helping out neubies... But I think you will more than benefit going back about 10 pages and reading some old posts. All your questions will be answered 10x and some.

[audi0xpl0de]

I am a laid off teacher now substituting and only listed my work experience for my teaching career(7 years in February). I didnt list any of the jobs I had in college because they were so spread out and random that I cant remember any of the dates. Plus they were all just retail jobs like K-Mart and what not. After reading some of these posts Im starting to get worried. Will the BI question this? Im sure hell find see these jobs from tax records and what not.

You should mention that you did work at those places but do not remember the dates. They can always check with the HR department.

[Pawn922]

I am a laid off teacher now substituting and only listed my work experience for my teaching career(7 years in February). I didnt list any of the jobs I had in college because they were so spread out and random that I cant remember any of the dates. Plus they were all just retail jobs like K-Mart and what not. After reading some of these posts Im starting to get worried. Will the BI question this? Im sure hell find see these jobs from tax records and what not.

I agree with Audioxplode. When you meet with you BI he/she will ask you how you supported yourself during that period of time. Those jobs will show on your tax information and probably your credit reports. I'd recommend, taking some time prior to meeting with your BI and getting that information together as best you can. I was given homework from my BI to get info on a long lost relative that I didn't list originally because I haven’t seen them in years. I would imagine that your BI will probably ask you to gather that past work info anyway, so you might as well have it ready ahead of time to give him/her when you meet so it doesn't delay your processing.

[Hound77]

I am a laid off teacher now substituting and only listed my work experience for my teaching career(7 years in February). I didnt list any of the jobs I had in college because they were so spread out and random that I cant remember any of the dates. Plus they were all just retail jobs like K-Mart and what not. After reading some of these posts Im starting to get worried. Will the BI question this? Im sure hell find see these jobs from tax records and what not.

I forgot to list a job I had in college b/c it only last a month, I realized it after the interview, I was freaked but I sent an email to the BI, she just appended it to the report and it didn't cause any problems.

The general impression I got was that as long as your weren't trying to conceal anything employment omissions that you clear up in the interview won't hurt you.

[nordy racer]

just finished my VBT.. it was interesting :)

[wmcgalrd]

just finished my VBT.. it was interesting :)

Yeah, I can't wait ready to just get it done.

[sap123]

Yeah, I can't wait ready to just get it done.

You guys are lucky. I still have two weeks to wait for mine. :(

[shawal16]

just finished my VBT.. it was interesting :)

Past experience...people who found the VBT interested actually failed the VBT. lol

[nordy racer]

Passed experience...people who found the VBT interested actually failed the VBT. lol

LOL.. i was just stating it was fun..

[s0lid snake]

Hey guys, I am not sure if anyone can or is allowed to answer this VBT question, but if you are not allowed to then please tell me so.

I read here that there would be 8 questions for the VBT, so what is considered a passing score? Answering 5 or 6 out of the 8 questions correctly? Thanks and good luck!

[barnaj]

Hey guys, I am not sure if anyone can or is allowed to answer this VBT question, but if you are not allowed to then please tell me so.

I read here that there would be 8 questions for the VBT, so what is considered a passing score? Answering 5 or 6 out of the 8 questions correctly? Thanks and good luck!

Not a right/wrong style test. Its a judgement based on your overall maturity and decision making skills.

[merlin436]

New to the forum, posting that is, but I have been reading for a long time. I am in the process and almost there and I have a few questions.

1. What is the actual pay for gs-7 at fletc?
2. What is the job really like?
3. What are the transfer and special team opportunities like?


This forum is a great place to find out new information and interact with others in the field, with a few postings excluded, it is very professional and very infromative for any prospective CBP employee. I have been through Fletc before, how demanding is both the physical and academic side of the course? Any information on actual pay, overtime, and the job itself would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Read Shaw's response and read through this thread. Most of your answers should be buried there somewhere.

As for answers:

1. Depends on location
2. See above.
3. See above.

I could throw general answers at you that may or mayn't apply in your case, but for specifics you'll need to cough up a location.

[s0lid snake]

Just found out that the investigator contacted my references. Wow, that is pretty fast considering I turned in my TO applications less than a month ago!

Is this too good to be true? Took the test in aug, TO sept, medical/fitness, vbt and BI all in Oct?

[audi0xpl0de]

Just found out that the investigator contacted my references. Wow, that is pretty fast considering I turned in my TO applications less than a month ago!

Is this too good to be true? Took the test in aug, TO sept, medical/fitness, vbt and BI all in Oct?

My timeline is pretty similar. All I'll have after next week is the drug test. What's your location?

[colinm112]

Just found out that the investigator contacted my references. Wow, that is pretty fast considering I turned in my TO applications less than a month ago!

Is this too good to be true? Took the test in aug, TO sept, medical/fitness, vbt and BI all in Oct?

I had the same luck, the tests were back to back to back, but here I sit waiting for the BI to clear 2 months after meeting with him. Dont get too excited too fast :)

[s0lid snake]

My timeline is pretty similar. All I'll have after next week is the drug test. What's your location?


San Francisco

[sap123]

I had the same luck, the tests were back to back to back, but here I sit waiting for the BI to clear 2 months after meeting with him. Dont get too excited too fast :)

Pretty much this. My background (completely clean minus 2 parking tickets) took awhile to clear, and then on top of that my medical took 7 weeks to clear. The good part about all this is that once you get everything done on your side, all you can really do is wait.

[GeM168]

Thanks guy for the information.
My BI just called me for an addition personal reference that's is not on the form that was submitted. I'm crossing my finger.

[s0lid snake]

Thanks guy for the information.
My BI just called me for an addition personal reference that's is not on the form that was submitted. I'm crossing my finger.


What if you don't have additional references? Don't they want people that you know for more than 7 years? I already put down all the people that knows me for 7+ years.

[audi0xpl0de]

What if you don't have additional references? Don't they want people that you know for more than 7 years? I already put down all the people that knows me for 7+ years.

Depends on how in depth that list is. They will just ask other people for more references, not necessarily you. They know you'll give people who will say great things about you, but it's those references someone might give that gives them greater insight to the kind of person you are. I wouldn't worry or stress about it too much.

[Feiu]

My location is Florida all other except Miami or Key West.

[sap123]

What if you don't have additional references? Don't they want people that you know for more than 7 years? I already put down all the people that knows me for 7+ years.

Your BI will instruct you on if he wants additional references. They might be only conducive to a certain type of reference (e.g: Someone that can verify that you were living somewhere, someone that can verify you went to university, etc). They all don't have to be people that have known you for the past 7 years, at least mine all definitely were not.

[rjdispatch]

Allright guys...got a good story for yall. Got a call today from DHS telling me that they have to cancel my TO. Apparently I claimed (and I swear to God it was out of ignorance) 5pts veterans preference. I was told the entire time I was in the military that because I was on delayed enlistment during the gulf war that it counted as me being in the war and thats what my National Service Medal was. This was also told to me by my reserve recruiter. So quite naturally I selected it when i filled out the forms. Now they didnt kick me out or say that I falsified my information...he actually said that it happens all the time. But my 94 dropped to a 89 and they werent calling anyone for my port with a score less than 90. So basically I will have to wait till the test opens up again. My question now is.......do i have to start over the entire process or will everything that I have done thus far still count if I score higher the next time?

[merlin436]

Allright guys...got a good story for yall. Got a call today from DHS telling me that they have to cancel my TO. Apparently I claimed (and I swear to God it was out of ignorance) 5pts veterans preference. I was told the entire time I was in the military that because I was on delayed enlistment during the gulf war that it counted as me being in the war and thats what my National Service Medal was. This was also told to me by my reserve recruiter. So quite naturally I selected it when i filled out the forms. Now they didnt kick me out or say that I falsified my information...he actually said that it happens all the time. But my 94 dropped to a 89 and they werent calling anyone for my port with a score less than 90. So basically I will have to wait till the test opens up again. My question now is.......do i have to start over the entire process or will everything that I have done thus far still count if I score higher the next time?


As I read it, all they did is take away your TO. They didn't remove you from the process.
All you should have to do is wait until they draw TO's for those who scored under 90.

If you did retest, all your former tests/BI should still be usable, providing they don't expire along the way.

[rjdispatch]

As I read it, all they did is take away your TO. They didn't remove you from the process.
All you should have to do is wait until they draw TO's for those who scored under 90.

If you did retest, all your former tests/BI should still be usable, providing they don't expire along the way.

Wow.....you dont know what a relief that is. I dont mind standing in line...thats not a problem. I guess I was afraid that I wouldnt score as high the second time around for whatever reason and never get another TO. Thanks Merlin :)

[merlin436]

Wow.....you dont know what a relief that is. I dont mind standing in line...thats not a problem. I guess I was afraid that I wouldnt score as high the second time around for whatever reason and never get another TO. Thanks Merlin :)

How old are you?

Without a current TO, that might be a killer.

[merlin436]

My location is Florida all other except Miami or Key West.

Well...


1. What is the actual pay for gs-7 at fletc?

37K to 39K...divided by 26 and multiplied by the number of payperiods you're at FLETC. It's highly unlikely you'll see either night diff. or Sun diff. at FLETC. The chances of you seeing any overtime are slim at the moment as well. You might see holiday pay for a day or so though.

2. What is the job really like?

That'll depend on your port, it's size and the traffic going through it. About the only good guess I can give you is that you're unlikely to see much in the line of vehicle traffic.;)

3. What are the transfer and special team opportunities like?

Once again, that depends on the port.

Straight "transfers" rarely happen. For most people finding a swap with another officer or lateraling out to a CSI/pre-clearance/fast card/hard to fill port are your best answers to moving. Short answer, don't take a port unless you're willing to invest many years there.

Special teams...that'll depend too. Larger ports have more competition for 'special teams' so it'll be likely years before something opens up for a new hire. Smaller ports...well, smaller ports might offer the titles up, and you might be able to get on a "special team" sooner that way, but beware it a might mean a title only, with nothing important to do with it. Being the Counter-Terrorism-Response-Team Leader is more or less meaningless if the team only consists of you, and you never see anything counter-terrorism related. Might look good on a resume though.

[s0lid snake]

Hi, does anyone have any insight as to how it is like working at the SFO airport or Oakland airport? Thanks!

[rjdispatch]

How old are you?

Without a current TO, that might be a killer.

Im the big 34...so I know I dont have as much time to wait.

[merlin436]

Im the big 34...so I know I dont have as much time to wait.

Well...you've 2+ more years before you'll have problems there.

As I see it, you're now waiting on Atlanta to draw below 90. That may have happened today...or it may never happen. No way to know for sure. If I was betting, I'd say it'll eventually happen.

The good thing...if and once they do drawn below 90 then you essentially jump to the front of the line, since you've pretty much have everything already done.

You can retest if you want...it might help, it might not. You've already taken the test once, you ought to improve your score the next time.

[rjdispatch]

Yeah thats true. I should score higher the second time around but just my luck i would have one of those off days where my brain is on slo-mo. I will just keep my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for the next 2 years or at least until I can retest. Has anyone heard anything current on the new announcement?

[merlin436]

Yeah thats true. I should score higher the second time around but just my luck i would have one of those off days where my brain is on slo-mo. I will just keep my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for the next 2 years or at least until I can retest. Has anyone heard anything current on the new announcement?

I haven't. Supposedly there's a limited one opening up sometime early Nov. All I've heard about it has been interent scuttlebutt though. I've yet to hear anything "official" about it.

[FIU24]

Who Can Tell me about the Port Of Miami? Is it better then Miami Airport? I need to pick One!

[rjdispatch]

I haven't. Supposedly there's a limited one opening up sometime early Nov. All I've heard about it has been interent scuttlebutt though. I've yet to hear anything "official" about it.

check your pm

[bronze01]

Hi, does anyone have any insight as to how it is like working at the SFO airport or Oakland airport? Thanks!

....PM sent.

[DaBonk112]

Does anyone else show a "drug test has been scheduled" on your cass, but no one has actually called yet?

[barnaj]

Does anyone else show a "drug test has been scheduled" on your cass, but no one has actually called yet?

Thats very common. Either they have a clinic assigned for you or you will do it with your medical exam. Just wait for a phone call.

[nordy racer]

Does anyone else show a "drug test has been scheduled" on your cass, but no one has actually called yet?

mine just shows pending... i'm just waiting for this step now..

[DaBonk112]

Thats very common. Either they have a clinic assigned for you or you will do it with your medical exam. Just wait for a phone call.

I already took the medical exam so it's probably the former? I just want to make sure it's not an error in the system or they just didn't call me.

[barnaj]

I already took the medical exam so it's probably the former? I just want to make sure it's not an error in the system or they just didn't call me.

Most likely not an error, i would expect a call saying you have 24 hrs to schedule a test. Take CASS with a grain of salt, that thing at any given time could be a week or more ahead or behind

[s0lid snake]

....PM sent.


Thanks! :)

[Peteylaw06]

I know this is out of the scope of this forum but anyone who has had the LASIK procedure done, how often (if ever) do you have to go for adjustments? I'm going to be having my surgery in just a couple of weeks from now...

[audi0xpl0de]

I know this is out of the scope of this forum but anyone who has had the LASIK procedure done, how often (if ever) do you have to go for adjustments? I'm going to be having my surgery in just a couple of weeks from now...

What do you mean by adjustments? I had it done a little over a month ago. I have post-op visits where they just check to make sure my eyes are healing correctly.

[Peteylaw06]

What do you mean by adjustments? I had it done a little over a month ago. I have post-op visits where they just check to make sure my eyes are healing correctly.

I've read that a lot of offices that perform the LASIK cover adjustments if your vision is not completely clear or needs to be fixed after the initial surgery. I just didn't know if that was necessarily common or not.

[rbakous1]

I know this is out of the scope of this forum but anyone who has had the LASIK procedure done, how often (if ever) do you have to go for adjustments? I'm going to be having my surgery in just a couple of weeks from now...

Assuming that your eyes are healthy and you don't have extremely poor vision, you should not have to go in for adjustments or any kind of "touch up" ever. That was the case for me. I only had 20/40 in my left eye & 20/50 in my right eye, and never had any health issues with my eyes. It's been 4 years since my procedure and never went in for a touch up, still 20/20 to this day. :) Good Luck

[audi0xpl0de]

I've read that a lot of offices that perform the LASIK cover adjustments if your vision is not completely clear or needs to be fixed after the initial surgery. I just didn't know if that was necessarily common or not.

Depends on how bad your vision is afterwards. Some will make corrections if it is 20/60 or worse after at no cost. My doctor offered this and if my vision was better than 20/60 but not 20/20 I would get a discounted rate for further correction. I ended up 20/15 after the first go around. Just make sure you do your research.

[Peteylaw06]

Depends on how bad your vision is afterwards. Some will make corrections if it is 20/60 or worse after at no cost. My doctor offered this and if my vision was better than 20/60 but not 20/20 I would get a discounted rate for further correction. I ended up 20/15 after the first go around. Just make sure you do your research.

Nice,

I'm going to be going to Mann Eye Institute in Houston, its about 8 hrs from where I live but supposedly he is one of the top ten LASIK doctors... I'm actually kindof excited about this... At least this job process gave me an excuse to do what I should have done years ago. I hate glasses and contacts!

Thanks everyone!

[audi0xpl0de]

Nice,

I'm going to be going to Mann Eye Institute in Houston, its about 8 hrs from where I live but supposedly he is one of the top ten LASIK doctors... I'm actually kindof excited about this... At least this job process gave me an excuse to do what I should have done years ago. I hate glasses and contacts!

Thanks everyone!

Make sure you ask about post-op care. You might have to drive out there a bunch of times after your surgery for regular visits. Just a heads up. Good luck!

[DaBonk112]

I just sent out the results for a final check-up regarding my LASIK surgery. It's just a list of questions that your optometrist has to fill out to ensure that your eyes are good-to-go and the 3-months have past. Glad all that's over with at least.

[goblue79]

The open period for this announcement is 11/3/2008 through 11/17/2008.

https://cbpmhc.hr-services.org/CBPO/

[s0lid snake]

I just sent out the results for a final check-up regarding my LASIK surgery. It's just a list of questions that your optometrist has to fill out to ensure that your eyes are good-to-go and the 3-months have past. Glad all that's over with at least.


Hey, when does your 3 month start? Does it start the day you had your eye surgery or the day they send you your list of questions? Also, is your application put on hold during this 3 month?

[audi0xpl0de]

3 months from your surgery date. Your medical just won't clear until your doctor clears you after 3 months.

[barnaj]

Any Michiganders out there making any progress? Just wondering who's doing what, what timelines are looking like and if anyone has been getting hired.

[tigersin2009]

i took my test in august, got my to in sept. ive completed the fitness/medical drug test and i have the vbt on nov 7.

[GooseGunner10]

I got the call today!! EOD in Buffalo November 17 and start FLETC December 16.

[grullj]

FIU24, did CBP give you a choice between the port of Miami and the Airport?

[MilwaukeeBucks]

Checked CASS today and it says my background investigation is completed. However, I haven't even met with a BI or talked to one??

[s0lid snake]

I got the call today!! EOD in Buffalo November 17 and start FLETC December 16.



Congratulations! Mind telling us your time line? :D

[s0lid snake]

I have a feeling us August testers won't be seeing FLETC until next year.

[sap123]

Checked CASS today and it says my background investigation is completed. However, I haven't even met with a BI or talked to one??

Huh. That is rather quite strange. Are you a former federal employee with some sort of clearance? If not you might want to shoot HR a call tomorrow just to make sure. I mean if they say you're sweet, then I guess there's nothing else for you to think about on your end.

What's your Geo pref?

[s0lid snake]

Hey guys, should I be worried about my medical not being cleared? I know it has only been 2 weeks but my vision might not have been good enough.

The reason is because I just had PRK done like 6 days before my medical and my eyes weren't perfectly healed yet. I sent an e-mail to the medical unit immediately after the exam to ask them what I should do next but all they said was to wait.

Should I be scared that my TO will be taken away or will they simply send me a NOPA telling me to wait 3 months and redo the vision test, but the thing is I had the PRK before the medical exam and not after the medical exam.

Thanks.

[rjdispatch]

Hey guys, should I be worried about my medical not being cleared? I know it has only been 2 weeks but my vision might not have been good enough.

The reason is because I just had PRK done like 6 days before my medical and my eyes weren't perfectly healed yet. I sent an e-mail to the medical unit immediately after the exam to ask them what I should do next but all they said was to wait.

Should I be scared that my TO will be taken away or will they simply send me a NOPA telling me to wait 3 months and redo the vision test, but the thing is I had the PRK before the medical exam and not after the medical exam.

Thanks.

I could be wrong but I think that they want everyone to wait for 90 days and then have a check up done. They are going to send you a form for an ophthalmologist to fill out. I had Lasik back in 2001, passed my medical in 2008 and still received a letter stating that my medical was incomplete until I had the from filled out by an eye doctor.

[GooseGunner10]

Congratulations! Mind telling us your time line? :D

Tested in March 08
NOR: April 7
VBT: June 13
Medical: June 16
Drug Test: 23
Qualifications: GS7 October 20
Background: I was contacted by a background investigator October 25 and set up a meeting for October 28. On the 27th I received a call from the investigator's wife stating that he had a medical emergency and could not conduct the investigation. I must have been granted an interim clearance because I just got the call yesterday, October 30.

[FIU24]

FIU24, did CBP give you a choice between the port of Miami and the Airport?

Yes They did, And I don't know which one to choose. Why do you ask?

[MilwaukeeBucks]

Huh. That is rather quite strange. Are you a former federal employee with some sort of clearance? If not you might want to shoot HR a call tomorrow just to make sure. I mean if they say you're sweet, then I guess there's nothing else for you to think about on your end.

What's your Geo pref?

Geo Pref=Washington-Northern Border (critical need)

No, I'm not a former Fed employee...I'm actually graduating from college in December. Weird, eh?

[barnaj]

Yes They did, And I don't know which one to choose. Why do you ask?

I dont know anything about either, but there are probably more good lookin honey's at the airport!

[barnaj]

Geo Pref=Washington-Northern Border (critical need)

No, I'm not a former Fed employee...I'm actually graduating from college in December. Weird, eh?

Dont look a gift horse in the mouth! If they wanna clear you on the interim or whatever, just take it and run with it. Let them finish it while your getting paid at FLETC

[grullj]

I was just asking because lately they've just been sending everyone straight to the airport.

[vic1218]

Does anybody have an idea if they are hiring for Illinois? I tested in August and received a 90 and no word yet.

[barnaj]

Does anybody have an idea if they are hiring for Illinois? I tested in August and received a 90 and no word yet.

Hard to say, they may be stocked up pretty good for o'hare airport. when i was down at fletc last summer, it seemed like not only in my class, but all classes around mine, there was like 5-10 people in every class going to chicago.

[Peteylaw06]

Hard to say, they may be stocked up pretty good for o'hare airport. when i was down at fletc last summer, it seemed like not only in my class, but all classes around mine, there was like 5-10 people in every class going to chicago.

Anyone know what locations the greatest needs are? I honestly don't care where I end up and may very well re-evaluate my GEO location once this new announcement is posted... not that I'm in a rush or anything. lol

[barnaj]

Anyone know what locations the greatest needs are? I honestly don't care where I end up and may very well re-evaluate my GEO location once this new announcement is posted... not that I'm in a rush or anything. lol

Well in that case, i think your best bet is to see what the locations listed in the new vacancy announcement will be. It may or not be nationwide but im sure it'll list the "critical need" geo preferences.

[colinm112]

Geo Pref=Washington-Northern Border (critical need)

No, I'm not a former Fed employee...I'm actually graduating from college in December. Weird, eh?


Sometimes they will give you an interim clearance if your background looks good. Its an assumption everything will turn out fine anyways so it moves you a long a little faster. It happens once in a while. lucky *** :)

[Borderpatrol007]

does anyone know when the next cbp officer openings will be posted and if they will have positions in south texas available. thanks

[audi0xpl0de]

does anyone know when the next cbp officer openings will be posted and if they will have positions in south texas available. thanks

The open period for the next announcement is 11/3/2008 through 11/17/2008. No one can tell you at this point whether it will be for selected areas or nationwide.

[MSUgirL]

Does anyone know who handles the interim clearances? Is it IA? Anyone know their phone number...

Thanks

[audi0xpl0de]

I'd say my bi went pretty quick. Met with the investigator on Monday and he just called and said he was done and getting ready to overnight my report back to HQ. He was telling my references that he wished he could have hired me so I guess I got a good review. Only thing left now to schedule is the drug test.

[sap123]

Does anyone know who handles the interim clearances? Is it IA? Anyone know their phone number...

Thanks

Have you been contacted by your BI yet? If so, call him.

[MSUgirL]

Hey Sap,

No, and I'm told by training and development that I won't have another BI done....I already work for CBP....

So who do I contact...my file is prolly sitting around.... I'd like to start fletc before the new year....

[sap123]

Hey Sap,

No, and I'm told by training and development that I won't have another BI done....I already work for CBP....

So who do I contact...my file is prolly sitting around.... I'd like to start fletc before the new year....

Your best bet is to call the main hotline and talk to them. Without much more information, I dunno what else to say. Typically people only are able to speak with IA concerning NOPAs or adjudicator questions or something. BIs are typically the main point of contact for suitability stuff. Good luck.

[southwest]

I got the not medically cleared in the mail yesterday. Vision not meet I really didn't care for the vision test. I had the Landolt C which is the circles you have to make out, I got horrible glare off the machine i was struggling bad.

I know i can at least get the 20/100 with the regular snellen eye test; does anybody know where i can get this done on the cheap?
All i need to do is send the results back; would this delay my app further i have my VBT NOV 3.
I am considering getting lasik i believe the requirement is that you have to wait 90days .
I'm an August tester my geo location is Yuma/el centro will i have enough time
before FLETC?
Need help

[s0lid snake]

I got the not medically cleared in the mail yesterday. Vision not meet I really didn't care for the vision test. I had the Landolt C which is the circles you have to make out, I got horrible glare off the machine i was struggling bad.

I know i can at least get the 20/100 with the regular snellen eye test; does anybody know where i can get this done on the cheap?
All i need to do is send the results back; would this delay my app further i have my VBT NOV 3.
I am considering getting lasik i believe the requirement is that you have to wait 90days .
I'm an August tester my geo location is Yuma/el centro will i have enough time
before FLETC?
Need help


Hey, I am in a similar situation. My geo location is SFO. The only differences is I haven't received any medical letters yet and I had my PRk 6 days before my vision test and my eyes wasn't fully healed. I hope they are just going to ask me to go visit a real optometrist and not have to wait another 3 months. I also have my VBT on Nov 3, good luck on yours!

[merlin436]

Done that.... but im looking for more from a 3rd person point of view... From CBP its basically "stay with CBP, cause I work here" and ICE its "come to ICE, its better, cause i work here". And God knows, nobody at Dallas can answer any questions regarding the job.

If you ask me...Stay with CBP until you've put in a year at GS-11. That way you've locked your career 11 and set your base salary to an 11's.

That way instead of ending up as a GL-09/02 five years down the road, you're a GL-09/08-09 and if you decide to jump into an 12 job you'll move in as a 12, instead of a 9 or an 11.

[jonesrp]

Any Michiganders out there making any progress? Just wondering who's doing what, what timelines are looking like and if anyone has been getting hired.

Hey barnaj,
My time line is below for Michigan.

I have a bad feeling I may get a NOPA for my vision.

Test -Jan 07
Re-applied - July 2008
TO - Sept 2008
Medical- OCT 2008 - Pending
Fitness - Oct 2008 - Cleared
VBT - Nov 5th
BI -have not met with BI

[barnaj]

Hey barnaj,
My time line is below for Michigan.

I have a bad feeling I may get a NOPA for my vision.

Test -Jan 07
Re-applied - July 2008
TO - Sept 2008
Medical- OCT 2008 - Pending
Fitness - Oct 2008 - Cleared
VBT - Nov 5th
BI -have not met with BI

well try to stay positive, you never know what the Gods have in store for you. How bad is your vision? I never understood this since i have good eyesight, but cant someone just wear glasses? I also re-applied in july and have completed all steps except for my BI. I met with her and they interviewed my references and all that, so now i'll just sit back and wait.

[Barbrady]

I got an interesting letter from Comprehensive Health Services yesterday. It states, "On the basis of your recent examination, we would like to bring the following results to your attention. Please review the items indicated below with your personal physician."

Blood Pressure: 136/82

Note: Unless specifically requested by CHS, please do NOT submit any additional medical information regarding any abnormal result listed below.

Is this just a heads up to keep an eye on my blood pressure? Am I within the standards?

[sap123]

I got an interesting letter from Comprehensive Health Services yesterday. It states, "On the basis of your recent examination, we would like to bring the following results to your attention. Please review the items indicated below with your personal physician."

Blood Pressure: 136/82

Note: Unless specifically requested by CHS, please do NOT submit any additional medical information regarding any abnormal result listed below.

Is this just a heads up to keep an eye on my blood pressure? Am I within the standards?

You should consult your medical physician. I am not a doctor and you shouldn't take this advice with a lot of weight to it.


Depending on if your family has a history of high BP, you workout habits and/or other factors, that's slightly high. Could have been you being a wee bit nervous, could have been hot in the room, could have been a bad read, could have been anything. Still, a tad bit high.

[Dfly123]

If you ask me...Stay with CBP until you've put in a year at GS-11. That way you've locked your career 11 and set your base salary to an 11's.

That way instead of ending up as a GL-09/02 five years down the road, you're a GL-09/08-09 and if you decide to jump into an 12 job you'll move in as a 12, instead of a 9 or an 11.


Thanks.... I have decided to do pretty much exactly that... After asking probably about 100 questions to IEA's and even a couple of my instructors at FLETC, they said the same thing. Plus, it doesnt hurt to eat up as much OT as possible and bank some money before moving on. But thanks for the advice.

[southwest]

Good luck to you too solid snake and to all taking it soon.

I just went to my optometrist today passed with the 20/100 distance :) and 20/30 near
20/20 corrected
Best $45 dollars i spent.