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Those who are interested in becoming border patrol agents find that it is a highly rewarding career.
In addition to serving their country, knowing that the work makes a difference, border patrol agents have plenty of other benefits for the Agent and their families.
The primary responsibility of a border patrol agent is to secure the U.S. borders between all ports of entry by enforcing immigration laws and preventing illegal entry.
These locations include marine and land areas where they intercept illegal drugs and contraband, gather intelligence on trafficking and smuggling activities, and apprehend smugglers and individuals.
Before working to become a border patrol agent, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of the position.
Keep reading to learn more!
Pros of Being a Border Patrol Agent
The pros of becoming a border patrol agent include:
1. Excellent Camaraderie
Most border patrol agents are former military or law enforcement personnel who respect the camaraderie gained from working as a team.
Agents typically form strong bonds with colleagues because of their shared experiences and challenges.
Being able to relate to others in such a stressful role can build a long-lasting bond.
2. Family Care Programs
The border patrol offers two family care programs:
Backup Care – this program helps employees find temporary care for pets, adults, or children when regular care plans are disrupted as a result of injury, unplanned events (child illness, school closure, self-illness, overtime), and planned events (caregiver vacations, holidays, travel).
Childcare Subsidy – this program is available for all part-time and full-time employees with children under 13 or who have disabled children under 18 and are enrolled in childcare centers or homes.
The Department provides financial assistance to families who use state-licensed and regulated childcare services.
Camps and before/after school care could also qualify for this subsidy.
3. Fitness Programs
The Agency believes in supporting agents with improving their physical health, so they sponsor walking challenges, offer healthy lifestyle choice support, and provide health information.
The AWPFP (Agency-Wide Physical Fitness Program) is offered to all employees and supports approved physical activity offered during duty hours.
The program allows agents to be eligible for five hours of duty time every week to dedicate to physical fitness.
This could be an hour of jogging, weightlifting, walking, or workout classes per day.
4. General Safety
While there is some risk when dealing with criminals attempting to smuggle contraband, people, or drugs into the U.S., the job is generally safe.
Some situations can become dangerous, which is why border patrol agents undergo extensive training for every scenario, but the career is considered safer than most law enforcement roles.
Safety should not be a concern that holds you back from pursuing this career.
5. Generous Retirement
Given that border control agents hold a government position, they are given excellent retirement benefits for their years of service, regardless of the level they achieve within the Agency.
Employees who retire in this Department have access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which provides the following benefits:
- FERS Basic Annuity – This guarantees a lifetime pension, paid as a percentage of the highest average basic pay earned during three consecutive years of service.
- Social Security – Social Security retirement payments are available, even for those who change employers.
- Thrift Savings Plan – Like a 401(k), the Thrift Savings Plan is a contribution-based plan for federal employees to earn retirement savings. Contributions are deducted from each paycheck and transferable between employers.
6. High Pay
Given that border patrol agents are constantly in harm’s way, they are given excellent starting pay with the chance of advancing within the Agency and continuing to earn higher pay.
Additionally, since border patrol agents are government employees, they have excellent healthcare, continuing education, and family benefits.
7. Personally Fulfilling
Knowing that border patrol agents are enforcing laws that contribute to national security and the safety of the public gives these professionals a high sense of fulfillment.
Having such a rewarding career and knowing that they are protecting the borders is one of the leading reasons why potential candidates are interested in joining this elite group.
8. Various Details
Although the basic responsibility of a border patrol agent is to protect U.S. borders, some agents work in various areas ranging from marine ports to airports, on the front line of the border, in offices, or are involved in top-secret special operations.
Border patrol agents can work on ATVs, boats, horses, bikes, military vehicles, and airplanes, which equates to a unique experience every day.
Cons of Being a Border Patrol Agent
Like with any profession, there are also various cons to becoming a border patrol agent, which include:
1. Difficult to Transfer
While there are plenty of opportunities within the border patrol position, transferring between locations can be challenging and highly competitive.
When new positions open due to retirement, movement, or employee departure, these are highly sought-after roles that many agents are applying for, so you must meet all qualifications for the position to even be considered.
2. Exposure to Extreme Weather
While this is not the case with every role, those securing the northern border will be exposed to extreme cold, snowstorms, and other inclement weather during the winter.
In the south, border patrol agents must work in 100+ degree weather with extreme dryness or humidity levels.
Those working in marine ports must uphold their post even during hurricanes and other severe storms.
This can add a layer of danger to the position since inclement weather is a factor that cannot be controlled.
3. Mental Health Challenges
Depending on the specific duties of a border patrol agent, the difficult working conditions may vary.
Some positions are much more stressful than others, and agents are exposed to traumatic events and situations that can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Some border patrol roles expose agents to the worst of humanity, which can take a mental toll on the individual.
This can all lead to a decline in mental health.
4. Physically Demanding
Being a border control agent can be physically demanding due to the potential for long hours of patrolling on foot across harsh weather and environments.
For budding patrol agents, the thought of working outside on foot all day may be an enticing advantage.
However, as agents age, this type of detail becomes more challenging and can wreak havoc on the body.
5. Political Uncertainty
Laws and regulations are constantly changing, thus requiring related government departments to change with them.
Therefore, a highly politicized environment and changes in immigration and border policies can result in a high level of uncertainty and additional stress.
With immigration policies being scrutinized more than ever, border patrol departments need to remain updated on the latest legal information at all locations, and even more essential for border patrol agents to ask questions.
6. Potential for Isolated Locations
Although camaraderie is a major advantage of this role, some agents are stationed in small border towns with one or no other agents.
This is especially true during overnight shifts that could be spent alone.
These small border towns have limited services and communication access with the outside world.
Couple this with long hours where agents may not be able to maximize their time with their families, and this isolation can lead to further mental health challenges.
7. Repetitive Work
Some assignments are in an office, which may be boring to those who like to be in the field or involve highly repetitive tasks like inspecting documents or vehicles while following a checklist.
This work could lack intellectual stimulation and be highly monotonous.
For those who like more of an adrenaline-filled day, this can be incredibly boring and may lead to disinterest or a lack of motivation in the work.
8. Rotating Shifts and Long Hours
Agents work long hours due to the demands of the job, influx of contraband, or increase in illegal activity.
Also, since border patrol agents work on different shifts, they often must rotate between shifts, which can make it difficult to develop a routine.
Criminals are working day and night, and borders never close, so rotating between day and night shifts is a common occurrence, depending on the role.
Pros and Cons of Being a Border Patrol Agent – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Border Patrol Agent | Cons of Being a Border Patrol Agent |
|---|---|
| 1. Excellent Camaraderie | 1. Difficult to Transfer |
| 2. Family Care Programs | 2. Exposure to Extreme Weather |
| 3. Fitness Programs | 3. Mental Health Challenges |
| 4. General Safe | 4. Physically Demanding |
| 5. Generous Retirement | 5. Political Uncertainty |
| 6. High Pay | 6. Potential for Isolated Locations |
| 7. Personally Fulfilling | 7. Repetitive Work |
| 8. Various Details | 8. Rotating Shifts and Long Hours |
Should You Become a Border Patrol Agent?
There are numerous benefits to becoming a border patrol agent, with fewer drawbacks.
However, the physical and mental demands that the position requires can take a heavy toll on agents as they age.
The potential for building camaraderie with a team, excellent pay and benefits, the ability to work across various details, and knowing that you are protecting the borders and the United States are enriching.
However, it’s important to weigh this against exposure to harsh weather, physical demands, potentially repetitive work, long hours, and isolation.
The ultimate decision as to whether you should become a border patrol agent comes down to how you wish to serve your country and if the juice is worth the squeeze!
Sources
https://careers.cbp.gov/s/career-paths/ofo/cbpo.
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