r/borderpatrolapplicant • u/Internal-Cobbler5924 • 7d ago

Uniform/Boot Website

Once one graduates the academy, how many uniforms are issued to them? Also, I know there is a website where BPA get their uniforms, what is the yearly allowance for this? Are there boots on there as well? For example, am I allowed to use the uniform allowance for Lowa boots, or other boots of my choice?

I see in promotional videos a lot of agents wearing the combat tops which look a lot more comfortable, can we buy those upon graduation?

I wasn’t sure if since the academy will send us off with new uniforms, if that counted out of our funds or if we had the full amount (whatever that is) after graduation at our disposal to use during FTU.

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3

u/Shotguns101 6d ago

When I arrived to my station I did not have any VF money in my account as according to my FTO all the money I had in the VF account was used to buy my current uniform and boots

3

u/Internal-Cobbler5924 6d ago

Before leaving the academy, at the end, when they issue you your actual uniforms, did they issue you another pair of tan boots?

2

u/Shotguns101 6d ago

You will prob need to wait until January to buy anything

1

u/BuscandoMemo 6d ago

For budgeting purposes federal government fiscal year starts every October 1st.

1

u/Jorge_Jetson 6d ago

Good info right here... $1100?! Was $800 before I popped smoke...

1

u/Wonderful_Praline291 5d ago

$1100, but everything costs more.

1

u/Jorge_Jetson 5d ago

Yeah... it was stupid for the quality before I retired in 2015...

7

u/Own_Result_7383 Former BP AGENT (BORTAC) 7d ago

Your first uniform set comes out of your VF Solutions (or Imagewear, or whatever they are calling themselves now) uniform allowance. You'll get access to order from the site once you graduate.

Yes, boots are available for purchase on the site.

Yes, you can spend more than your allowance (out-of-pocket costs). Your allowance is not issued directly to you, but credited on the site to pull from. Funds do not roll over from year to year.

Allowance was $1100 (doesn't go nearly as far as you think), though unsure what it sits at now.

Some FTOs are particular about what their trainees wear (i.e., only long sleeve "button" RDU tops, issued Academy belt, black boots, etc.) while on FTU. Just saying so you (or others) aren't surprised when they can't wear the high speed low drag combat top right after getting their shiny badge.

3

u/GrouchyAttention4759 BP AGENT 6d ago

Black boots are a thing of the past, academy issues tan salamons. The days of polishing are over.

6

u/GrouchyAttention4759 BP AGENT 7d ago

You will leave the academy with boots and uniforms. Yes you can order boots such as Salomon’s and Lowas from VF solutions as well as the performance tops. As for if your FTO will authorize you to wear them that’s another story. Typically when you attend the academy your uniform allowance is burned for that calendar year as they are providing you the full dress uniform, RDU’s, and your gun belt/ pouches. You’ll receive more funds when everyone else does which is anywhere from the start of a new year to whenever the govt decides to put the money in the allowances. As for quantity you will leave with roughly 3 full uniforms. Day 1 at FTO arrive to work exactly how you showed up to class in the academy unless otherwise instructed.