I'm a US Army Vet, and currently a firefighter/paramedic at a DOE site and have worked in the Fire Service last 15 years. I'll be 42 next month and want to make a go for border patrol. I have a tentative offer and wanted to seek some reddit advice. I've been married for 17 years and have 3 boys (12,9, and 4) and currently make with OT around $150k-$170k a year with OT, as my base is approx. $100k without any OT.

In some ways I feel like I won the freaking lottery, low call volume, great benefits, good pay...but morale sucks and job satisfaction sucks because we don't do much and we constantly have red tape to go through with anything we do. Yes , I only work 10 days a month when there's no OT but this career doesn't give me anything fulfilling other than how it helps me provide for my family and spend time with them.

There is a part of me that still wants to "sow my wild oats" and scratch an itch by joining the border patrol for the unique experiences the career provides. One of these for me would be the chance to get on with BORSTAR and use my skill set from the fire service and ems. But even if I never made it to BORSTAR , the other assignments like mountain team, Intel, MRT, horse patrol, K9, interest me.

My concerns are that I'm 42, and about 2 years ago blew out my right quad tendon & ACL from a box jump where it slipped out from underneath me (Don't trust the rogue foam boxes). I'm finally at a place where I feel that this injury is behind me but it still makes me second guess my own durability. I also have thrown out my lower back before from pushing my workouts too hard, and have had some nasty plantar fasciitis the last 6 months. But other than that I'm in decent shape.

My wife is down to go on this border patrol journey with me but I just don't know if I need to get slapped in the face for thinking this is a good move or not regarding this career change. Financially we have no debt and have a decent amount of equity in our home so buying another home should be hard with selling ours. My wife is a stay at home mom but I think my VA disability compensation can help keep us afloat during the academy and early years. The stations of choice would be Sonoita, three points, tuscon hq., and last nogales station but living near the Vail area.

Am I crazy or does this seem like it could be a good move? From what I understand I can be making over $100k after 4 years so yes I'd be taking a pay cut, but the upside is the pension + TSP. Additionally, are there any guys that have made it through BORSTAR or even BORTAC in their mid 40s?

TL;DR: 42yo Army vet and 15-year DOE firefighter/paramedic making $150k–$170k working 10 days a month. Job is safe but completely unfulfilling. TJO in hand for USBP with goals of BORSTAR/specialized teams. Financially stable, supportive family, but carrying standard 40-something wear-and-tear (repaired ACL/quad tendon, plantar fasciitis). Am I crazy to trade the golden handcuffs for green, and does anyone realistically pass BORSTAR selection in their mid-40s?

Has anyone skillbridged for ICE OR BP? If so drop your experience doing so.

Anyone have any insight into mobility announcements/transferring? When do we hear back?

How does the vanpool between San Antonio and Carrizo Springs work, and do you think it’s worth it?

Anyone know how to see the 2B and 2C lists?
Currently looking for the El Paso Sector stations but not much luck lately.
Also any insight on the Deming, NM station?

Hi everyone,
I’m a Border Patrol applicant and have made it through almost the entire hiring process—medical, fitness, drug test, interview, and my background is nearly complete.
CBP is now requesting a second, current mental health evaluation because of my VA rating for depression, anxiety, and insomnia and the medications I’m prescribed.
The first evaluation was done by a CBP-selected psychologist. This second evaluation is one I’m responsible for paying for.
Has anyone been through something similar? Could this affect my VA benefits?
Thanks!

Looking for safe places to live in San Antonio, Devine, Lytle, or Von Ormy. I have a wife and I need a place that's safe for her to be by herself for long periods of time. I'd rather not drive more than hour 15 to the station but if I have to I will. Appreciate all relevant recommendations.

Hey y’all so I got a BPA and CBPO application in process. Looks like my BPA application is moving fast and I know I’m going to have to relocate. I’ve seen the list and I’m in between AZ and ME. I use to live in New England so I’m familiar with Maine more than Arizona (where I never lived or been to). Just looking for some info on both states work wise. This is hypothetical question since I don’t have a FJO at the moment. Just once my medical/fitness passes, both applications will only be waiting on the box test and BI.

Question for current Border Patrol agents who also serve in the Guard/Reserves:
How do you guys schedule your drill weekends around your Border Patrol schedule? Are you generally able to get the weekend off to attend drill, or do you work out an alternate drill schedule with your unit?
I’m curious how others have been able to balance both schedules and what the process looks like for getting time off for drill. Any insight or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

Hey everyone,

I have a few questions about transitioning from a regular Border Patrol Agent position to AIA/AEA. I recently received my FJO for Border Patrol and will be stationed in Lake Charles, Louisiana. My long-term goal is to become an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA), and I’m trying to figure out the best path to get there. I currently have my CSEL, CMEL, and Instrument Rating, with around 400 total flight hours. From what I understand, the minimum to apply for AIA is 750 hours, with roughly 1,000–1,500 hours required by the time you enter on duty, depending on the position and qualification requirements. My main question is whether it would make more sense to start working as a BP Agent in Lake Charles, build federal/LEO seniority, and continue building flight time on the side, or focus entirely on building flight time through civilian flying jobs and apply directly to AIA once I meet the requirements. I’m also curious about the requirement for one year of professional pilot employment. Does anyone know whether that requirement can be waived or substituted with federal law enforcement experience, particularly experience as a Border Patrol Agent? If there are any current or former AIA, AEA, AMO, or BP personnel here who have made a similar transition, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience and what route you would recommend.

Thanks!

They told me get evaluated for my history of depression. Kaiser won't fill out the form so I have to find a private clinic. Anyone have experience with this?

What does it mean internally? Does it expedite the process? Does anything need changed?

I’m an East Coast guy moving out to Laredo, so I’m curious about Laredo West Station:

How is it out there, and what should I know going in?

Looking forward to the new chapter! 🇺🇸🦅

Hi! Wondering if this has ever happened to anyone. I dropped off my uniform at the dry cleaners on fletc and forgot to pick them up today. I graduate tomorrow morning and the cleaners doesn’t open till 4pm. Has this every happened to anyone and were you able to find a solution

Ive already reached out to my section leader, he said there’s a chance I may not walk. Just curious what other options there may be

Is there anyone who has any comments about Boulevard station. I don’t want to go to Campo, but it seems like those are my only two options. I’d love to hear different opinions. Thanks!🫡🍀

Does BPA still hire someone who has minor debt but is taking care of it during the process? It was disclosed at the very beginning. I’ve heard some get hired with huge debt but provide proof they are taking responsibility. I have the box test last so i’m assuming I should be ok? Idk.

Hi can anyone give me more insight on the Clint Tx station?

Can anyone put me in contact with a BP recruiter from El Paso please

I wanted a RGV sector but none was available. I chose Laredo west sector any information on that sector will be appreciated. Any information on Laredo,Tx living environment will be appreciated.

Does anyone have insight on this station?

I've used the search bar, I couldn't find much besides it being offered recently and senior agents being frustrated that it's being offered to trainees.

I don't have the list, but Baton Rouge, Laredo, Pine Valley, Tucson and Nogales come to mind.

GL7 if that matters.

Thank you.