Any CBP Marine Interdiction Agents out there?

[cbpmiahopefull]

I am currently trying to obtain a position with CBP. I was told on another site from a CBP employee (not sure of their status, agent, officer, ect) that because the MIA does not hire much, that it would be good for me to get any position with CBP and transfer from there. I’m sure it can be done from what I hear, but I am looking to confirm. I am about 30 days away from receiving my OUPV/6PACK Captains license and I am a USN fleet vet with 2 tours of VBSS (Vessel Boarding Search and Seizure) duty in the gulf during operation determined response and Iraqi freedom. I have been out of the service for a few years, but after quite a bit of research, I’m certain this is the best position from which i can excel and enjoy. I just don’t want to end up stuck in a non LE position for years. Any help or insight would be appreciated from any LEO's, especially any DHS LEO's

[MikeG]

do a search for CBP and Marine interdiction agent. I know there were earlier discussions on it and the ratings that are competitive (i.e. 6pack). I think they also talked about prior LE experience as well.

Here's one thread:

Marine Interdiction Agent

[cbpmiahopefull]

Thank you very much. I appreciate that, i was hoping my specialized VBSS training i received in the Navy would substitute for the LE (no disrespect to LEO's by any means) I just mean that VBSS is almost exactly what MIA's do out there on a smaller vessel scale. I guess my main question is, if I do shoot for a CBP position that is not LE, such as a CBP Technician (alot of paper work and reports, audits, ect) will it be easier to transition to the MIA side? I would think that a LE position would be better because at least i would get the basic CBP training on my books, but they do not have many listed at all. Or should I try to gain a LE position with ICE or some other network within DHS?

[Kimble]

What site advised you to seek a non-LEO position within CBP to transfer from? Not saying that's incorrect - I don't work for CBP or DHS - but I'd make sure that's correct before changing careers to something based purely on what someone online told you. Being very familiar with VBSS myself I would think your experience would be a good fit for the MIA position. I've heard a lot of MIA folks come from the Coast Guard, which would also make sense as to why your VBSS training/experience would help you be a strong candidate.

The reason I originally asked what site you asked your question on is I'll recommend one if you haven't checked it out already: 911jobforums.com. It's a gold mine of good intel on federal jobs because it's got a lot of active members from a plethora of federal LE agencies (I believe CBP MIA included). If you haven't done a search of their threads on CBP and the MIA position I'd recommended it.

[cbpmiahopefull]

Kimble,

Thank you for the info on 911jobforums.com. im going to try it out. The CBP person that answered my question was on yahoo answers. Not the best sight i know, but the guy worked for CBP. When i came upon realpolice.net i figured i would validate that info. Im not in LE right now, which is why i didnt know if it would be helpfull to join CBP even in a non LE position. My biggest fear is MIA wont hire for 5 years and then i hit the age cutoff (33) and then im stuck pushing paper. Thank you again for your help, so far so good on this sight. Thanks to everyone reading and especially the people responding.

[Kimble]

Kimble,

Thank you for the info on 911jobforums.com. im going to try it out. The CBP person that answered my question was on yahoo answers. Not the best sight i know, but the guy worked for CBP. When i came upon realpolice.net i figured i would validate that info. Im not in LE right now, which is why i didnt know if it would be helpfull to join CBP even in a non LE position. My biggest fear is MIA wont hire for 5 years and then i hit the age cutoff (33) and then im stuck pushing paper. Thank you again for your help, so far so good on this sight. Thanks to everyone reading and especially the people responding.

I think you're getting some bad info: (1) I wouldn't put much stock in Yahoo Answers, no way to verify people are who they say they are there (whereas here we verify each member who has "Verified LEO" in the top right section of their posts as being active law enforcement officers), (2) I know of no federal LE agency that has an age cut off of 33, the only federal LE age cut off I know to exist is 37, and (3) if the CBP Technician is a clerical job (i.e. non-LE paper-pusher) I don't see how simply working for CBP in that capacity would make you a stronger candidate than if you came from another LE agency. Have you considered opportunities with the Coast Guard?

[cbpmiahopefull]

That is exactly why i found this sight, to get better information. I guess i read the age wrong, i just looked it up again and you are correct, its 37. Im not in an LE position now either, that is why i figured at least i can obtain a GS and start my time in while waiting for the MIA position to become available. I mean, we could be looking at 2 years untill the next announcement and from the intel ive gathered another year + before I have the chance to get accepted. I really would like an LE position which is why i was thinking ICE as a possibility. If i joined the USCG, i would have to devote 4 years and if the position were to pop up i would be stuck. Besides, i couldnt live off of E-4 pay now a days and no CG positions in my area. I dont want to move to a job that pays 24k per year. I guess its either ICE or CBP. I think i should just apply for anything with those two and hope when MIA rolls around i can transfer.

[NexxtOfKin]

Are you aware of the current open announcement?

That is exactly why i found this sight, to get better information. I guess i read the age wrong, i just looked it up again and you are correct, its 37. Im not in an LE position now either, that is why i figured at least i can obtain a GS and start my time in while waiting for the MIA position to become available. I mean, we could be looking at 2 years untill the next announcement and from the intel ive gathered another year + before I have the chance to get accepted. I really would like an LE position which is why i was thinking ICE as a possibility. If i joined the USCG, i would have to devote 4 years and if the position were to pop up i would be stuck. Besides, i couldnt live off of E-4 pay now a days and no CG positions in my area. I dont want to move to a job that pays 24k per year. I guess its either ICE or CBP. I think i should just apply for anything with those two and hope when MIA rolls around i can transfer.