Go into the military, or BP?

[dinarguy]

I want to do something. I dont know if I will change my mind where I want to be career-wise, but I want to be in law enforcement, but thats not going to happen right now.

I attended a BP seminar, and I filled out the application; looks like fun: 3-4 month boot camp, law enforcement training, and Spanish classes. I dont think I would want to retire as a BP agent, but you never know...I might actually love it.

The whole military aspect is constantly on my mind though. I cant decide on what to do? If I were to go into the military, I doubt I would want to be active...I would rather be in the reserves. I was thinking the National Guard, maybe Air Force.

Anyone care to give your opinions?

[normal1]

Well, one thing I will tell you is this. Go and try to find an agent who will not BS you and ask him his opinion on the current status of the BP. Then make your decision from there.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

[charlydevo]

I want to do something. I dont know if I will change my mind where I want to be career-wise, but I want to be in law enforcement, but thats not going to happen right now.
I attended a BP seminar, and I filled out the application; looks like fun: 3-4 month boot camp, law enforcement training, and Spanish classes. I dont think I would want to retire as a BP agent, but you never know...I might actually love it.

The whole military aspect is constantly on my mind though. I cant decide on what to do? If I were to go into the military, I doubt I would want to be active...I would rather be in the reserves. I was thinking the National Guard, maybe Air Force.

Anyone care to give your opinions?

Did you already answer your question? The Border Patrol is a law enforcement agency. I know that they spend most of their time rounding up illegal aliens. That's because illegal entry into the U.S. is by far the most commonly occurring "border-related crime" that occurs. But, they are pretty busy locking up drug smugglers, as well as alien smugglers and criminal aliens (not the same as illegal aliens).

I left the Border Patrol over 5 years ago. At the time that I was in the application process, the job was very competitive and tough to get. From what I understand, getting into the Patrol today is comparable to joining the Army. If you can pass everything, you'll get in. That tells me something. I've talked to some of my old buddies that are still in the Patrol, and they are very unhappy with the quality of people that are getting in and the whole "direction" that the Patrol is taking.

With that said, some of my best memories have to do with my time in the Patrol. I am very proud of some of the things that I accomplished as a Border Patrol Agent. Is it for you? I have no idea.

[Sierra]

Why not join the Reserves and then BP?

I joined the Navy Reserve in 2004 and ICE in 2007. No reason you can't do the same (well, except for joining in past years ;) ). There are a few who have done that in my office. We have a National Guardman (deployed), an Air Force (deployed), and at least three in the Navy.

[dinarguy]

Thank you both for your replies.

I do understand that BP is an actual law enforcement job, but they clearly deal with much different types of law breakers. What I meant by "I want to be in law enforcement" is that currently I would like to be in a city area, walking, biking, or driving the streets and dealing with the things that the police normally deal with in a big city...if that makes sense.

normal1 - I wish I could find a BP agent...the only agents I have ever talked to, were the people at the BP seminar. A lot of my friends were talking about it, but none of them were actually in the BP.

charleydevo - You said it pretty much exactly how the Sgt. said it...if you pass the tests, and you dont have a major felony on your record, you will get in. He also subtly stated that they are borderline desperate for people.

Let me ask an actual question:

1. Later down the road if I apply for a LE career (non BP), would they look at BP experience and military (reserves or active) as an equal, or would one be more beneficial to the applicant?

2. Of those who have been/are in the BP...is there much action, or is it like a month goes by without incident? I understand it probably varies a lot...I just dont want to get into the BP, then be bored out of my mind and wish I went into the military.

Thanks again for your input!

Edit: Sierra...how did you go into the BP when you still were in the reserves...or did you discharge from the reserves, then go into the BP?

[charlydevo]

Thank you both for your replies.

I do understand that BP is an actual law enforcement job, but they clearly deal with much different types of law breakers. What I meant by "I want to be in law enforcement" is that currently I would like to be in a city area, walking, biking, or driving the streets and dealing with the things that the police normally deal with in a big city...if that makes sense.

normal1 - I wish I could find a BP agent...the only agents I have ever talked to, were the people at the BP seminar. A lot of my friends were talking about it, but none of them were actually in the BP.

charleydevo - You said it pretty much exactly how the Sgt. said it...if you pass the tests, and you dont have a major felony on your record, you will get in. He also subtly stated that they are borderline desperate for people.

Let me ask an actual question:

1. Later down the road if I apply for a LE career (non BP), would they look at BP experience and military (reserves or active) as an equal, or would one be more beneficial to the applicant?

2. Of those who have been/are in the BP...is there much action, or is it like a month goes by without incident? I understand it probably varies a lot...I just dont want to get into the BP, then be bored out of my mind and wish I went into the military.

Thanks again for your input!

Edit: Sierra...how did you go into the BP when you still were in the reserves...or did you discharge from the reserves, then go into the BP?

Question 1:

Neither Border Patrol experience nor military experience will matter much if you apply with the typical police department. Most police departments hire through a very precise civil service process that gives every applicant more or less the same chances, regardless of prior experience.

Question 2:

The Border Patrol can be both action packed and very boring. When I was an agent, there were times when I had three or four bail outs, failure to yields, a dope load or two, and a bunch of foot pursuits all in one night. There were times when I sat in a vehicle and worked on my college classes. It depends on the assignment that you get. The newer you are, the more you will have to take the crappy assignments, such as an "x". Do a search of "x" and you'll figure out what it is. Either way, there will never be more than a few days without bail outs or foot pursuits. But, the amount of action also varies by station. Some stations do mostly checkpoint work. Some do mostly foot patrol in the desert type work. Some do mostly highway work. Some are all boat patrol. It all depends. The typical station will give you a little bit of "line watch" (look it up), a little bit of highway work, a little bit of checkpoint work, and a lot of humping on foot in rugged terrain. If you stick around for a few years, you might get on ATV's or horses. Maybe you can get on a boat (depending on the station). That's about the best that I can do for you.

[dinarguy]

Question 1:

Neither Border Patrol experience nor military experience will matter much if you apply with the typical police department. Most police departments hire through a very precise civil service process that gives every applicant more or less the same chances, regardless of prior experience.

Question 2:

The Border Patrol can be both action packed and very boring. When I was an agent, there were times when I had three or four bail outs, failure to yields, a dope load or two, and a bunch of foot pursuits all in one night. There were times when I sat in a vehicle and worked on my college classes. It depends on the assignment that you get. The newer you are, the more you will have to take the crappy assignments, such as an "x". Do a search of "x" and you'll figure out what it is. Either way, there will never be more than a few days without bail outs or foot pursuits. But, the amount of action also varies by station. Some stations do mostly checkpoint work. Some do mostly foot patrol in the desert type work. Some do mostly highway work. Some are all boat patrol. It all depends. The typical station will give you a little bit of "line watch" (look it up), a little bit of highway work, a little bit of checkpoint work, and a lot of humping on foot in rugged terrain. If you stick around for a few years, you might get on ATV's or horses. Maybe you can get on a boat (depending on the station). That's about the best that I can do for you.

I always thought that military experience and other law enforcement experience gives you more "points" to be hired by? Maybe I am mistaken, but this is the information I have received from this forum.

Sounds interesting from what you described. I think I would like it, as long as Im not sitting in a vehicle, watching people who make a run for it every single day. Thanks for your insight.

[pewpewpew]

I always thought that military experience and other law enforcement experience gives you more "points" to be hired by? Maybe I am mistaken, but this is the information I have received from this forum.

As far as the NYPD process is concerned, points are added to your final written exam score if you are a NY resident and a veteran. This will boost your final score and lower your list number for the exam you have taken.

A lower list number on your exam means that you'll be processed for hire before those who have a higher list number. Also, from what I have been told by officers, your list number can be a tie breaker for things like vacation pick priority. For example, if you and a fellow officer are both of equal seniority, both took exam# 8000, but you have a lower list number than he does, you get your pick before he does. For anyone on the job, please correct me if I am wrong on this.

http://www.nypdrecruit.com/Military_Benefits.aspx

Veterans who are New York State residents will be awarded 5 additional veteran points that can be applied to their final test score.

[charlydevo]

I always thought that military experience and other law enforcement experience gives you more "points" to be hired by? Maybe I am mistaken, but this is the information I have received from this forum.

Sounds interesting from what you described. I think I would like it, as long as Im not sitting in a vehicle, watching people who make a run for it every single day. Thanks for your insight.

Many cop and other civil service jobs will give you 5 points for veteran's preference. They add the 5 points to your score. That's all that you're going to get. Prior LE service won't get you anything (at least not at the entry level).

Applying for LE jobs is not like applying for regular jobs. You don't submit your resume and a cover letter. Instead, you go through a civil service hiring process that includes an exam, an oral board, a polygraph, a physical fitness test, a psychological test, and other things. You must pass them all, but the exam is the part that gets you in the door.

If you want to become a cop, I can't see how Border Patrol experience will help you. Perhaps it might help you with the oral board, if the interviewer is impressed with your prior experience and training. I have to ask, though, if you don't think that you can become a cop yet, what makes you think that you can get into the Border Patrol? The hiring process might have become "dumbed down", but keeping the job through the 2 year probation period will require some serious dedication and commitment. Keep that in mind.

[charlydevo]

Sounds interesting from what you described. I think I would like it, as long as Im not sitting in a vehicle, watching people who make a run for it every single day. Thanks for your insight.

As a trainee and the FNG, you can expect to do your share of that. That has to do with the "x" duty that I talked about earlier. It sucks, but it's a part of the job. The newer you are, the more you will have to do it. Some people take advantage of it, and do college work while sitting there. Other people just ***** and complain, forgetting that they have a good job that pays well. Every job comes with it's crappy assignments.

There is one thing that I want to make clear. If you want to be a cop, be a cop. The Border Patrol isn't a place to go while you are waiting to be a cop. The best way that I can explain the Border Patrol is that it is sort of like being half a cop and half a soldier.

Like a cop, you patrol and look for law violators. However, you only look for violators of certain, border-related laws. Like a solder, you patrol on foot, in remote, desolate areas and utilize sensors, night vision, infrared, and other equipment to locate "intruders". However, unlike a soldier, you don't kill the "intruders". Like a cop, you arrest them. Does that make any sense?

[MP_Steve]

I always thought that military experience... gives you more "points" to be hired by?

I saw earlier that you mentioned the reserve as a possible avenue you'd like to take.

I can tell you from experience that reserve service alone, without any deployments, prior active-duty other than training, or college credits won't get you anywhere in an employment process.

Reserve personnel wanting to be cops, with the lack of other variables stated above are a dime a dozen. Walk into any reserve MP unit and you'll be able to pick 'um out.

Best of luck.

[dinarguy]

Many cop and other civil service jobs will give you 5 points for veteran's preference. They add the 5 points to your score. That's all that you're going to get. Prior LE service won't get you anything (at least not at the entry level).

If you want to become a cop, I can't see how Border Patrol experience will help you. Perhaps it might help you with the oral board, if the interviewer is impressed with your prior experience and training. I have to ask, though, if you don't think that you can become a cop yet, what makes you think that you can get into the Border Patrol? The hiring process might have become "dumbed down", but keeping the job through the 2 year probation period will require some serious dedication and commitment. Keep that in mind.

Well, thank you for opening my eyes on this situation. I usually read a lot of the threads in the background check forum, and many times officers and non-officers say "go to the military", so I assumed it helped a lot. So, from what you are saying...someone could score a high mark on the exam, and be in front of the people who are veterans, but the veterans scored lower. Very interesting...I had a completely different idea; thats what you get for assuming something is true.

The reason I am very confident that I can get into the BP, and not a normal, domestic police officer is because of the 'horror' stories I have heard. Of course they may not be true, but for instance my friend just told me how his cousin got hired in Johnstown, PA as a local officer. His cousin said the only reason he got hired is because of his military background...he said he has a Purple Heart, and the Chief really liked that, so they picked him out of 129 potential officers that passed everything. Things like that pretty much make me realize its not going to happen right now.

Also, the reason I want to go into the BP, is to help me out in my future endeavor in becoming a LEO. I really have no other interest in it, but I would do what I had to do to the best of my ability regardless; even if it wasn't the most thrilling law enforcement position. But, with the military, I actually have an interest in doing something for the USA.

And yes, you make perfect sense. I understand completely what you are saying, but sometimes I might ask a similar question that may have been answered previously. :D

I saw earlier that you mentioned the reserve as a possible avenue you'd like to take.

I can tell you from experience that reserve service alone, without any deployments, prior active-duty other than training, or college credits won't get you anywhere in an employment process.

Reserve personnel wanting to be cops, with the lack of other variables stated above are a dime a dozen. Walk into any reserve MP unit and you'll be able to pick 'um out.

Best of luck.

OK! That also clears a lot up for me. Now I know its either active or not. Even if I went in the reserves, I do not think I would be able to do enough for my country to make any difference what-so-ever (of course, this is what I believe). Thank you for you post!


Thank you!

[Sierra]

Edit: Sierra...how did you go into the BP when you still were in the reserves...or did you discharge from the reserves, then go into the BP?

I was never green. I was hired by ICE, not BP, although I was in process for BP. As far as hiring on, I am a drilling Reservist. I put down on the application I was in the Navy Reserves, went on leave from the Reserves during the academy because it would have been difficult to drill while there, and provided my supervisor with my drill schedule. Drill weekend comes up, I drill, no biggie.

I usually read a lot of the threads in the background check forum, and many times officers and non-officers say "go to the military", so I assumed it helped a lot. So, from what you are saying...someone could score a high mark on the exam, and be in front of the people who are veterans, but the veterans scored lower.

Also, the reason I want to go into the BP, is to help me out in my future endeavor in becoming a LEO. I really have no other interest in it

OK! That also clears a lot up for me. Now I know its either active or not. Even if I went in the reserves, I do not think I would be able to do enough for my country to make any difference what-so-ever (of course, this is what I believe). Thank you for you post!

Several items here.

Going into the military accomplishes several things. It gives the high school graduate a place to go until he/she is old enough to become a cop. Most of the time, it helps the person mature and become more responsible, especially as they advance in rank. The (generic) soldier becomes accustomed to following orders and learns the importance of unit cohesion and looking out for his 'shield brother'. All of these items are positives to take into your new career.

If you have no interest in the BP, don't join and waste the time, money, and effort required. It isn't worth it. If all you want is to get experience, look into Police Cadets, Police Service Agent, Police Reserves, or any other program more in line with LOCAL law enforcement. Federal isn't for everyone.

Reserves receive Veteran's Preference Points if they get activated. Serving your year in Iraq gets you the same number of points as an Active Duty member (5). Those wounded (your Purple Heart story) in combat get additional (10). I believe those numbers are correct, but could be wrong. Being a Reservist is still doing something for your country, even if it is nothing more than just being available.

[charlydevo]

Here is a guide for veteran's preference. This is the federal government's version. However, most local/state governments use practically the same criteria. You'll want to check with your state/municipality/county to be sure.

http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetsInfo.asp#Entitled

[BP348]

Just from reading your post I can tell you to join the military. Forget about USBP. It's not for you.