CBPO vs. IEA

[TSARay]

I am currently in the process for both IEA and CBPO. Up until recently I was favoring the IEA job due to the fact that IEA is covered abd CBPO wasn't. However, now that CBP is going to be covered starting in July, I am thinking maybe I should reconsider which job to take. I know that both jobs are now covered. CBP is GS-11 and IEA is GL-9 + 25% AUO. I am looking for opinions on which position I should pursue and why. Thanks

[Motorolanut]

Leaving TSA?? Say it isn't so!!!! LMMFAO:D

[Diggy]

I am currently in the process for both IEA and CBPO. Up until recently I was favoring the IEA job due to the fact that IEA is covered abd CBPO wasn't. However, now that CBP is going to be covered starting in July, I am thinking maybe I should reconsider which job to take. I know that both jobs are now covered. CBP is GS-11 and IEA is GL-9 + 25% AUO. I am looking for opinions on which position I should pursue and why. Thanks

I was in the same position about a year ago. I'm glad to have accepted the IEA position.

[MP_Steve]

CBP is GS-11 and IEA is GL-9 + 25% AU

Are you sure about that? Obviously you are already in federal service with TSA, but GS-11 seems a little high to start for any federal law enforcement position, unless you're an 1811. :confused:

Then again, I'm speaking on assumptions, not first hand knowledge.

[JDS]

I bet you would be shocked how high some of the leo positions are. Not mine, but some others in DHS for instance

[TSARay]

I was in the same position about a year ago. I'm glad to have accepted the IEA position.

And why is that??

[TSARay]

Are you sure about that? Obviously you are already in federal service with TSA, but GS-11 seems a little high to start for any federal law enforcement position, unless you're an 1811. :confused:

Then again, I'm speaking on assumptions, not first hand knowledge.

Actually let me rephrase, CBPO maxes out at GS-11 noncompetitively. IEA maxes out at GL-9 on the LE payscale which is higher that GS payscale plus 25% AUO.

[chewy]

As a current CBPO I have to say IEA. CBP is a bunch of crap, won't let anyone do thier job, spends all our time pushing traffic and doing BS. Take the covered position with IEA... we may end up getting ours revoked if Bush has his way.

[rix031]

Actually let me rephrase, CBPO maxes out at GS-11 noncompetitively. IEA maxes out at GL-9 on the LE payscale which is higher that GS payscale plus 25% AUO.

dont forget the $35K in potential overtime, depending on your port. in general, you an expect to earn quite a bit in o.t. and couple that with a gs-11, its a good living. at least financially anyways. i cleared well over $80K last year.

[TSARay]

dont forget the $35K in potential overtime, depending on your port. in general, you an expect to earn quite a bit in o.t. and couple that with a gs-11, its a good living. at least financially anyways. i cleared well over $80K last year.

OK, Which job do you recommend out of these two?

[Sierra]

IEA. We have several former 'stamp monkies' working in my office who are quite happy having changed over. I happen to enjoy my job quite a bit as I can often go to different locations on calls and don't need to get rid of my body within a minute (I can take the time to do the job correctly).

But to be perfectly honest, some of my coworkers are considering going over to CBP if it gets covered. I think the want the -11 potential. No body knows when/if we will get it.

[Diggy]

There are several former CBPOs that crossed over to DRO in my office. Many say the schedule sucks, some say they dont get to do much enforcement work, and no 6c coverage. Personally, I like DRO because of the extensive travel, I have been to places (countries) that I probrably would have never went to on the government dime, and had a good time. Now I'm not saying that IEA is all gravy, we get our crap too, but I would much rather get to travel and do some field work (FugOps) than sit in a booth for 8-12, 16 hrs a day stamping passports.

[Lawson]

As a current CBPO I have to say IEA. CBP is a bunch of crap, won't let anyone do thier job, spends all our time pushing traffic and doing BS. Take the covered position with IEA... we may end up getting ours revoked if Bush has his way.

Is CBP willing to bend and upgrade their PT and entrance requirements to get the coverage???

I was under the impression that was the biggest underlying issue.

[BP348]

Knowing what I know I'd take the IEA position over the CBPO.

Once you're in ICE it's easier to move around to say a 1811 position or a Deportation Officer position (considered the best keept secret in the service). I know a lot of GS-11 & GS-12 BPA's who are getting passed over for Deportation Officer positions where they are taking IEA's :confused:

[rix031]

OK, Which job do you recommend out of these two?

your going to have to look at the whole picture objectively. both positions offer similar and differences that may sway your decision. you have to decide what EXACTLY is important to you. i.e. pay, travel, promotion potential, quality of life, etc. while a lot of people may be happy in cbp or iea, its all about you. if law enforcement is your only aspect of the position is important to you, iea probably is route you want to take. cbp offers great pay, lateral & promotional opportunities (not only supervisor positions), and opportunities to in ports all over the world.

in a nutshell, listen to what people tell you, but do your homework and see what job would be better for you in the future as well.