CBP Careers for Veterans: Complete Guide to Customs and Border Protection
Comprehensive guide to CBP careers for veterans. Learn about Border Patrol Agent, CBP Officer, Air and Marine Operations, hiring process, salary, and how military experience helps at CBP.
CBP Careers for Veterans: Complete Guide to Customs and Border Protection
Customs and Border Protection is the largest federal law enforcement agency—and one of the most aggressive recruiters of military veterans. With over 60,000 employees guarding America's borders, CBP offers veterans operational careers that mirror military service.
If you're looking for continued tactical work, outdoor operations, and law enforcement authority, CBP delivers opportunities unmatched in federal service.
Why CBP for Veterans?
Operational Mission
CBP's mission resonates with military experience:
- Border security operations
- Counter-narcotics
- Anti-terrorism
- Immigration enforcement
- Trade enforcement
Largest LE Agency
Scale creates opportunity:
- 60,000+ employees
- 20,000+ Border Patrol Agents
- 25,000+ CBP Officers
- Multiple career paths
- Continuous hiring
Military Skills Premium
Your training applies directly:
- Surveillance and reconnaissance
- Tactical operations
- Physical endurance
- Decision-making
- Team operations
Aggressive Veteran Hiring
CBP actively recruits veterans:
- Targeted veteran outreach
- Veteran hiring authorities used
- Military experience valued for all positions
- Clearance compatibility
CBP Career Paths
Border Patrol Agent (BPA)
Primary border security position (20,000+ agents):
Responsibilities:
- Patrol and secure U.S. borders
- Apprehend illegal crossers
- Interdict narcotics
- Surveillance operations
- Search and rescue
- Traffic checkpoints
Starting salary: ~$59,000-$95,000 (includes overtime/differentials) Full performance: $100,000-$125,000+
CBP Officer (CBPO)
Ports of entry security (25,000+ officers):
Responsibilities:
- Inspect travelers at ports of entry
- Process imports/exports
- Counter-terrorism screening
- Drug interdiction
- Trade enforcement
- Immigration processing
Starting salary: ~$48,000-$80,000+ Full performance: $85,000-$110,000+
Air and Marine Operations (AMO)
Aviation and maritime interdiction (1,800+ agents):
Positions:
- Air Interdiction Agent (pilot)
- Marine Interdiction Agent
- Aviation Enforcement Agent
- UAS operators
Highly relevant for: Military pilots, Coast Guard, Navy
CBP Agriculture Specialist
Agricultural inspection:
Responsibilities:
- Inspect agricultural products
- Prevent pest introduction
- Protect U.S. agriculture
- Scientific/technical work
Starting salary: ~$48,000-$65,000
Trade and Revenue Positions
Trade enforcement:
Positions:
- Import Specialist
- Trade Analyst
- Entry Specialist
Focus: Trade compliance, duty collection, fraud detection
Border Patrol Agent Requirements
Basic Requirements
Age:
- Under 40 at appointment
- Veteran preference may extend
- Mandatory retirement at 57
Citizenship:
- U.S. citizen
Education:
- No college degree required
- High school diploma/GED
Experience alternative:
- One year qualifying experience, OR
- Bachelor's degree
Military service counts as qualifying experience.
License:
- Valid driver's license
Residency:
- Must live within 100 miles of border (Southwest/Northern)
Physical Requirements
Border Patrol fitness test:
- Pre-employment fitness test (BPFT)
- Push-ups, sit-ups, stepping test
- Must pass all components
Medical Requirements
- Good physical health
- Vision correctable to 20/20
- Hearing within normal limits
- Drug screening
- Psychological evaluation
Background Investigation
- Secret clearance level
- Polygraph required
- Financial review
- Extensive reference checks
- Drug history review
Spanish Language
Spanish proficiency is NOT required to apply but:
- Tested during processing
- Intensive Spanish training at academy if needed
- Proficiency required for journey level
CBP Officer Requirements
Basic Requirements
Age:
- Under 40 at appointment
- Military credit may extend
- Mandatory retirement at 57
Citizenship:
- U.S. citizen
Education:
- Bachelor's degree, OR
- Three years of specialized experience, OR
- Combination
Military experience counts toward specialized experience.
License:
- Valid driver's license
Physical Requirements
- Pre-employment physical
- Drug test
- Less physically demanding than BPA
- Standing for extended periods
Background Investigation
Same as Border Patrol:
- Polygraph
- Secret clearance
- Financial review
Hiring Process
Border Patrol Agent Process
Step 1: Apply (cbp.gov/careers)
- Online application
- Assessment questionnaire
Step 2: Entrance Exam
- Logical reasoning test
- Spanish language assessment
- Computer-based at testing center
Step 3: Structured Interview
- Panel interview
- Behavioral questions
- Job preview
Step 4: Medical and Fitness
- Physical examination
- Fitness test (BPFT)
- Vision and hearing
Step 5: Background Investigation
- SF-86 submission
- Polygraph examination
- Financial and criminal checks
Step 6: Training
- 6 months at Border Patrol Academy
- Artesia, New Mexico
- Spanish language intensive
- Law enforcement training
- Immigration law
Timeline: 6-12 months typical
CBP Officer Process
Similar process with some differences:
- Less emphasis on Spanish (but still helpful)
- Different entrance exam
- Training at FLETC (19 weeks)
- Additional OJT at port of assignment
CBP Salary and Compensation
Border Patrol Agent Pay
Unique pay structure:
- Base pay (GL scale)
- LEAP (25% availability pay)
- Overtime (AUO 10-25%)
- Sunday/night differentials
- Locality pay
| Grade | Base | With Overtime | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL-5 | $39,000 | +$13,000 | $52,000 |
| GL-7 | $43,000 | +$14,000 | $57,000 |
| GL-9 | $47,000 | +$17,000 | $64,000 |
| GL-11 | $55,000 | +$22,000 | $77,000 |
| GL-12 | $66,000 | +$30,000 | $96,000 |
| GS-13 | $80,000 | +$35,000 | $115,000 |
First-year BPA total compensation often exceeds $90,000-$100,000
CBP Officer Pay
| Grade | Base | With Locality | With OT Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL-5 | $39,000 | $42,000 | $55,000+ |
| GL-7 | $43,000 | $47,000 | $65,000+ |
| GL-9 | $47,000 | $51,000 | $75,000+ |
| GL-11 | $55,000 | $60,000 | $85,000+ |
| GL-12 | $66,000 | $72,000 | $100,000+ |
Benefits
Standard federal plus:
- LEO retirement (20 years)
- Enhanced annuity
- Early retirement at 50 with 20 years
- Mandatory retirement at 57
- Uniform allowance
- Equipment provided
CBP Locations
Border Patrol Sectors
Southwest Border (primary hiring):
- San Diego Sector (CA)
- El Centro Sector (CA)
- Yuma Sector (AZ)
- Tucson Sector (AZ)
- El Paso Sector (TX)
- Big Bend Sector (TX)
- Del Rio Sector (TX)
- Laredo Sector (TX)
- Rio Grande Valley Sector (TX)
Northern Border:
- Blaine Sector (WA)
- Spokane Sector (WA)
- Havre Sector (MT)
- Grand Forks Sector (ND)
- Detroit Sector (MI)
- Buffalo Sector (NY)
- Swanton Sector (VT)
- Houlton Sector (ME)
CBP Officer Ports
Land ports: Major border crossings Air ports: International airports (all major cities) Sea ports: Major coastal cities
Air and Marine Operations
Bases nationwide:
- Southern border priority
- Coastal operations
- Major interdiction areas
Location Considerations
Border stations:
- Rural/remote locations common
- Lower cost of living
- Different lifestyle
- Family considerations
Ports of entry:
- Urban locations available
- More lifestyle options
- International airports in major cities
Military Experience Advantages
Direct Skill Transfer
| Military Skill | CBP Application |
|---|---|
| Surveillance/recon | Border patrol operations |
| Tactical operations | Apprehension procedures |
| Physical endurance | Remote terrain operations |
| Weapons proficiency | Law enforcement authority |
| Vehicle operations | Patrol vehicles, horses, ATVs |
| Aviation | Air interdiction (AMO) |
| Maritime | Marine interdiction (AMO) |
MOS Alignment
Strong Border Patrol fits:
- Infantry (11B/0311)
- Cavalry Scout (19D)
- Military Police (31B/5811)
- Security Forces (3P0X1)
- Any combat arms
Strong CBP Officer fits:
- All MOS backgrounds
- Intelligence analysts
- Administrative specialists
- Technical backgrounds
Air and Marine fits:
- Military pilots (any platform)
- Coast Guard maritime
- Navy small boat operators
- Aviation maintenance
Veteran Hiring Programs
CBP uses all veteran authorities:
- VRA: Non-competitive hiring
- 30% disabled: Any grade level
- Veterans preference: 5 and 10 point
- VEOA: Internal announcements access
Clearance Transfer
Existing clearances help:
- Faster background processing
- Some positions require TS
- Don't let clearance lapse
Specialized CBP Units
Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC)
Elite tactical unit:
- High-risk operations
- Foreign deployments
- Counter-terrorism
- Selection required
Strong fit for: Special Operations veterans
Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR)
Search and rescue specialists:
- Remote area rescue
- Medical response
- Technical rescue
- Humanitarian operations
Horse Patrol
Mounted patrol:
- Remote terrain operations
- Traditional border patrol
- Equestrian skills required
K-9 Units
Canine operations:
- Detection dogs
- Patrol dogs
- Specialized training
Air and Marine Operations
Aviation/maritime:
- P-3 aircraft operations
- Helicopter interdiction
- Marine patrol vessels
- UAS operations
Application Tips
Resume Strategy
Highlight:
- Surveillance/reconnaissance experience
- Physical fitness achievements
- Leadership positions
- Law enforcement experience (if any)
- Spanish language ability (if any)
- Security clearance
Physical Preparation
Train specifically for:
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Push-ups and sit-ups
- Step test preparation
- Overall fitness
Spanish Consideration
If you don't speak Spanish:
- Not a barrier to application
- Academy provides intensive training
- Many successful agents learned at academy
If you do speak Spanish:
- Significant advantage
- Faster progression
- Possible early assignment
Background Preparation
Be ready to document:
- Complete residence history
- Employment history
- Foreign contacts
- Drug use history (if any)
- Financial status
Honesty is essential—polygraph will be administered.
Career Progression
Border Patrol Path
Years 1-2: Academy, career ladder (GL-5/7/9/11/12) Years 2-4: GS-12 journey level Years 4-7: GS-13, potential FOS (Field Operations Supervisor) Years 7-15: SBPA (Supervisory BPA), management opportunities Years 15+: Patrol Agent in Charge, Chief positions
CBP Officer Path
Years 1-3: Career ladder (GL-5/7/9/11) Years 3-5: GS-12 journey level Years 5-10: Supervisory opportunities Years 10+: Port management, program management
Specialized Paths
- BORTAC selection
- Air and Marine transition
- Training division
- Headquarters positions
- International liaison
The Bottom Line
CBP offers veterans:
- Operational career continuation
- Largest LE agency with continuous opportunities
- Strong compensation ($90K-$125K+ total)
- Tactical units for those seeking high-tempo
- Multiple paths (Border Patrol, Officer, AMO)
- Veteran hiring priority actively used
If you want continued outdoor, operational law enforcement work, CBP delivers better than any federal agency.
Start your application now at cbp.gov/careers.
Interested in other federal law enforcement? Explore DHS components, FBI, or DEA.