Locations: Initially, locations suck if you are not from the SW border. If you can live in a “bad” location for 3-years, who cares? I have a plenty of applicants who want to live in McAllen, Yuma, Puerto Rico, etc. We have good locations also: San Diego, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Great Lakes, Hammond, Etc. (See map) One of our primary missions is interdicting illegal personnel and cargo crossing the US Border, these locations permit us to accomplish this mission.
You aren't transferring anywhere at three years. That is a standard recruiting line they tell everyone. Make sure you do your research and are well informed if you plan to go to CBP. If you don't mind living in a bad location then the job can be descent. If you think you're going to transfer to one of the very coveted prime locations then save yourself a lot of heartache and buy a lottery ticket because you have a better chance of winning the powerball!
On 7/29/2017 at 10:33 PM, RW_LEO said:
CBP offers a good alternative to military aviators who do not want to spend a career in the airlines, flying freight, HEMS, Oil and Gas, contract work, etc. I know a few guys in the agency who grew tired of the airlines after 5-6 years. I also know former AIA’s who left CBP for the airlines. It is a great way to keep your active duty military years if you plan on separating or “double dipping” your years if you plan on staying in the Guard.
The job can be exciting and offers a great amount of diversity. It all depends on location, but you have the ability to fly multiple FW or RW platforms. It is a heavy RW agency (why we hired a lot of dual and RW pilots), but we now hire dual, RW, or FW pilots. We have also begun sending FW only guys to rotary wing initial. No guarantees, but I know of three or four this year.
Not sure of what your expectation is for aviation pay, but I have been with AMO for 8-years and grossed $135,000 this year. It is not active duty military pay, but it does not come with the commitments of active duty. I am home 95% of the year, I rarely work more than 8-hours a workday, and I leave every aspect of my job at the base.
GS10 or GS11 non-competitive to GS13 is standard for Federal Law Enforcement (LEO) Agents. Law enforcement agents are considered special population and are entitled to following compensation:
- An additional 25% for LEAP (Already discussed)
- Retirement calculated at 1.7% of high-3, 34% after 20-years. Most federal technicians get 1% a year.
- Servicemembers are entitled to 120-hours (3-weeks) of military leave to complete military obligations. 3-weeks of double dipping pay.
Retiring from CBP and DOD entitles you to a great defined benefits retirement. Example: An AIA served 13-years AD and completed another 10-years in the Guard. After 20-years with CBP, they retire at 57 with a DOD retirement as an O-4 (for example) and a GS13 retirement calculated at 47% of their high three. (47% is calculated at 34% for 20-years with CBP and 13% DOD buyback.) Here are the dollar amounts in today’s dollar; 55-60yrs old: $65,000 from CBP (annuity plus Social Security Supplement). 60-62yrs old: approx. $65,000 from CBP and approx.. $36,000 from DOD. Older than 62: $50,000 from CBP, $36,000 from DOD and Social Security. (If it’s still available?)
Locations: Initially, locations suck if you are not from the SW border. If you can live in a “bad” location for 3-years, who cares? I have a plenty of applicants who want to live in McAllen, Yuma, Puerto Rico, etc. We have good locations also: San Diego, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Great Lakes, Hammond, Etc. (See map) One of our primary missions is interdicting illegal personnel and cargo crossing the US Border, these locations permit us to accomplish this mission.
Leadership and culture: Quite a few issues over the years, but it is getting better. It is very dependent on location. If you have any interest, let me know and I will get you in touch with someone at a particular location. Culture, same thing. It is all about local level leadership. I have been at two locations, one sucked and one was great.
Customs and Border Protection Air Interdiction Agent
in General Discussion
Posted
You aren't transferring anywhere at three years. That is a standard recruiting line they tell everyone. Make sure you do your research and are well informed if you plan to go to CBP. If you don't mind living in a bad location then the job can be descent. If you think you're going to transfer to one of the very coveted prime locations then save yourself a lot of heartache and buy a lottery ticket because you have a better chance of winning the powerball!