see also: in September 2008:   Ramey Border Patrol Sector Sponsors Intelligence Training   CBP Arrests Woman at California Port after Discovering 3 Hidden Females   Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Lost Alien   Customs and Border Protection Warns Floral Importers About Unripe Poppy Pods   CBP Officers Arrest Man Wanted for Failing to Register as Sex Offender   El Paso CBP Officers Discover 3,000 Pounds of Marijuana in Shipment of Watermelons   CBP Seizes More Than $360,000 in Undeclared Currency ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers Borderpatrol.gov

contacts for this news release

Washington — For the first time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recruiters will look to Georgia and South Carolina with four simultaneous Border Patrol agent recruiting events. On Saturday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., CBP’s Southern Blitz will launch recruiting events in four population centers including the Georgia cities of Atlanta and Columbus, along with Columbia and North Charleston in South Carolina.

“Our agents protect America in America,” said Joe Abbott, national recruiting director. “This is as much about public education as it is recruiting Border Patrol agents. We are embarking on a recruiting mission into states that may not be as familiar with the Border Patrol, and we are certain that with awareness comes interest in this unparalleled federal law enforcement opportunity.”

In 2006, President George W. Bush announced his commitment to add 6,000 additional Border Patrol agents by the end of 2008. With more than 17,168 agents on board today, CBP is working toward a total of 18,000 agents by the end of this year. This is the largest expansion of the Border Patrol in history.

Hiring an unprecedented number of Border Patrol agents sparked efforts to expand recruiting efforts. Along with the Southern Blitz, national outreach includes the second year of a NASCAR Nationwide Series Racing #28 car sponsorship, a Professional Bull Riders sponsorship, applicant study guide and complementary study DVD, revamped Border Patrol website that includes agent testimonials, simultaneous Border Patrol-initiated recruitment events across the country in under-recruited areas, along with advertising and recruiting at U.S. military installations in the continental U.S. and abroad. ( Borderpatrol.gov )

Recruiters consider military veterans a fertile source as they make up 25 percent of CBP’s workforce.

On Saturday, Southern Blitz on-site recruiters will offer:

• Answers to applicant questions
• Application assistance and online application submission
• Test-taking tips, practice testing and evaluation
• Accounts of their career experiences protecting our nation's borders

Five things a Border Patrol recruit can expect:

1. Border Patrol recruits earn between $36,000 and $46,000 in their first year, with the potential of earning up to $70,000 per year within three years of service.
2. Benefits include federal health insurance, life insurance and retirement, and up to 25 percent additional pay in overtime opportunities.
3. Successful Border Patrol candidates will complete a rigorous screening process, which includes a written examination and structured interview, language aptitude or Spanish proficiency test, along with a physical fitness test and medical examination.
4. Training is provided and includes a 55-day basic training program upon successfully passing a Spanish proficiency exam in the academy; all others will complete a 40-day Spanish immersion course upon completing basic training. All training is conducted in Artesia, New Mexico.
5. Initial assignments will be in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Border Patrol Snapshot

The Border Patrol is specifically responsible for patrolling almost 7,000 miles of Mexican and Canadian international land borders.

One of the most important activities of a Border Patrol agent is line watch. This involves the detection, prevention and apprehension of terrorists, undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens or illegal goods at or near the land border.

For recruiting event information, dial toll free 1-877-277-9527 or apply online at the Border Patrol website and enter recruiting code: SCGA. ( Borderpatrol.gov )

Southern Blitz Recruiting Locations
Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Atlanta Atlanta Marriott Marquis 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA 30303	Charleston Embassy Suites Charleston Area Convention Center 5055 International Boulevard North Charleston, SC 29418
Columbus / Fort Benning Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center 801 Front Street Columbus, GA 31901	Columbia Embassy Suites Hotel 200 Stoneridge Drive Columbia, SC 29210

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.