see also: in August 2008:   CBP in New York Apprehends Suspected Interpol Fugitive   Louisville CBP Finds Heroin in Woman’s Suit   CBP Officers Nab More than $1 Million in Narcotics in 48-hour Period   Philadelphia CBP Seizes $650,000 in Fake Bank Checks   CBP on a Roll Seizing Fake Handbags, Footwear Again in California   Calexico Downtown Port Officers Intercept $100K Narcotic Smuggling Attempt   CBP Outbound Inspection Yields 293 Unreported Ostrich Skins ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers U.S. Border Patrol

contacts for this news release

Washington - For the first time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection national recruiters will look to the Aloha State with recruiting events that will target both the civilian and military communities.

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 16,850 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.

Border Patrol recruiters will launch a one-day recruiting event, which is open to everyone, on Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96814.

“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 like Hawaii 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.”

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

To reach military ID card holders with base access, Border Patrol recruiters will take part in the Joint Employment Management System Job Fair on Wednesday, September 3, at Club Pearl on Pearl Harbor from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hiring an unprecedented number of Border Patrol agents sparked efforts to expand recruiting efforts.

Along with Hawaii recruiting, 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 U.S. 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. ( U.S. Border Patrol )

At the September 3 and 6 hiring events on-site recruiters will offer:

• Answers to applicant questions;
• Application assistance and online application submission;
• Test-taking tips, practice testing and evaluation; and
• 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, N.M.
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 and 95,000 miles of shoreline.

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 U.S. Border Patrol website. ( U.S. Border Patrol )

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.