see also: in October 2008:   Mexican Military Makes Accidental Incursion into the U.S.   CBP Officers Apprehend Illegal Alien Hidden on Rail Car   Border Patrol Agents Make Several Drug Seizures Near Laredo   CBP Officers at the Calexico Downtown Port of Entry Intercept Cocaine Smuggling Attempt   CBP to Open Andrade Port of Entry Earlier During Agriculture Harvest Season   Layered Enforcement Snags U.S. Citizen, Foils 3 Smuggling Attempts   CBP Announces Online Method for Meeting SENTRI Vehicle Requirements ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers BorderPatrol.gov

contacts for this news release

Washington - U.S. Customs and Border Protection recruiters will look to the Southwest with one-day national recruiting events in Albuquerque, N.M. and El Paso, Texas.

The Albuquerque event will take place on Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select—Albuquerque Airport, 1501 Sunport Place, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

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 17,600 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.

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.

On Saturday, 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.

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

Along with the Southwest 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 Web site 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.

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 (877) 277-9527 or apply online and enter recruiting code: TWTX. ( BorderPatrol.gov )

Southwest Blitz Recruiting Locations Saturday, October 25 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Albuquerque Holiday Inn Select - Albuquerque Airport 1501 Sunport Place, SE Albuquerque, NM 87106	El Paso Holiday Inn Airport - El Paso 6655 Gateway West 6655 Gateway West

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.