U.S. Customs and Border Protection (AIA/AEO)

[RyanQ44]

Does anyone know where most of the new guys are getting "stationed"? Is it impossible for a newbie to get Tampa or another big city as a base? Also, are you hired first and then told where you are stationed, or are you hired for a certain base? I know this has been discussed before, but things seem to be changing so much with this announcement.

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by RyanQ44

Does anyone know where most of the new guys are getting "stationed"? Is it impossible for a newbie to get Tampa or another big city as a base? Also, are you hired first and then told where you are stationed, or are you hired for a certain base? I know this has been discussed before, but things seem to be changing so much with this announcement.

VFR direct to Marfa, Tx and Deming, NM.



Yes, you can get anywhere there are openings.

You are now hired first, then given a location offer it would seem.

[Heath]

Tampa would be hard. Its a small base, with only 3 or 4 pilots I hear. Other cities just depend on where the openings are.

Subject to change, right now they make you a conditional offer, do the background check, and then offer you a firm location with your class date. So there's nothing stopping one from applying and then backing out if you don't like what they offer.

Keep in mind, though, you sign a mobility agreement and they can move you anywhere, anytime, at the needs of the agency. So if you're not willing to relocate, I'd give this job some thought...

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by Heath

Keep in mind, though, you sign a mobility agreement and they can move you anywhere, anytime, at the needs of the agency. So if you're not willing to relocate, I'd give this job some thought...

And if you're not willing to be a cop, with all that comes with that, also re-think applying. The job isn't pilot who flies cops around, you're a cop who happens to fly.

[RyanQ44]

Originally Posted by MikeD

And if you're not willing to be a cop, with all that comes with that, also re-think applying. The job isn't pilot who flies cops around, you're a cop who happens to fly.

Thanks David Starsky. I'm sure you are a real American hero, but I know what I am getting myself into. I was just curious about the bases because very little is posted. Its not like the military where you can do research before you put in for an assignment. All of the information on the job seems to come from rumors and hearsay. So far, my take is that its not the most organized run operation. I'm hoping that is just the hiring process. Heath, thanks for the good information, you seem to be pretty knowledgeable. "Mike D", throttle back buddy, nobody's trying to steal your thunder.

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by RyanQ44

Thanks David Starsky. I'm sure you are a real American hero, but I know what I am getting myself into. I was just curious about the bases because very little is posted. Its not like the military where you can do research before you put in for an assignment. All of the information on the job seems to come from rumors and hearsay. So far, my take is that its not the most organized run operation. I'm hoping that is just the hiring process. Heath, thanks for the good information, you seem to be pretty knowledgeable. "Mike D", throttle back buddy, nobody's trying to steal your thunder.

Touchy, touchy there junior. My post wasn't directed at you (I was actually answering Heath, but thanks for jerkoff comments), it was a general statement made since one of the things we've been seeing with some of the applicants are guys that actually don't know or realize the depth of that part of the job. They think its some flying job where you just haul cops around and support them. Why? Because of the lack of info out there of the topic, because of the lack of organization, etc, etc. Not their fault.

So instead of sniping at those that might have some good info to pass on, maybe you should quit being so sensitive and thinking everything is being thrown your way. If I was directing anything at you, I'd have likely quoted your post or part of it. With only 4 total posts, get to know the crowd before throwing rocks at people, especially those that work where you're trying to get on, and even more especially when it's wholly undeserved. Shows incredibly low SA.

Nice first-impression attitude, btw.

Oh, and welcome to JC.

[flydog1]

still waiting for a phone call for an interview

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by flydog1

still waiting for a phone call for an interview

Don't get too worked up, the bureaucratic gears do turn slowly for this gig from apply to hire to training to on the line. Hopefully knowing that helps.

[goflyhelo]

Originally Posted by crashmbern

I finished the application a few weeks ago and haven't hear anything. How long does it usually take to find out your score??

Just curious, i know its a long process after that.

It only took 4 business days to get my NOR (Notice of Results) after submitting my application early last month. I received a 91 (Dual rated, 2300+ TT, 1800+ turbine, no military) so hoping to at least get invited for an interview.

[Heath]

Originally Posted by RyanQ44

Thanks David Starsky. I'm sure you are a real American hero, but I know what I am getting myself into. I was just curious about the bases because very little is posted. Its not like the military where you can do research before you put in for an assignment. All of the information on the job seems to come from rumors and hearsay. So far, my take is that its not the most organized run operation. I'm hoping that is just the hiring process. Heath, thanks for the good information, you seem to be pretty knowledgeable. "Mike D", throttle back buddy, nobody's trying to steal your thunder.

WOW. Taking shots at a veteran employee, not a good way to get hired...

If anyone's in the know here, its Mike. He works there. I just received a conditional offer, so I guess I'm in the know on the hiring process, but that's it.

I'm not even an FNG, yet!

[BillErvin]

Originally Posted by RyanQ44

Thanks David Starsky. I'm sure you are a real American hero, but I know what I am getting myself into. I was just curious about the bases because very little is posted. Its not like the military where you can do research before you put in for an assignment. All of the information on the job seems to come from rumors and hearsay. So far, my take is that its not the most organized run operation. I'm hoping that is just the hiring process. Heath, thanks for the good information, you seem to be pretty knowledgeable. "Mike D", throttle back buddy, nobody's trying to steal your thunder.

I'd be careful there hotshot, You might walk into your interview and Mike will be on the other side of the desk.

Mike, myself and a few others here, have been around the block with the Government and the two agencies that now make up the CBP Air OPs. We try to give everyone the straight scoop, not rumor and hearsay

[dcramer16]

Originally Posted by RyanQ44

Thanks David Starsky. I'm sure you are a real American hero, but I know what I am getting myself into. I was just curious about the bases because very little is posted. Its not like the military where you can do research before you put in for an assignment. All of the information on the job seems to come from rumors and hearsay. So far, my take is that its not the most organized run operation. I'm hoping that is just the hiring process. Heath, thanks for the good information, you seem to be pretty knowledgeable. "Mike D", throttle back buddy, nobody's trying to steal your thunder.

*Open mouth*
*Insert foot*

I've done that here before. I don't know your story, and I don't know why today you have a chip on your shoulder. I know online forums have been good for replacing the "kick the dog when you come home on a bad day" feeling, it is convenient, and often anonymous, best of all when you're feeling bad, it can sometimes feel better to kick another human than a dog even! Best thing to do now is apologize and try and get rid of that chip, or whatever is causing it. Welcome to JC!

[RyanQ44]

Hey Bill, that's a pretty cool Apache picture on your profile. Did you fly those?

First off dudes, I wasn't calling anyone out on this forum. I was just having a little fun. I didn't realize all the attention it would get. I'm not trying to offend any senior members. I know you guys have your little click on this thing, and I can respect that. I was just trying to get some information and you never who the Yahoos are on here and who actually know their stuff. I do appreciate the good gouge you guys are giving.

As far as being "junior" to the government scene. I'm not sure I qualify, I've had my fair share of "government" flying. I'm sure I have just as many combat hours as the other guys.

[SteveC]

"clique"

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by RyanQ44

First off dudes, I wasn't calling anyone out on this forum. I was just having a little fun. I didn't realize all the attention it would get. I'm not trying to offend any senior members. I know you guys have your little click on this thing, and I can respect that. I was just trying to get some information and you never who the Yahoos are on here and who actually know their stuff. I do appreciate the good gouge you guys are giving.

Q- for Quibbling in the debrief. Flaw is that if you actually reviewed the pages in the thread, you'd know pretty easily who was who, and who knew what. Instead, you decided to shell the friendlies....for who knows what real reason, and got called on doing it.

I'm sure I have just as many combat hours as the other guys.

OK. You mean time spent downrange actually past the ARIP/AR track?

[dcramer16]

Originally Posted by RyanQ44

First off dudes, I wasn't calling anyone out on this forum. I was just having a little fun.

[Drum-roll] AAAANNNNNDDDDD! Common mistake #2, trying to save face by "pretending" you were just kidding around. But then you got called out. Should have apologized instead....

[BillErvin]

Just say I'm sorry, and we'll all be friends. No Big

A friend of mine up at Ft. Campbell sent me that picture, don't know if he was flying it, but I have my suspicions. I was one of those silly boys with the camo face that jumped out of perfectly good airplanes/helicopters. There was always a question about the perfectly good helicopters part though I'm retired twice, 21 years military active & reserve and 26 years gov't law enforcement (Border Patrol/INS/Federal Air Marshal.)

The military and the Government are two separate animals. Being a cop in the federal government is separate again. Different retirements and other things.

Any questions feel free

[rd757]

Originally Posted by dcramer16

*Open mouth*
*Insert foot*

I've done that here before. Best thing to do now is apologize

I did the same thing when I got on here... OOPS. I apologized, got back on the good side of those with the info (or so I hope), and want to get the most out of being on here.

RyanQ44 -- clean it up. The people on this forum are where you want to be, and they have the info to help you get there. Sit down, be respectful and humble and get the most you can out of this. They're ready to help you, but you have to be ready and willing to accept all viewpoints and information.

Regards,
RD

[Heath]

One of the guys on aptap just found out he's EODing on a rush basis to Marfa. DOH!

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by Heath

One of the guys on aptap just found out he's EODing on a rush basis to Marfa. DOH!

Don't look at me!

Btw, have you ever been to Marfa? Used to go through there all the time on Hwy 90 between Del Rio and Van Horn to El Paso. They've got this "See the Marfa Lights" viewing area south of town.....still don't know what's there to see. Bill? Any insight?

[Heath]

Closest I've been is Del Rio, which was as close as I care to get!

[orville]

FYI, the Marfa air unit isn't in Marfa anymore. They've to Alpine, approximately 15 miles north. Very pretty and a few more things to do. Still west Texas though and in the middle of nowhere.

[rd757]

I'm pretty interested in flying for CBP, have a ways to go yet, though

RD

[BillErvin]

Originally Posted by orville

FYI, the Marfa air unit isn't in Marfa anymore. They've to Alpine, approximately 15 miles north. Very pretty and a few more things to do. Still west Texas though and in the middle of nowhere.

If that's true, Alpines a better place, Marfa is more W Texas scrub brush and Desert. Alpine is higher and cooler, a little bigger but on par as far as size. Its a college town but can remember the name, its a private college. Both are sort of one horse towns in the middle of nowhere, but if I had my druthers I'd pick Alpine.

CAP has its hill flying course in Alpine every year. They call it a mountain flying course, but I just can't bring myself to call it that because I grew up flying in WA ID MT. It is great high density altitude training though.

[BillErvin]

Originally Posted by MikeD

Don't look at me!

Btw, have you ever been to Marfa? Used to go through there all the time on Hwy 90 between Del Rio and Van Horn to El Paso. They've got this "See the Marfa Lights" viewing area south of town.....still don't know what's there to see. Bill? Any insight?

Something about UFOs, car headlights or Gas bubbles not sure which

There is a really nice abandoned airport out there. Marfa AAF I think, it has a old west movie facade on part of the old base.

Marfa has about 2500 folks and is about 4600 ft, so its cooler than the rest of Texas and gets cold in the winter. Alpine is a bit higher at 5000, with about 6000 residents more or less. Like I said one horse town!

But what do I know, I liked living in Artesia

I almost forgot, big glider flying area and a large Film festival, ever year in May. Like this last weekend maybe.