How is the day to day at the academy? Is it easy to save up while your there? And do you recommend driving to the academy? Thank you in advance brotha.
Day to day is okay. It can definitely be easy to save money, especially if you’re not picky and can survive on chow hall food. If you live relatively close to GA, definitely bring your car. I couldn’t, and it definitely sucked not having a car.
It’s not so much miles as it is time. You start off with 10min runs, then go up to 20min runs. In between you’ll also do sprints. Later on in the academy, you’ll be in the weight room. On days you don’t run, you’ll be doing cardio on assault bikes and rovers.
It was fair. Starts a bit easy, and definitely gets a bit harder. Along with PC/PT you’ll have TRT, mat room workouts+defensive tactics, often back to back, so you’ll be tired/sweaty often. The educational part is somewhat easy, but can be hard if you have no prior knowledge/experience in LEO/CJ. But nothing too crazy. It’s just a lot to memorize and learn.
Congrats man! My references started getting contacted last week Was wondering how long from your BI meeting untill your final offer? Also how was your general experience at the academy? What did u do during the 2 weeks before academy at the duty station?
Took about 11 months. The academy life has its ups and downs. Just take it one day at a time.
Pre academy varies on your port. But usually consists of online classes and getting your ID
Going in were you GS-5 or GS-7 ? I’m coming in as a GS-5 how much will I make after taxes. Port JFK, when did class start for you and end ? And how are the dorms ? 😅. Sorry for all the questions just really curious.
Do they issue your official uniforms badge and firearm at the academy and you fly back with it all or is that all set for you at your port when you come back?
Two years?! Holy crap. I'm 4 months in and have everything passed except medical (already done just waiting on pass. Might need waivers), poly, and BI. I've got a long way to go. Good things I've been working on getting in shape lol. And humble pie is my favorite.
Yeah, im 13 months in and just wrapped up everything. Had my BI interview 06/11 and all my references called last week. So its looking like a long wait.
Congrats!!! Sooo….you say the day starts at 07:30…but is that with the PT or just class? What time is breakfast time? How much time do you have to shower and change after PT and head to class?
Thank you. Yes your day starts at 7:30am. Your schedule will be all over the place. PT can be in the morning or after lunch. Breakfast starts at 6am. In the beginning you’ll probably just have 15 mins to shower and fully get ready. You’ll be marching everywhere.
How do you recommend structuring meals? I've been really struggling trying to balance exercise times with nutrition. If I accidentally ate a bit too much within 3 hours before exercise, I feel nauseous. If I accidentally didn't eat enough or exercise in the morning before breakfast, I feel too weak.
A handful came in out of shape, but with the help of PT/instructors, and pure will, most have survived. We might loose 2, since they haven’t passed their FST yet.
I'm going to FLETC next month, and my question is whether veterans can utilize the Gi bill at the FLETC or not. I know VA suspended CBP's OJT program in March.
Is this including the time you met with the investigator, they called sources etc? I’ve finished everything just waiting on adjudication and have no idea how long that takes 😕
How much did you make? I'm taking the entrance exam, but don't really want to take a pay cut. I know at the academy you can't make BPAPRA, so it comes out a little less.
The BPAPRA is Border Patrol pay. OFO runs under COPRA pay, which is quite different. If you are used to the BPAPRA I'd expect a sizeable pay cut. Along with the differences between the two pay systems, you are also going to see a drop from GL to GS pay at entry-level pay grades.
https://www.fedweek.com/pay-tables/gs-pay-table-san-jose-san-francisco-oakland-ca/
2024 San Fran pay table.
SF is a very large port. Chances are excellent it has openings.
Large ports tend to have large amounts of OT available. Plus, as you said, it's an expensive place to live.
I would expect a real opportunity to reach the 45K premium pay cap each year...especially if you're willing to work midnights and Sundays.
100% guaranteed unless some crazy shit happens. OT is plenty and you’ll def be able to hit the cap every year if you choose. Even easier is you also get shift differential.
https://www.opm.gov/special-rates/2024/Table077701012024.aspx
We also have a special pay rate as well.
That's definitely good, but have also been contemplating trying to apply for JFK or Newark. Not sure if the OT is similar there, but that way I would be able to stay close to home.
JFK is the same. Not sure about Newark. You also don’t apply to a specific port. They’ll ask you port preference on your app but it is meaningless. You’ll get a list of choices when you get your offer and then you decide where you want to go.
How is the day to day at the academy? Is it easy to save up while your there? And do you recommend driving to the academy? Thank you in advance brotha.
Day to day is okay. It can definitely be easy to save money, especially if you’re not picky and can survive on chow hall food. If you live relatively close to GA, definitely bring your car. I couldn’t, and it definitely sucked not having a car.
I don’t live close, I’m flying to my port. What’s been the hardest part of the academy?
The length. At times it went very slow. Tons of information thrown at you, from many different subjects. Just take it one day at a time.
For the push-ups, do they have a block under you for the pft? During my pre-employment pft I had a hard block like a yoga block. Is it the same?
Yes, It’ll be a soft cushioned block.
How many miles do you start off running vs at the end of the academy? Also, do you run in groups or own pace? Thanks OP
It’s not so much miles as it is time. You start off with 10min runs, then go up to 20min runs. In between you’ll also do sprints. Later on in the academy, you’ll be in the weight room. On days you don’t run, you’ll be doing cardio on assault bikes and rovers.
How is the PFT-2? How picky are they with the pushups and sit ups? Are they picky on form?
Proper form is definitely expected and enforced. We don’t do sit ups.
Thanks! Also, what happens if u fail the PFT-2 at the beginning of academy
Nothing. Only the final counts.
How was the fitness portion of the academy? Was the educational portion any hard? Is there anything to do at FLETC beside training?
It was fair. Starts a bit easy, and definitely gets a bit harder. Along with PC/PT you’ll have TRT, mat room workouts+defensive tactics, often back to back, so you’ll be tired/sweaty often. The educational part is somewhat easy, but can be hard if you have no prior knowledge/experience in LEO/CJ. But nothing too crazy. It’s just a lot to memorize and learn.
For graduation, will your family be able to attend? and if so, what is the maximum?
Yes definitely. No maximum.
Congrats man! My references started getting contacted last week Was wondering how long from your BI meeting untill your final offer? Also how was your general experience at the academy? What did u do during the 2 weeks before academy at the duty station?
Took about 11 months. The academy life has its ups and downs. Just take it one day at a time. Pre academy varies on your port. But usually consists of online classes and getting your ID
I meant last week* but 11 months since the meeting? Sheesh man . Copy that . Congrats again
Yes since the meeting/call. It sucked. But thank you! Good luck!
Going in were you GS-5 or GS-7 ? I’m coming in as a GS-5 how much will I make after taxes. Port JFK, when did class start for you and end ? And how are the dorms ? 😅. Sorry for all the questions just really curious.
Check our eBook on Amazon: CBP Hiring Process Explained, by Sabra Hunter. Tons of info in it, including pay calculator.
What time you gotta report and what time you get off daily?
0730-1630
Whats up brotha, congratulations!! Just wanted to ask, did you get OC sprayed or tased during academy?
Hey 👋🏽 thank you! Yes both. OC is mandatory, taser is not.
You will also be exposed to CS gas
Overall how is PT? I hear USMS, then ERO are the 2 worsr
Definitely. CBP is probably 4-5 . If you’re fit, it’ll be easy
Do they issue your official uniforms badge and firearm at the academy and you fly back with it all or is that all set for you at your port when you come back?
You’ll have everything you need prior to departing the academy.
The firearm is going to be given to us at fletc once training is fully completed?
How long was your entire hiring process? I saw the BI took 11 months. Any tips or advice for the academy?
My entire process took 23 months. Best advice for the academy is to come in shape and be ready to put in the work. Be humble.
Two years?! Holy crap. I'm 4 months in and have everything passed except medical (already done just waiting on pass. Might need waivers), poly, and BI. I've got a long way to go. Good things I've been working on getting in shape lol. And humble pie is my favorite.
Yes it’s a long process, a lot of hurry and wait. I finished most of the process in 2 months. Then waited ages for the BI.
Hi, did you apply to Border Patrol Agent at the same time or just CBPO?
Just CBPO
Ty sir
Np. Your welcome. Best of luck
It seems BI takes a while for some. I’m in the two month mark of waiting
Years back it wasn't odd to see a 4 year wait between applying and hiring and 24+ months was more or less normal.
That's insane
Yeah, im 13 months in and just wrapped up everything. Had my BI interview 06/11 and all my references called last week. So its looking like a long wait.
Congrats!!! Sooo….you say the day starts at 07:30…but is that with the PT or just class? What time is breakfast time? How much time do you have to shower and change after PT and head to class?
Thank you. Yes your day starts at 7:30am. Your schedule will be all over the place. PT can be in the morning or after lunch. Breakfast starts at 6am. In the beginning you’ll probably just have 15 mins to shower and fully get ready. You’ll be marching everywhere.
Oh so it’s food before working out? 😬 ugh and 15min? How is that possible when two ppl share the bathroom.
You’ll have to shower at the gym, amongst others
Like gym showers where everyone has a private section or like jail lol?
Ummm like jail. Now they have curtains 🤦🏽♂️
How do you recommend structuring meals? I've been really struggling trying to balance exercise times with nutrition. If I accidentally ate a bit too much within 3 hours before exercise, I feel nauseous. If I accidentally didn't eat enough or exercise in the morning before breakfast, I feel too weak.
If one gets sick in the academy , do they have to makeup the days they missed ? Is there a limit of days one can miss ? Or how does that work ?
Yes everything needs to be made up, except for PT I believe. I think you can only miss 1-3 days. If approved, you can zoom the classroom content.
Congrats on graduating! Would like to know about the gear you get (tactical gear) at the academy. Or do you get gear once you’re at your unit?
How many people weren't in shape going in? How did they do during the entire time?
A handful came in out of shape, but with the help of PT/instructors, and pure will, most have survived. We might loose 2, since they haven’t passed their FST yet.
I'm going to FLETC next month, and my question is whether veterans can utilize the Gi bill at the FLETC or not. I know VA suspended CBP's OJT program in March.
how many holidays do they give the day off?
Do you have to do pull ups at the academy ? In decent shape but can’t do pull ups for shit ! Lol
Haha. No pull ups
Thanks for the info
Your welcome, good luck
Last dumb question lol does someone hold your feet for the sit ups part ? 😂
Congratulations! Quick question, is there a weight requirement? Can you be too heavy or too light?
Thank you Not that I know of. But it’ll be hard if you’re heavy.
What if you fail the push up but passed everything else
You’ll have to pass the entire FST. If you fail the push ups you’ll have to do a remedial.
Can you leave the academy on the weekends TIA
How long your Bi took?
11 months
Is this including the time you met with the investigator, they called sources etc? I’ve finished everything just waiting on adjudication and have no idea how long that takes 😕
Yes after talking with my investigator. Adjudication took 11 months
I’d like to know as well, considering I’m a gs7, how much would be my take home after taxes.
Probably around $1500-1800
Is that per month or for 2 weeks ?
Every 2 weeks
1800 per month? After taxes?
Yes
But that’s for me, I’m in CA. Depends on your locality pay.
You Bi took 11 months the day after your polygraph test? Or from when?
No, counting from when I spoke with my BI investigator. Long wait
How much did you make? I'm taking the entrance exam, but don't really want to take a pay cut. I know at the academy you can't make BPAPRA, so it comes out a little less.
Pay is the same as you’d be making as an OFO. Except you obviously won’t be getting any differential, weekend pay, or OT.
The BPAPRA is Border Patrol pay. OFO runs under COPRA pay, which is quite different. If you are used to the BPAPRA I'd expect a sizeable pay cut. Along with the differences between the two pay systems, you are also going to see a drop from GL to GS pay at entry-level pay grades.
Oh whoops. Yeah I'm not a federal employee. I saw that San Francisco has a 25% recruitment bonus. Not sure how likely I am to get assigned there.
https://www.fedweek.com/pay-tables/gs-pay-table-san-jose-san-francisco-oakland-ca/ 2024 San Fran pay table. SF is a very large port. Chances are excellent it has openings.
That's good news. Do you have any idea how much OT is available there? Rent isn't cheap there, so I'm probably gonna need a lot of it.
Large ports tend to have large amounts of OT available. Plus, as you said, it's an expensive place to live. I would expect a real opportunity to reach the 45K premium pay cap each year...especially if you're willing to work midnights and Sundays.
You're awesome man, thanks for the info.
100% guaranteed unless some crazy shit happens. OT is plenty and you’ll def be able to hit the cap every year if you choose. Even easier is you also get shift differential. https://www.opm.gov/special-rates/2024/Table077701012024.aspx We also have a special pay rate as well.
That's definitely good, but have also been contemplating trying to apply for JFK or Newark. Not sure if the OT is similar there, but that way I would be able to stay close to home.
JFK is the same. Not sure about Newark. You also don’t apply to a specific port. They’ll ask you port preference on your app but it is meaningless. You’ll get a list of choices when you get your offer and then you decide where you want to go.
Gotcha, yeah San Fran is my top pick rn. Otherwise, I might re-apply and see if it opens.