Agency offers unique chance for veterans to continue their service by protecting the homeland
WASHINGTON— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been named the second best company for veterans by Monster.com and Military.com. The websites have partnered to find companies working hard to put veterans to work. More than 28 percent of CBP’s total workforce are veterans and last year veterans accounted for almost 35 percent of all new hires.
“CBP is honored to be a part of this list, especially on the eve of Veterans Day, as hiring veterans has been a top priority in recent years,” said Deputy Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. “We believe CBP is the perfect place for veterans to continue to serve the U.S. as our core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity mirror the high standards of the U.S. Armed Forces. We are also extremely proud and grateful for the more than 17,000 CBP employees who have served or continue to serve in the U.S. military.”
CBP has worked closely with the Department of Defense to streamline the hiring process for veterans including efforts to use the military exit medical exam as the CBP entrance exam and reducing the onboarding time from over 400 days to less than 160. CBP also makes accommodations for employees to serve in Reserve and Guard units, and recognizes the importance of supporting those still actively involved in the Armed Forces.
“We have made groundbreaking improvements in our ability to reform our hiring process at CBP, particularly as it pertains to transitioning service members and veterans,” said CBP Assistant Commissioner, Office of Human Resources Management, Linda L. Jacksta. “The skill sets, training, and experience our Nation’s veterans possess are what will lead to a successful career within the Agency.”
CBP offers a unique opportunity for the men and women transitioning from the military and for veterans, as they can continue to serve the United States, just in a different uniform. There are many career opportunities for veterans and transitioning service members at CBP, from the frontlines of border security, to intelligence, to cybersecurity to trade initiatives. CBP has positions to fit the needs of job seekers nation-wide and in more than 40 global locations.
In order to further veterans’ skills for advancement within the agency, CBP offers centralized training programs, mentoring, developmental opportunities and rotational assignments to veterans. A full-time veterans’ program manager has also been hired to advocate for the placement of veterans and transitioning service members within all GS series and grades.
“Anyone from the military that is considering a career with CBP, whether it is with the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Border Patrol or Air and Marine Operations (AMO), will find great opportunities that fit their skills and career goals,” said AMO Agent Sean Driscoll, retired U.S. Army officer. “Working for CBP has been fantastic for me in my career; there is a lot to do and a lot of opportunity to grow. I know transitioning service members will feel the same way.”
“Our veterans want to contribute to our national security,” said (Acting) Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Executive Services Randolph Alles, retired Major General with the U.S. Marine Corps. “It was a big motivation for me, and it is a big motivation for our vets.”
CBP thanks and salutes all veterans for their service to our country, especially those who continue to protect the homeland with CBP.
For videos related to CBP’s veterans recruiting efforts, visit CBP’s Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System site.
For more information on a career with CBP, visit CBP.gov/Careers and CBP.gov/Careers/Veterans.
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.