How to Apply and Join Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team (BORSTAR)?

From navigating rugged desert terrains and mountains to executing life-saving missions in deep water, the operators of Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team (BORSTAR) are equipped to adapt and excel in any situation.

In 1998, BORSTAR was born out of the U.S. Border Patrol’s need to save lives in perilous conditions. These elite operators specialize in search and rescue, emergency medical care, and disaster response with just a total of 250 active BORSTAR agents in the country.

Their mission goes farther than the traditional tactical and SOF units. Not only are they adept at tactical response and special operations, they are the only Special Response Team (SRT) unit in the U.S. that offers emergency medical assistance and SAR at a federal level.

And for apparent reasons, joining BORSTAR is not for the faint-hearted. But let me tell you one thing-it’s possible with a lot of dedication, preparation, and an unwavering mindset.

To become a BORSTAR agent, you must first join CBP as a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) and gather two years of experience. Once qualified, you can apply for the BORSTAR team and pass the selection process following a grueling 5-week training program and several advanced training certifications to finally become a BORSTAR agent.

Eligibility Criteria

Joining the ranks of the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team (BORSTAR) is a goal that requires unwavering commitment and preparation.

But before considering all that, let’s quickly make sure whether you’re eligible or not:

1. U.S. Citizenship
2. A valid driver’s license
3. Employment as a Border Patrol Agent (BPA)
4. Two years of active service as a Border Patrol Agent
5. Secret Security Clearance
6. While a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement to join CBP, higher education will strengthen your application, particularly in criminal justice, emergency medical services, or public safety.

How to become a BORSTAR Agent?

Let’s take a few steps back and start from the beginning. How does one become a BPA in the first place?

Step 1: Become a Border Patrol Agent (BPA)

The journey begins with finding and applying for open Border Patrol Agent positions. CBP lists these opportunities on its official website or USAJobs.gov. You’ll be asked some pre-qualification questions while submitting your documents and application.

The next step will be the evaluation phase where you will be tested to determine your eligibility as a CBP agent. 

A self-assessment will gather information about your previous work experience, education and how your past experience relates to the responsibilities of a Border Patrol Agent. Post this, you’ll have to take  a proctored exam that tests your logical reasoning skills

Pro Tip: Prepare in advance for the logical reasoning portion. CBP’s website provides practice tests and resources to help you get ready.

Conditional Offer and Pre-Screening: If your application passes the initial review, you’ll receive a Conditional Offer of Employment. This offer means CBP is interested in moving you forward but needs to ensure you meet all requirements.

Next, you’ll have to go through National Background Investigation (NBI), medical examination, a standard physical fitness test (PFT), a polygraph test, and a structured interview.

If you complete all the steps, you’ll receive a final offer to join CBP as a Border Patrol Agent. From here, you’ll attend the Border Patrol Academy for rigorous training that covers:

• Law enforcement procedures.
• Physical conditioning.
• Spanish language proficiency.

Step 2: Apply for BORSTAR

Once you’ve met the basic requirement of two years of service as a BPA, you can formally express your interest in joining BORSTAR. This usually involves putting in for solicitation (submitting an internal application) through CBP channels.

Your application must include the following:

• A detailed resume highlighting your Border Patrol experience and any relevant certifications, such as EMT or tactical training.
• Letters of recommendation from supervisors or peers who can vouch for your capabilities and character.
• Documentation of your fitness records and operational achievements.

Step 3: Excel at Pre-Selection PT

All BORSTAR applicants must undergo a physical assessment test (PAT) before being considered for the national selection course.

Here, you must truly understand that BORSTAR is an all-inclusive unit that works on all terrain and is on call 24/7. BORSTAR agents are required to be a jack of all trades and master them.

Doing “good” in your PT will not make the cut. Aim to exceed the minimum fitness requirements. Selection is highly competitive, and a strong performance in this phase sets you apart.

Swimming Proficiency: BORSTAR selection is HIGHLY swim-intensive. You’ll need to be nothing short of an excellent swimmer. During selection, candidates must pass a swim test typically involving timed laps, underwater swimming, and floating exercises.

BORSTAR Selection and Training Course

Once you’ve passed the pre-selection phase, you’ll receive an invitation to the BORSTAR National Selection Course. This marks the official start of your journey to becoming a BORSTAR operator.

You’ll be informed several weeks in advance about the selection of course dates, locations, and expectations. This time is your opportunity to fine-tune your physical fitness, brush up on key skills (like land navigation), and prepare mentally for what lies ahead.

The selection and training course lasts approximately five weeks (400 hours), during which candidates are pushed to their limits through grueling challenges. It is structured to identify candidates who can thrive in BORSTAR’s high-stakes missions.

Tip: The course takes place in various challenging terrains, including deserts, mountains, and water-based environments, simulating BORSTAR agents’ real-world conditions. Expect long days, limited rest, and continuous exposure to physically and mentally demanding scenarios.

Core components include:

1. Search and Rescue (SAR) Techniques: High-angle rope rescues, confined space rescues, and swiftwater rescue operations.
2. Tactical Medicine: Providing life-saving care in austere and high-pressure situations.
3. Land Navigation: Proficiency in navigating challenging terrains using maps, compasses, and GPS.
4. Technical Rescue Operations: Utilizing specialized equipment for complex rescue scenarios.
5. Air Operations: Working alongside aviation assets for aerial rescues and insertions.
6. Teamwork and Communication: Emphasis on collaboration, coordination, and leadership in dynamic, high-pressure environments.

At the end of the course, candidates undergo a final review, including a summary of their performance, interviews, and instructor recommendations.

Training Programs for BORSTAR Operators

Successfully completing the course is a significant achievement, but it’s only the beginning. Selected candidates move on to an intensive training program with advanced certifications.

1. EMT Certification and Tactical Medicine

After completing the BORSTAR Academy, agents undergo an additional 6-week Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course, where they become certified as Basic EMTs.

Following this, they participate in a 10-day Basic Tactical Medicine Course, which trains agents to deliver emergency care in operational settings.

2. Specialized Training Opportunities

Once the foundational training is complete, BORSTAR agents may pursue additional certifications to enhance their capabilities. Some advanced specialties require months of training and periodic recertification to maintain proficiency.

Here are some examples:

Medical Specialties

• Paramedic or Austere Paramedic
• Dive Medical Technician

Rescue Specialties

• Police Safety Diver and Scuba Diver
• Rescue Watercraft Operator
• Helicopter Rope Suspension Training Master

Canine Handling

• SAR Canine Handler Certification
• Human Remains Detection Canine Certification

Technical and Tactical Operations

• Cold-Weather Operations
• Wilderness Survival
• Small-Unit Tactics and Personnel Recovery

3. Annual Mission-Essential Task List Training

BORSTAR agents are required to complete Mission-Essential Task List (METL) training annually. This involves at least 80 hours of training, although additional time is often required to ensure proficiency in critical skills.

METL training includes:

• Search-and-rescue techniques.
• Tactical medicine refreshers.
• Operating specialized equipment such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, rescue watercraft and marine vessels, snowmobiles, and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).

4. Additional Training Topics

Beyond the core and advanced specialties, BORSTAR agents often receive additional training to address mission-specific needs. These may include:

• Advanced Tactical Medicine
• Operations Planning and Management
• Dignitary Protection Operations
• Instructor-Level Certifications

Preparation Tips for Aspiring BORSTAR Candidates

The selection and training process demands unparalleled physical fitness, technical expertise, and mental resilience. Here’s how to maximize your readiness.

1. Physical Fitness Preparation

Endurance Training

• Running: Incorporate long-distance runs (6-10 miles) and interval sprints to improve cardiovascular fitness. Aim for a 2-mile time under 13 minutes, with a competitive goal of under 12 minutes.
• Ruck Marching: Train with a weighted rucksack (start with 30 lbs and gradually increase to 50-65 lbs). Target 6-12 miles on varied terrains, including hills and uneven surfaces. Aim for a 12-mile ruck march in under 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Strength and Functional Fitness

• Upper Body: Perform push-ups, pull-ups, and bench presses to develop core and upper-body strength. Competitive benchmarks include:
  • Push-Ups: 80+ in 2 minutes.
  • Pull-Ups: 15+ unassisted.
• Core Training: Focus on planks, sit-ups, and Russian twists to improve stability and endurance. Sit-Ups: Target 85+ in 2 minutes.
• Functional Movements: Include exercises like sandbag carry, rope climbs, and obstacle course training to simulate operational tasks.

Flexibility and Recovery

• Incorporate yoga or dynamic stretching into your routine to prevent injuries.
• Schedule active recovery days with light swimming or cycling.

2. Mental Resilience Training

Mental toughness is often deciding whether candidates succeed in BORSTAR. Build resilience by training your mind as rigorously as your body.

Stress Inoculation: Simulate fatigue by combining physical exhaustion with problem-solving tasks (e.g., running followed by navigation drills). Practice decision-making under time constraints to prepare for high-pressure scenarios.

Mindset and Visualization: Develop a growth mindset to view setbacks as opportunities to improve.

Adaptability and Focus: Train in dynamic environments where mission parameters can change abruptly. Practice staying calm and effective during unexpected challenges.

3. Timeline for Preparation

My advice? At some point it may make sense to find a coach to get your physical fitness to the next level. But getting a coach doesn’t always make sense.

Check out my article here to learn whether finding a coach is right for you: Do You Need a Coach for Selection?

Understanding BORSTAR

BORSTAR national headquarters is located in El Paso, Texas. There are local BORSTAR teams at each Southwest Border sector.

The harsh environments of deserts, mountains, and rivers, combined with extreme weather conditions, made search and rescue a critical necessity for the U.S. Border Patrol. Over time, BORSTAR has expanded its mission beyond border-related rescues, becoming a key player in disaster response and humanitarian aid.

At its core, BORSTAR’s mission is simple but profound: save lives. Our agents have been an integral part of saving lives at the U.S. border and those lives often belong to undocumented migrants.

Here’s a brief look at their bravery:

When the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department in Arizona received a 911 distress call from an individual claiming to have been shot in the Madera Canyon area, they contacted the Tucson Sector BORSTAR.

Tucson BORSTAR agents responded, and with the assistance of a National Guard helicopter, were able to locate the individual in the Santa Rita Mountains, approximately two miles from the nearest landing zone for the helicopter.

BORSTAR agents hiked to the subject’s location, and treated, stabilized, and extracted the subject on foot.  

Sources

• cbp.gov
• x.com
• dhs.gov
• Becoming Border Patrol Agent, YouTube