BANGOR – Prospective recruits of U.S. Customs got a taste Saturday of what it might be like to help monitor America’s borders.

Nearly 50 candidates interested in joining the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency arrived at the Hampton Inn ready to learn what it takes to be one of the nation’s 18,000 agents the government hopes to employ by the end of fiscal year 2008.

While wages, training and relocation were thoroughly discussed, each individual candidate had his own reasons for attending the agency’s first recruiting session of its kind in Maine.

“This is a good opportunity, nice salary and has government benefits,” said John Dudley, 21, of Orono, who submitted an application after the presentation. “Maine is a little economically disadvantaged. I do not feel any pressure to stay in state. I want to live comfortably, even if it means being taken out of my element for two to five years.”

In order to be considered for the position, a recruit must be a U.S. citizen, physically fit, under 40, have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check, drug test and medical exam. Two entrance examinations, similar to those of the military, test basic knowledge and language skills, said Matthew Whittaker, CBP senior patrol agent, who works in Calais. The test has a 50 percent failure rate and is required before any interviews, he said.

All new CBP recruits attend 19 weeks of training in New Mexico studying law, physical fitness, driving, firearms and Spanish. Once recruits successfully complete the academy, all are assigned to the southern border for 21/2 years, Whittaker said. After that, Maine agents could ask to be relocated back home, but nothing is guaranteed, he said.

While relocation was not an issue for Cameron Maclean, 29, who has spent time traveling through Europe and lived in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for a year, the Ellsworth man said leaving his aging parents is a concern. The promise of change for the young man who has worked in a boatyard for six years was enticing, and he too completed an application on the spot.

“It’s time to make a change,” Maclean said. “I’ve been working the same job for six years. I’m tired of it and I want to do something more valuable.”

Saturday’s turnout was a pleasant surprise for Whittaker, who used the Bangor recruiting event as a test case for other areas. He said Saturday’s success would lead to more events of its kind throughout New England.

While recognizing that well-paying jobs are scarce in Maine, Whittaker said money is not the primary incentive for most recruits. The allure of an outdoor law enforcement job paired with service to the country is what brings most recruits to CBP, many of whom have military experience, he said.

After a stint in the Marines, James Johnson, 31, craves to be back in a uniform. Johnson said he can’t wait to be back to the structured lifestyle and patriotic service, and he will either return to the military or become a CBP agent.

“My wife and I talked about it and [CBP] is a compromise – at least I wouldn’t be deployed overseas,” Johnson said. “I wouldn’t say it’s safer than the military, but I admit the pay is a little better.”

For information on how to become an agent, call 866-231-5434.

trobbins@bangordailynews.net

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