Federal Service
Careers in Government & Border Security
Keep serving with stability, strong benefits, and veteran hiring preference.
Why vets fit
Military experience | Government translation |
|---|---|
Security clearances | Immediate eligibility for sensitive roles |
Chain of command awareness | Understanding federal hierarchy/protocol |
Mission focus | Alignment with national security objectives |
Leadership | Supervisory & team management |
Technical training | Specialized skills (intel, cyber, logistics) |
Career path options
Agency type | Example agencies / roles |
|---|---|
Border security | CBP, Border Patrol, ICE, port security |
Intelligence | DIA, CIA, NSA, FBI intelligence |
Defense | DoD civilian, defense contracting |
Homeland security | DHS, FEMA, TSA, Coast Guard civilian |
Federal law enforcement | USMS, ATF, DEA, Secret Service |
Veteran hiring advantages
- Veterans' preference points
- Military time counts toward federal retirement
- VA disability boosts preference tiers
- Special hiring authorities & direct-hire programs for vets
Salary ranges (base + locality)
Role | Starting salary | Experienced salary |
|---|---|---|
Border Patrol Agent (GL-5/7) | $52K–$66K | $85K–$110K+ |
1811 Federal Agent (GL-7/9) | $62K–$78K | $100K+ |
Intelligence Analyst (GS-7/9) | $55K–$70K | $90K–$120K+ |
DoD Civilian (GS-7/9) | $50K–$65K | $85K–$110K+ |
Pros & cons
Pros: stable employment, strong benefits, pension, clear career ladders, specialized training, work-life balance in many roles.
Cons: long hiring timelines (6–12 months), limited location flexibility, possible relocation, political shifts impact missions, clearance requirements persist.
How to get hired
- Create a USAJOBS account and build a federal-style resume (long, detailed).
- Understand hiring windows + security clearance timelines.
- Network with current feds via LinkedIn/alumni groups.
- Consider temp or term appointments as entry points.
- Track your USAJOBS status weekly; respond fast to questionnaires.
Qualifications to highlight
- Bachelor’s (required for many roles).
- Active/previous clearance (TS/SCI highly valued).
- Language skills (Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, etc.).
- Technical certs (cyber, intel, logistics).
- Specialized military training (HUMINT, UAV, EOD).
Top veteran-friendly agencies
Agency | Why it’s friendly |
|---|---|
CBP | Direct-hire authority, no degree requirement for certain roles |
DIA | Values military intelligence backgrounds |
DHS | Multiple component agencies with veteran programs |
FBI | Dedicated veteran pathways + clearance recognition |
DoD | Largest veteran employer in federal government |
Need help with USAJOBS?
Sitreps can review your federal resume, translate MOS bullets, and help you prep for CBP/DHS interview panels.
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