Bortac Training Course

Both the screening program to qualify for BORTAC training and the actual training course is one of the most demanding in the law enforcement profession. Simunition training at BORTAC facility. I was last guy in stick. Shot the haji when we went through the door. All i saw was gun and his hands reaching for so.


For those unique and hazardous missions, The Border Patrol Special Operations Group is the answer. These are special teams who receive intense training to respond rapidly to situations that are usually not encountered by ordinary Border Patrol Agents. Special Operations Group trains teams in special tactics and techniques, search and rescue, and medical response capabilities. They are designed and specially-equipped to respond rapidly to emergent, uncommon, and usually dangerous situations.The regular activities that Border Patrol Agents engage in—patrolling borders, vehicle inspections, and traffic checkpoints—are not the only methods utilized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency to secure the country against terrorists and their weapons. Strengthening the fight against terrorism and protecting America and its borders require more than linewatch duties. The CBP knows and understands this and have thus prepared accordingly.

The Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) and the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR), and the Border Patrol Special Response Team comprise the Border Patrol Special Operations Group. In order for the Special Operations Group to carry out their missions, the CBP plans, trains, and deploys agents to domestic and international destinations to derive intelligence in support of its antiterrorism efforts. They are also sent to give humanitarian aid and help in areas hit by disasters.

Part of the efforts of the Special Operations Group is training border police of other nations to prepare them for combat incidents. In December of last year, for instance, Belizean law enforcement personnel were trained by 8 instructors from the Special Operations Group on various techniques. From intense physical fitness training to patrolling drills to weaponry to tactical and operational modules to field medical training, the training given by the group certainly added to the knowledge possessed by the immigration and customs officers and policemen in Belize.

The Special Operations Group, however, is not for neophyte Border Patrol Agents. When you’ve served for about a couple years and want to take your career up the next level as part of The Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), for example, you’ll have to be ready for the BORTAC Training Course. You will first be tested physically through such exercises as push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and a 1.5 mile run to determine if you can handle the rigors of the job. A pistol qualification test is also going to be given during the initial testing phase. Once you have passed those, then you will have to complete a timed six-mile ruck march carrying a weighted pack. You will be tested in swimming, treading water, and drown-proofing.

If you are tough enough to pass these then you will undergo intense training in small unit tactics, operation planning, advanced weapon skills, defensive tactics, and airmobile operations for a few weeks. The final test before you can officially call yourself part of the BORTAC, you will have to show that you can function in a team environment despite intense stress and sleep deprivation.

Only when you have passed all these grueling tests will you be given the go signal to work on your Sector Special Response Team. While on the job, you will be taught more advanced tactical and weapons techniques.

Bortac Selection And Training Course


This is a unit of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency that is tasked with and capable of responding to emergency search and rescue situations all over the country! Border Patrol Agents who are members of this highly-specialized unit are actually volunteers who go beyond their call of duty to give assistance to those in need. Most of the time, they give aid to migrants who try to cross the borders illegally and end up getting injured because of the dangerous terrain which can also be home to wild animals. Other illegal aliens also need rescuing because they are suffering from dehydration or hunger after they have run out of food and water supply.BORSTAR stands for Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue.

BORSTAR agents also respond to distress calls from fellow Border Patrol Agents, residents, and visitors who find themselves in need of help when in the border regions. More often than not, they are the only rescue unit available in these border areas. Highly-trained BORSTAR members perform heroic rescues in various types of environments and often inhospitable climates. They have been called upon to help perform rescues in treacherous mountains and bodies of water. They also respond even when the weather is freezing cold or blisteringly hot. Rescue operations can be quick—that is, they last for only a few minutes or a few hours. But they can also be prolonged—sometimes for days or even weeks.

Although voluntary, it is not easy to become a BORSTAR agent. First of all, you need to be a full-fledged Border Patrol Agent for two years before you can be considered. All applicants must also go through and application and selection process before they can be selected to attend the BORSTAR Academy.

Bortac basic selection and training course

If you do make it as one of the individuals selected for training, expect to go through a rigorous and demanding five week course which will test your physical and mental limits. You will be given instruction on search and rescue techniques and related skills, tactical medicine, technical rescue, land navigation, communication, swiftwater rescue, and air operations. You will be taught to value the most important knowledge that all BORSTAR agents share— teamwork.

After basic academy training, all BORSTAR agents have to go through an emergency medical technician course. This is mandatory so that all agents get certified as Basic Emergency Medical Technicians. If you so wish, you can get additional specialized training afterwards. You can train to become a paramedic, police safety diver, rescue watercraft/boat operator, and coldweather operations.

Bortac Team

BORSTAR agents can be assigned in any of the local BORSTAR teams at each Southwest Border Sector. The national headquarters of the BORSTAR is in El Paso, Texas.

Bortac basic selection and training courseTraining

Bortac Sniper

BORSTAR agents are compassionate and perform a valiant and valuable service to both our country and mankind. If you want to be a part, we encourage you to join!