Patrolling The Borders Of Iraq

The contract, which came out of the US Department of State, caused some commotion in the media and in the border community because Dyncorp began to recruit active and inactive border patrol agents. The commotion came from the idea that current agents would defect to the private sector and leave the US Borders unprotected. This is a ridiculous idea because our borders are as wide open as the Niagara Falls, with or without border patrol agents.

There were around 125 candidates in the process and I was amazed that there were so many. The process consisted of a very thorough physical exam by local doctors, to include dental, vision, etc.

Apparently, as long as a person had a pulse and could walk on his or her own, they would pass the physical exam. For example, after I was in Iraq and working at my assigned area, we received a new border advisor from Dyncorp who was over 70 years old. To top it off, he was a chain smoker. Obviously you did not have to be in top physical shape to perform the assigned duties. This individual could not even carry his luggage. After a week, he decided to resign because he was useless to the mission.

Soon after, we went through more steps, including vaccinations, power point presentations, and what to expect in a war zone. We also were outfitted with all of the military gear: vests, helmets, gas masks, etc. This lasted for two weeks and then we were finally flown commercially to the Middle East.

Civilian contractors from all over the world were represented in every aspect of the the US and Iraqi bases' daily routines.