The Department of Defense (DoD) has opened the door for its civilian employees to apply for temporary assignments with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This move is part of an effort to bolster President Donald J. Trump's priority of fortifying the southern border.
According to American Military News, the DoD informed its civilian workforce of this opportunity via an email on August 20. Those interested in contributing to the southern border mission can apply through the USAJOBS website.
Following the application, the DHS will review the submissions and initiate coordination with the applicant's organization to secure approval for a detail to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Nearly 500 DoD civilians have already signed up to lend their expertise to the border security and immigration enforcement mission at the participating DHS agencies. Michael A. Cogar, the deputy assistant defense secretary for civilian personnel policy, expressed his hope for more volunteers. I hope that we can get as many [general schedule] civilians as possible to volunteer for this critical mission, Cogar stated.
While supervisor approval is required for participation in a detail to the DHS agencies, Cogar urged supervisors to make every effort to facilitate their employees' volunteering. He emphasized the importance of the mission, stating, This mission is truly critical, not just for DHS, not just for DoD, but for the entire country. Any individual, any one person, can have a force multiplying effect for those DHS agents, allowing them to focus on what they do best, while we can provide that technical support that they need to be on target, on mission and out there every day focused on the safety of our nation.
Cogar outlined the eligibility criteria for the detail, stating that all appropriated fund DoD civilian employees in good standing, who have served with their current agency for more than 90 days and who are not on a probationary period, are eligible to volunteer.
The assignments will primarily be in border states and will require travel, although other duty locations are currently being identified by participating agencies.
The DHS agencies are keen to leverage the diverse skill sets that DoD civilians possess to aid operations at the southern border and with internal immigration enforcement. Cogar highlighted the technical expertise of DoD civilians across multiple fields, stating, Department civilians are technical experts across multiple fields, and they are waiting to be called to support this absolutely critical and necessary mission.
The skills sought include those related to transportation security, data input and analysis, targeting and intelligence analysis, firearms, corrections, detention and prisoner processing, linguistics, case processing, and human resources. While on detail, DoD civilians will be involved with data entry, operational planning support, processing and throughput logistics, and logistical support.
However, law enforcement functions will not be among the roles performed.
The agreement between DoD and DHS is set to last until September 30, 2026, and DoD civilians can be detailed for up to 180 days. During their time on detail, they will continue to receive the same pay and benefits they earn during their regular DoD jobs. They will also be eligible for overtime and premium pay.
Beyond the financial benefits, Cogar pointed out the career-enhancing opportunities this detail presents. This is an opportunity for them to receive additional training, he said. Theyre going to get professional development and cross-functional expertise. Also, theyre learning how to work with partner agencies. The experience gained from working in a multi-agency cross-country operation could be considered on their next performance evaluation.
The opportunity to assist DHS in protecting the nations southern border is not limited to DoD civilians. Since June, the department has also offered retiring and separating service members the chance to work for DHS through the SkillBridge program. As part of this initiative, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, military departments are encouraging service members to seek internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training with DHS. Like civilian details, these SkillBridge opportunities last up to 180 days.
Cogar emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach to achieving the Presidents goals for the southern border, and the crucial role DoD civilians can play in this mission. This is a national security problem, and our civilians have the critical skill sets to support DHS in their mission, Cogar said.
Were proud that our civilians are already willing to sign up. This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to securing the southern border and the vital role that DoD civilians can play in this endeavor.
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