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U.S. Border PatrolSearch, Trauma, & Rescue
BORSTARCMDR Jesse Munoz
U.S. Border PatrolSpecial Operations Group
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DHS Organization
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CBP Organization
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Introduction
On October 2007, the Border Patrol consolidated the National Headquarters of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) and the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue Team (BORSTAR) under one central headquarters designated the Border Patrol Special Operations Group (SOG).
This places national level tactical and emergency response assets under one coordinating headquarters for the purposes of facilitating rapid response for National Security issues.
The SOG supports the Office of Border Patrol Strategic Plan to:
• Secure America’s Borders
• Strengthen the Border Patrol
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Sector Special Operations Detachments (SOD)
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SOG Mission Statement
The Special Operations Group mission is to train, organize, equip, resource, and deploy specially trained tactical, emergency response and intelligence personnel worldwide in order to protect America.
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OCONUS Mission Execution
• SOG is the principal element for Host Nation (HN) Capacity Building/Foreign Border Security (FBS). The primary goal is to build/strengthen HN border security.
• FBS missions include border security training, advisory, Operational Capability and Border Security Assessments.
• SOG is the primary element for interagency and/or unilateral advisory support of HN Law Enforcement units
• SOG may employ Sector SOD personnel to support FBS missions
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CONUS Mission Execution
• SOG conducts intelligence driven operations within corridors to mitigate capability/capacity gaps by providing (Tier 1) forces to combat TCO activities (Tier forces are scalable and can be interdependent/interoperable depending on mission requirements)
• Sector Special Operations Division (SOD) (Tier 2) is the primary element for special operations missions within the Sector AOR
• For National Special Security Events, SOG will deploy sector MRTs (Tier 3) and/or SOD/SOG elements
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LegendSOG Supported Mission Locations
Past OCONUS Missions
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Summary
Special Operations Group
The Special Operations Group supports domestic, international intelligence driven and anti-terrorism efforts, as well as disaster and humanitarian related special operations through planning, training, and strategic deployments.
As a highly mobile, rapid-response tool, the Special Operations Group significantly increases DHS’ ability to respond operationally to specific terrorist threats and incidents, as well as to support traditional Border Patrol operations.
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In support of the Border Patrol National Strategy, the BORSTAR Unit will provide law enforcement, search, rescue, and medical response capabilities for the U.S. Border Patrol. Additionally, BORSTAR will provide mutual assistance to local, county, state, tribal, and Federal entities by responding to enforcement and search and rescue requirements, acts of terrorism, potential terrorism, and natural disasters throughout the United States.
The BORSTAR Unit will provide professional training, support, and operational guidance upon request and as directed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner and the United States Border Patrol Chief.
Mission
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Mission: The BORSTAR Unit provides law enforcement, search and rescue, and medical response capabilities for the U.S. Border Patrol. Additionally, BORSTAR provides mutual assistance to local, county, state, tribal, and Federal entities in response to enforcement and search and rescue requirements, acts of terrorism, potential terrorism and natural disasters throughout the United States.
History- BORSTAR was created in 1998 in response to increasing incidents involving injured agents, distressed migrants, and lack of a medical response along the Southwest border.
Tactical Medicine: Provide emergency medical care in life threating environments to law enforcement officers.
USBP SEARCH, TRAUMA & RESCUE (BORSTAR)
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BORSTARSearch and Rescue: Air, Ground and Water Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Training Support for other Law Enforcement Agencies.
National Special Security Events: Missions involving a Nexus to National Security such as security or emergency response to political events and large scale natural disasters.
Foreign Border Security : Build Partner Capacity by Assessing Host Nation Capabilities by conducting Medical Threat Assessments and Training Host Nation Security Forces in Basic Medical and Tactical Medical Courses and Search and Rescue (SAR).
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BORSTAR Basic Skill-sets• Technical Rope Rescue• Swift-water Rescue Technician• First Responders/EMT• Aerial Rescue Operations• Land Navigation• Incident Command System
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Capabilities• Incident Command System/NIMS
• Land Navigation
• Tactical Medic/Operator - TCCC
• Technical Rescue Technician
• Air Operations/HRST Master
• Swift-Water Rescue Technician
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Paramedic/Austere Medicine
• Police Safety Diver
• SAR and HRD Canine Handler
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Support to EMS
• Important link to EMS.
• Reduces response times.
• Reduces unnecessary workloads for EMS and USBP by treating and releasing patients in the field when possible.
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Command and Control Capabilities
• NIMS/ICS• Mobile Command/Quick
Response Vehicles• Interoperability
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Advanced SkillsPolice/Public Safety Diver• Vessel Hull Search/Lift Bag skills• Underwater Evidence/Crime Scene• North American Police Diver (NAPD) Instruction• Underwater Communications• Limited and Zero Visibility dive• Current/Moving Water dive
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Advanced Skills Cont.Air Operations/HRST Master• Aerial Insertion/Extraction Operations
• Basic FAST Rope/Rappel Instruction
• Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques Master Instruction
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Missions• National Security threats
• Enforcement Operations
• Search and Rescue Response/Instruction
• Tactical Medic Support/Instruction
• Emergency Medical Response/Course Instruction
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Missions Cont.• Disaster, National Incidents, and Mass
Casualty Response
• Incident Command Management
• Site Surveys, CONUS/OCONUS
• Air and Marine Operations Support
• Maritime Search, Rescue, and Recovery
• Training Support for other agencies and governments
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Mutual Assistance/Training• BORSTAR conducts support and training operations with international, federal,
state, and local entities.
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Foreign Advisory OperationsDeployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
National Security2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City, UT2010 Winter Olympics (Canada), Blaine WA
Training/Support Missions for other U.S. LEA and DODDepartment of Defense (U.S Army, USMC)Department of Homeland SecurityDepartment of JusticeDepartment of InteriorState, local, tribal police and search and rescue teamsATF Tactical medic training/Ride-a-long program in TCA
BORSTAR Deployments
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BORSTAR Selection Process
Must have a minimum of two years Border Patrol serviceRecommended by the Chief Patrol Agent of their SectorMust pass an the BORSTAR Physical Abilities Test
•7 pull-ups minimum•40 push-ups minimum•60 sit-ups minimum (in two minutes)•1.5 mile run 11 minutes or less•250 yard swim (to graduate Academy)
Must pass a team field evaluation testMust pass a standard interview process
Border Patrol Agents must meet the following criteria for Selection as a BORSTAR Candidate:
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BORSTAR Basic Academy• Approximately 5 weeks long
• Core Training Disciplines: • Basic ICS/NIMS• Land Navigation• First Responder Training• Basic Tactical Medicine Training• Basic Technical Rescue Training• Air Operations/Alternate insertion
and extractions• Swift-water Rescue Technician
Training (SRT-1)
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Specialized Equipment
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QUESTIONS?
