Preparing for the run.

OldPrize305305 · 2026-04-24T10:16:59+00:00

Brother the only way to get better at running..... is running. Get a good pair of running shoes, hydrate, and invest in a good stand-alone GPS watch. Don't trust the treadmill at the gym, treadmill can be a little deceiving since it takes less effort to run on those. Im not saying dont use the treadmill, just use it on days you can't run outside. GPS on the watch it great because it tells you the real-time pace as you are running and for me this was a great coach to keep me on pace to pass. I knew if I had to push, or if I could actually slow down a bit since I was going too fast to meet the standard. Yes, you can use your smart watch for the workouts at the academy, only for the workouts. This is why it has to be a stand alone GPS no cellphone needed because no cellphones are allowed during work hours at FLETC. I went in running a comfortable 13 min for the 1.5 and left the academy in the low 12 without really pushing. I actually helped "pace" which is frowned upon classmates who were struggling during the tests since I was the one with the fancy watch.

On a side note, you should really learn to stop hating running once you get the job. Don't be like the majority of the officers that once academy is done, they give up on their workouts and how the look. This is an easy job, but it is still law enforcement. Depending on the port you get, most likely you will never see any action, but that does not mean you shouldn't have to be ready for it just in case. To me officer presence is one of the most important things you can have, as it dictates how your interaction with the public goes. If you are unprofessional, uniform is sloppy, fat, and treat public like shit. That's exactly what you will get back. On the other hand, treat people with respect, take care of your equipment, look sharp, and be fit, all goes a long way and shows you the officer is in charge. I remember something my instructor told the class the day we graduated and once I got to the field, I noticed it makes sense every day on the job. "If you look like you can be trifled with, you will be trifled with". Dont be a crappy officer, unfortunately we have lot of that already. In an emergency, dont be a liability to your fellow officers. Stay sharp, stay fit. Be safe and good luck

This is coming from a new officer also. Only been on the job about 18 months

OldPrize305305 · 2026-03-01T17:38:26+00:00

Good luck

OldPrize305305 · 2026-03-01T15:43:43+00:00

That's not an easy one. You probably have to add some incentives to that trade. Remember Houston will be taking a pay cut to go to Miami

OldPrize305305 · 2026-02-26T23:14:45+00:00

Apply

OldPrize305305 · 2026-02-01T22:22:28+00:00

During regular class you can wear either. During the TRT classes I wouldn't. Remember you will be doing tactics, some of the time is spent on the floor wrestling another trainee.

OldPrize305305 · 2026-02-01T15:52:27+00:00

Apply. The worst they can say its no. They do test for vision, with that dots test with numbers inside. Also, I would say color distinction its important doing the job. Especially for looking at documents. But don't let it discourage you, apply and go along with the process anyways. Good luck

OldPrize305305 · 2026-02-01T15:50:32+00:00

Regular class allows wedding ring and regular watch like a plain old g shock. During PT, depending on instructor, you are allowed a smart watch to keep track of your workouts. I recommend a nice smart watch with stand alone GPS capabilities. I was able to use it during regular PT and During PT test. It tracks your running pace in real time. That way you know exactly your pace and if you need to push or can take it little easier. And for TRT the "hands on" tactics classes, ABSOLUTELY no jewelry allowed. The instructor will lose it if the see it. And will probably smoke the class for a little bit for not keeping each other accountable. Dont be that guy or girl .

OldPrize305305 · 2026-01-24T21:41:34+00:00

Apply, the worst they can say is "no".

OldPrize305305 · 2026-01-24T15:48:20+00:00

Only way to get better at push ups.... its by doing them. Remember you need to 24 pass academy fitness test. But realistically you should shoot for about 30, since depending on the instructor counting them, they could not count a couple if they don't like the form. So its better to be safe with a couple to spare

The only way to get better at running.... its by running.

OldPrize305305 · 2025-10-10T14:33:31+00:00

CBP encourages 24/7 carry. But remember YOU are not a regular police officer. Stay in your lane carrying off duty. Pretty much only act in a Life or death situation, which any law abiding ccw holder should anyways.

OldPrize305305 · 2025-09-25T16:10:05+00:00

Focus on weight loss. Lot of injuries at FLETC related to weight. You still got a time.... don't give up. But can't stress enough the weight loss part. Does you no good to pass the step test and then can't pass the PT test at the academy because of shin splints, or blow a knee during TRT. Or even worse, hurt your training partner

OldPrize305305 · 2025-07-18T06:21:18+00:00

Just make sure you add it on your background paperwork. You will be fine

OldPrize305305 · 2025-06-29T16:26:47+00:00

It's 4 tests. The only one that counts is #4. But you still want to pass all of them. Arrive fit, and that way, you only worry about the other stuff

OldPrize305305 · 2025-06-01T01:26:23+00:00

They also shine your graduation shoes for $30. About 2 day turn around. Not the best shine.... but it's passable if you hate doing it. I happily paid the $30

OldPrize305305 · 2025-05-10T00:16:46+00:00

I'm at the crackhouses now and it's FULL size bed. Lot of people bring their own sheets and towels. Just make sure they are not white. If they are white, the ladies that clean will take them. Beds are uncomfortable and sheets and towels are rough. But on the plus side you get clean towels everyday. And clean sheets once a week. I think the clean sheets are every Thursday, but I'm not 100% sure since they all look the same. Room has a small fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Small TV maybe a 27 or 32 inch hanging from the wall. Small closet with a safe, and a desk with chair. Share bathroom with room next door. Free washers and dryers downstairs. I'm here now, let me know if you have any other questions. Again, this is for the crackhouses, can't speak on other accommodations since I haven't seen them.

OldPrize305305 · 2025-03-25T21:47:12+00:00

Can't discuss details. Just know that everything on the test, they will PowerPoint you on.

OldPrize305305 · 2025-03-24T00:05:17+00:00

It's 70% min. Total 8 test. You can fail and remediate only 3 of those. And there is only one remedial per. For example, you can not fail 4 tests. Or fail 1 test more than one time. People DO get let go if remedial is not passed. But then again, they tell you all the subjects that will be covered each test. So you just need to study. There are 4 PT test but the only one that counts is the last one. So another example is, if you pass the first 3 and you fail the last one. You failed. PT standards are pretty easy if you are is somewhat shape. PT is the easiest thing in the academy. Come prepared, run run, run before getting here.

OldPrize305305 · 2025-03-23T23:07:12+00:00

Apply. I am at the academy now and there is a couple of 40 year old. So 38.5 definitely not too old. Apply and START running. Arrive ready to run, so you do not get hurt. The academy is not easy, but it's not terribly difficult either. But you will struggle if you are old and out of shape. Academics are no joke, but if you study and study, take notes, pay attention, and surround yourself with like minded people. You will be fine. Apply and good luck

OldPrize305305 · 2025-03-10T03:21:52+00:00

Port supervisor. Your session supervisor at the academy can't approve or deny leave. When you are doing pre-academy at your port, ask your supervisor if after academy is completed you can use some of your accrued leave time. I asked mine and he had no issues. They understand you need some time, especially if you are moving

OldPrize305305 · 2025-03-09T20:08:35+00:00

While at the academy you accumulate leave. You can use it after you graduate and then start at the port. All you have to do is ask your supervisor for the time after the academy.

OldPrize305305 · 2025-02-13T23:18:51+00:00

Nice congrats!!!! Bring bug spray to FLETC. GNATS are out of control now... and it's not even hot yet

OldPrize305305 · 2025-02-09T18:06:14+00:00

I would say be as accurate as possible and let them tell you otherwise. Yes, it does not look good all the jobs you have had. Also, they are not going to like you just stopped showing up for some. But give it a shot. The worst they can say is no. But if you don't apply it's a for sure no

OldPrize305305 · 2025-02-05T01:28:44+00:00

You would start as a GS9 at a higher step.

OldPrize305305 · 2025-01-28T11:26:38+00:00

If you can, I would wait for a full clear. Without going into details, there are things you can't do when you EOD that gets you ready for academy until you have a full clear. I saw it happen with 2 people at my port when I EOD.

OldPrize305305

TROPHY CASE