Department of Defense Civilians Volunteer for DHS Assignments at Southern Border

Recently, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians have stepped up, volunteering for temporary roles within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of efforts to bolster operations at the southern border, in line with President Donald Trump’s priorities.

In a matter of just 48 hours, nearly 500 volunteers answered the call for duty, with assignments being posted on usajobs.com. Agencies involved in this recruitment include Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Michael A. Coger, the Deputy Advisor for Private Personnel Policy, expressed pride in the civilian involvement, stating, “It’s a national security issue, and our civilians have a key skill set to support DHS in their mission.” It’s certainly encouraging to see such willingness to contribute.

The volunteer assignments can last up to 180 days and encompass a range of skills—everything from intelligence analysis to detention support.

A DHS spokesperson commented that this initiative is part of Trump’s “all-government approach” aimed at eliminating national security threats, including gang members and terrorists.

The DOD spokesman highlighted the collaboration, saying, “ICE, CBP, the Department of Homeland Security, and the DoD are embracing President Trump’s whole-of-government approach to protect Americans.” It seems that integrating civilian expertise is a key part of this strategy.

Eligible DoD civilians—who must be in good standing at their agencies for at least 90 days—are notified via email about these opportunities. Once they apply, DHS coordinates the final approvals, with potential deployment happening within 96 hours after approval.

During these temporary assignments, civilians maintain their salaries and benefits and are even eligible for overtime. This experience could really enhance their professional development and skills, providing valuable logistical and technical support.

The initiative builds upon a June directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who opened the door for resigning service members to transition to DHS roles through the Skillbridge program. It’s a thoughtful way to leverage existing talent for pressing national priorities.

“This mission is crucial, not just for DHS, but for the whole country,” Coger remarked. The support these volunteers provide can help DHS agents focus on their primary tasks, ensuring the safety of the nation.