Jose Apolinar Silva
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals. An effective and impactful leader through experience and expertise that foster cooperative work relationships, commitment, trust, and positive morale. Leadership in handling extremely difficult, tense, or emergency situations, quickly, and decisively managing them with a high degree of effectiveness. I develop strategies to provide solutions that are easily implemented, to prevent loss of revenue and effect safety standards. I effectively coordinate tasks and monitor performance to exceed team objectives and accomplish CBP's Mission.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisory CBP Officer Course Developer Instructor
Trade and Cargo Academy/GS 13-6
Los Indios, TX
10.2021 - Current
- Coordinated and planned the National Anti-terrorism & Contraband Enforcement Team Air Training (NATCET Air) 2401-2505 from January 2024 to April 2025. The NATCET Air is a national training and operation that is conducted in a live setting across the United States at major international airports involving CBP Aircraft Mechanics, CBP Instructors, Office of Chief Counsel, Office of Intelligence, Port Authority, Advance Targeting Units and CBP Officers focusing on aircraft, baggage, cargo, passenger and crew inspections on international flights resulting in 200 CBO Officers trained, seizure of 30lbs of various narcotics, $25,000 in currency and over $100,000 forced FINCENs
- Directed the weapons and tactics, close quarter combat, tactical medical, and IFAK training for the National ATCET Sea and ATCET Land Trainings.
- Essential to the creation and establishment of Trade and Cargo NII Academy (TCA) located in Los Indios Texas. Highlighted responsibilities included coordination, development as well as instruction of FTC/NII course (train-the-trainer), catering to Office of Field Operations personnel along with Border Patrol and Air & Marine.
- Responsible for coordinating with Department of State and CBP Attache in Mexico City to deliver training to Mexican Military, Mexican Customs National Instructors, and Officers. Currently leading a team that has successfully trained 74 international instructors up to date.
- Acted as Assistant Director of Trade and Cargo Academy, overseeing first line supervisors' daily activities and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
- Conducted NII training while scanning live traffic from Mexico.
- Collaborated with local port of entry’s management to deliver comprehensive training to officers in the field, enhancing their skills and knowledge. Successfully led a team of supervisors in conducting on-site training sessions, focusing on inspecting cargo and passenger vehicles at the United States-Mexico border.
- Served as the Trade and Cargo Academy's Firearms and Less Lethal Coordinator/Instructor, simultaneously instructing, qualifying, training, and supervising CBPO's, first line supervisors, and second line supervisors.
- Developed firearms training standard operating procedure for the Trade and Cargo Academy
- Successfully obtained EMT certification and trained Academy staff in essential life-saving techniques such as CPR and First Aid.
- Inspected cargo, baggage and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- Inspected shipments, vehicles and individuals to identify and seize contraband.
- Assessed risk levels associated with travelers entering the country, making decisions regarding their admission status.
Firearms Lead Instructor
Customs and Border Protection GS 12-8
Brownsville, TX
10.2017 - 10.2021
- Led Mobile Field Force teams in San Ysidro, CA, and Del Rio, TX, during Secure Line operations.
- Managed response efforts as QRF Team Lead for Operation Civil Unrest in Washington, DC.
- Mentored instructors in teaching methods, safety protocols, and public speaking as dual-certified firearms instructor.
- Oversaw firearms training programs, equipment maintenance, and inventory management at Port of Brownsville.
- Trained officers in weapons tactics, use of force, Less Lethal Devices, and Active Shooter scenarios.
- Implemented procedures to enhance shooting range safety and compliance standards.
- Certified Mobile Field Force instructors through comprehensive training programs and evaluations.
- Ensured safety protocols for dignitaries during high-profile events at the Mexican border.
Less Lethal Lead Instructor
Customs and Border Protection GS 12-7
Brownsville, TX
10.2012 - 10.2017
- Spearheaded development of instructional curriculums for Less Lethal Force.
- Conducted field analysis to identify optimal training locations.
- Led team of Less Lethal Instructors in hands-on defensive tactics and certification sessions.
- Presented CBP Use of Force policy to senior port management and stakeholders.
- Performed front-end analysis to streamline training implementation, achieving time and cost efficiencies.
- Facilitated weekly musters at CBP training sessions to enhance professionalism and teamwork.
- Executed full spectrum firearms training as a dual certified instructor.
- Crafted comprehensive curriculum for Less Lethal Instruction.
Seaport/Bonded Warehouse/FTZ Operations
Customs and Border Protection GS 12-4
Brownsville, TX
10.2010 - 10.2012
- Led multiple boarding teams to conduct inspections on commercial vessels, oil rigs, and foreign fishing vessels.
- Directed and performed audits and inspections in International Foreign Trade Zones for bonded warehouses.
- Executed inspections of tractor trailers, rail cars, and inbound and outbound airplanes with merchandise.
- Facilitated discussions with stakeholders regarding operations at Brownsville Seaport.
- Served as liaison for Port of Entry, enhancing communication among external partners and community leaders.
- Collaborated with Office of Air and Marine officers to develop specialized expertise.
- Acted as liaison between CBP and Mexican Navy Admirals for docking US Navy Destroyers.
- Revised local SOPs to align with agency directives critical to OFO mission.
CBP Officer
Customs and Border Protection GS 12-02
Brownsville, TX
10.2006 - 10.2010
- Served across diverse environments at the Port of Brownsville, encompassing Passenger Operations, Trade, Exports, Railroad, Airport, and Training.
- Served as a Shift Senior responsible for overseeing officer rotation and leading enforcement operations.
- Served as a Firearms and Intermediate Force Instructor along with being a Field Training Officer.
- Served as a Firearms and Intermediate Force Instructor at the Port of Brownsville.
- Implemented priority and time management techniques to successfully complete all tasks while effectively adapting to the constantly changing and unpredictable officer training requirements.
- Field training officer
- Served as an Intermediate Force TDY Instructor (Less Lethal) at FLETC.
- Monitored borders for illegal crossings and contraband smuggling activities.
- Identified fraudulent documents presented by travelers during inspections.
- Operated non-intrusive inspection systems such as X-ray machines to detect suspicious objects in luggage or freight shipments.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving terrorist threats or illegal border crossings.
- Collected evidence related to violations of customs regulations or criminal activity.
- Assessed risk levels based on factors such as nationality, travel patterns, purpose of trip and mode of transport.
- Examined documents to determine admissibility of travelers into the United States and conducted inspections of travelers, baggage and cargo.
- Inspected cargo shipments to identify potential risks to national security or public safety.
- Enforced immigration laws by identifying individuals attempting to enter illegally or without proper documentation.
Lead Intermediate Force Instructor/FTO
Customs and Border Protection GS 11-05
Nogales, AZ
10.2002 - 08.2005
- Managed Intermediate Force Training operations for CBP in Nogales, AZ.
- Enhanced training curriculum for Use of Force techniques, including Takedowns, OC Spray, and Control Strategies.
- Provided field training to multiple officers, improving operational readiness.
- Mentored officers, resulting in significant currency seizures and arrests.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking among students.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to develop innovative instructional strategies.
- Established open communication channels with students, parents, and colleagues to create a supportive learning environment.
CET/Outbound
Customs and Border Protection GS 11-02
Nogales, AZ
10.1998 - 10.2002
- Delivered instruction for the National AT/CET Outbound Training Course in Nogales, AZ.
- Developed the Standard Operating Procedure Instruction for Bulk Cash Smuggling.
- Worked with Narcotic Tasks Force HIDTA and MANTIS.
- Was placed undercover for Joint Task Force with FBI, IA and ATF.
- Conducted inspections of inbound and outbound passengers, as well as commercial goods.
- Performed duties at various locations including land border Ports of Entry and International Airports in Arizona as part of temporary duty task force assignments.
- Demonstrated expertise in overseeing a wide range of impactful actions including seizing currencies, apprehending individuals, and intercepting vehicles.
- Collaborated with multiple task forces to successfully confiscate narcotics, weapons, and currency.
- Effectively responded to and resolved various situations involving the use of force resulting in successful arrests.
- Inspected cargo, baggage and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- Testified in court cases to provide subject matter expertise.
- Inspected shipments, vehicles and individuals to identify and seize contraband.
- Assessed individual eligibility for entrance into country based on paperwork, system information and direct interviews.
- Located and seized vehicles, aircraft and boats containing contraband.
Education
The University of Texas At Brownsville And Texas Southmost College
Brownsville, TXSkills
- CBP Emergency Medical Technician
- Firearms Instructor Training Program
- Mobile Field Force Instructor
- Seized Property Security Detail
- Course Developer Instructor
- National Ati-Terrorism & Contraband Enforcement Training Coordinator/Instructor Air, Sea and Land
- National NII Instructor
- Less Lethal Instructor Instructor Program 2002-2023
- NICB Vehicle Theft Training by California Highway Patrol
- Southern Border Interdiction Training
- Land Cargo Examination Course
Accomplishments
- Center for Missing and Exploited Children Award
- Recipient of various performance-based cash and nontraditional awards
- CBP Chief Medical Officer Life Saving Award
- Department of Defense Polygraph Institute Commendation
- CBP Explorer Advisor
- Little League Baseball Coach 2006-2016
- Little League Softball Coach 2006-2014
- Boys and Girls Club Basketball Coach 2006-2014
- Boys and Girls Club Volleyball Coach 2006-2010
References
- Raymond Gonzales, (956) 983-5704
- Manuel Maldonado (956) 982-4087
- Steven Dorado (956) 983-5704
- Jose Aguirre (520) 313-0206
Languages
Spanish-Very Fluent
Timeline
Supervisory CBP Officer Course Developer Instructor
Trade and Cargo Academy/GS 13-6
10.2021 - Current
Firearms Lead Instructor
Customs and Border Protection GS 12-8
10.2017 - 10.2021
Less Lethal Lead Instructor
Customs and Border Protection GS 12-7
10.2012 - 10.2017
Seaport/Bonded Warehouse/FTZ Operations
Customs and Border Protection GS 12-4
10.2010 - 10.2012
CBP Officer
Customs and Border Protection GS 12-02
10.2006 - 10.2010
Lead Intermediate Force Instructor/FTO
Customs and Border Protection GS 11-05
10.2002 - 08.2005
CET/Outbound
Customs and Border Protection GS 11-02
10.1998 - 10.2002
The University of Texas At Brownsville And Texas Southmost College
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