DHS Volunteer Force (DOW Detail) Guide – Eligibility, Duties, Salary & How to Apply

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays a critical role in protecting the United States and maintaining national security. One of its unique initiatives is the Volunteer Force (VF) program, which allows eligible federal employees to support immigration operations and logistical missions for agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The DHS Volunteer Force (DOW Detail) program provides an opportunity for federal civilian employees to temporarily deploy to ICE or CBP facilities and support operational tasks that help maintain an orderly immigration system in the United States.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the DHS Volunteer Force program, including eligibility, duties, deployment details, salary structure, and the step-by-step application process.

What is the DHS Volunteer Force (VF)?

The DHS Volunteer Force is a federal initiative designed to allow civilian employees from other federal departments to temporarily assist immigration enforcement operations across the United States.

Participants are deployed for temporary assignments (called “details”) to support operations related to immigration processing, logistical coordination, data management, and operational planning.

Key characteristics of the program include:

Temporary assignments up to 180 days
Deployment at ICE or CBP facilities
Opportunities to support federal operations without performing law enforcement duties
Travel, lodging, and daily allowances reimbursed according to government policy

The initiative helps strengthen coordination between federal agencies while improving the efficiency of immigration operations.

Agencies Involved in the Volunteer Force Program

The Volunteer Force initiative involves multiple U.S. federal agencies.

1. Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security oversees the Volunteer Force program and coordinates deployments.

2. Federal Emergency Management Agency

The program is managed in collaboration with Federal Emergency Management Agency, which helps coordinate logistics and staffing.

3. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement handles immigration enforcement and detention operations.

4. Customs and Border Protection

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection protects U.S. borders and manages immigration processing at ports of entry.

Together, these agencies rely on Volunteer Force participants to support operational workloads during periods of high demand.

DHS Volunteer Force Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteer Force participants are assigned to critical support roles. These roles vary depending on operational needs and deployment location.

Importantly, volunteers do not perform law enforcement duties.

Below are the main responsibilities.

1. Data Entry and Information Management

One of the primary duties involves maintaining accurate data within immigration systems.

Responsibilities may include:

Entering immigration case data
Updating records in federal information systems
Maintaining operational databases
Verifying data accuracy

This work helps ensure accurate tracking of immigration cases and detainee records.

2. Operational Planning Support

Volunteers may assist ICE and CBP with planning operations.

Tasks may include:

Supporting operational planning teams
Developing concepts of operation
Preparing mission support documents
Coordinating administrative planning activities

These tasks help federal agencies plan immigration enforcement operations more efficiently.

3. Processing and Throughput Logistics

Another key responsibility is assisting with the processing of detained individuals through the immigration system.

Typical tasks include:

Supporting processing operations
Managing administrative records
Tracking detainee movements
Coordinating processing workflows

This role helps ensure smoother processing from arrest to deportation procedures.

4. Logistical Support

Volunteer Force members may assist with logistical coordination for operations across the United States.

Examples include:

Planning movement of personnel
Coordinating transportation of equipment
Supporting operational resource planning
Tracking deployment logistics

Logistics support ensures that law enforcement teams have the necessary resources to operate effectively.

5. Liaison and Coordination Roles

Some volunteers may also assist with communication between operational teams and planning units.

Responsibilities may include:

Liaising with Volunteer Force planning teams
Coordinating internal communication
Supporting interagency cooperation
Providing administrative support to leadership teams

These roles help maintain smooth coordination during large-scale operations.

DHS Volunteer Force Eligibility Requirements

Not everyone can apply for the Volunteer Force program. Specific eligibility conditions must be met.

Citizenship

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Federal Employment Requirement

Applicants must be current federal civilian employees working in the United States.

They must also:

Have worked at their agency for more than 90 days
No longer be in a probationary period

Performance Standards

Applicants must:

Have good performance evaluations
Have no disciplinary actions
Be in good standing with their agency

Identification Requirements

Participants must possess a valid HSPD-12 compliant identification badge, such as:

PIV card
Military ID

Supervisory Approval

Applicants must receive formal approval from their supervisor before deployment.

This approval is documented using a Supervisory Deployment Authorization Form.

Travel Card Requirement

Although not mandatory, participants are encouraged to have a government travel card to manage official travel expenses.

Education Requirements

One of the most accessible aspects of the Volunteer Force program is that there are no formal education requirements.

This means:

No specific degree is required
Experience and current federal employment are more important than education

Training will be provided on the job after deployment.

Deployment Details and Duration

Volunteer Force assignments are temporary deployments known as details.

Duration

Deployments can last up to:

180 days

Participants may also be asked to deploy quickly once approvals are completed.

In some cases, deployment may occur within 96 hours of approval.

Work Schedule

Participants may need to work:

Evenings
Weekends
Holidays
Extended overtime

Overtime compensation follows federal pay regulations.

Deployment Locations

Volunteer Force members may be assigned to locations such as:

ICE detention facilities
CBP operational centers
Border processing facilities
Other DHS operational sites

These facilities may be located along the U.S. border or across the interior of the country.

Locations are assigned based on operational needs and are not negotiable.

Salary and Compensation

One major benefit of the Volunteer Force program is that participants continue receiving their normal salary.

Salary Range

Typical federal pay may range between:

$25,684 to $191,900 per year

depending on the employee’s existing grade level.

Pay Structure

During deployment:

Salary remains at the employee’s current rate
Locality pay remains unchanged
Grade and step remain the same

The program does not provide promotions, but it offers valuable experience.

Overtime and Premium Pay

Employees may also receive:

Overtime pay
Night shift premium pay
Holiday pay

These payments follow federal pay regulations.

Travel and Expense Reimbursement

Volunteer Force deployments often require travel.

Travel expenses are covered by the receiving agency.

Covered expenses include:

Airfare
Lodging
Meals and per diem
Transportation

Travel follows federal government travel regulations.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must submit a complete application package.

Required documents include:

Supervisory Deployment Authorization Form

This form confirms that the employee’s supervisor approves the deployment.

PREA Form

Participants must complete a form related to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) if their duties involve contact with detainees.

Background Investigation Form

Applicants must submit Section B of the BIRD Form 78, which verifies background investigation requirements.

SF-50 Form

Applicants must submit their Standard Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to confirm their federal employment status.

Volunteer Force Questionnaire

Applicants must complete an online questionnaire during the application process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying to the Volunteer Force program involves several steps.

Step 1: Create or Log In to USAJOBS

Applicants must create an account on USAJOBS, the official federal government job portal.

Step 2: Prepare Your Resume

Upload your federal resume and supporting documents.

Step 3: Complete Required Forms

Download and complete the following forms:

Supervisory Deployment Authorization Form
PREA Form
BIRD Form 78 Section B

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload the completed forms along with your SF-50.

Step 5: Complete the Questionnaire

Answer the Volunteer Force questionnaire during the application process.

Step 6: Submit Application

Submit your application package online.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application Timeline

The Volunteer Force job announcement accepts applications between:

September 29, 2025 – September 28, 2026

Because applications are reviewed continuously, applying early increases your chances of selection.

Selection and Evaluation Process

Applications are evaluated based on:

Eligibility requirements
Performance standing
Supervisor approval
Agency needs

If selected, the Volunteer Force team coordinates deployment with the applicant’s home agency.

Applicants who are not immediately selected remain in the candidate pool for future opportunities.

Benefits of Joining the DHS Volunteer Force

Although it is a temporary assignment, the program offers several benefits.

Professional Development

Participants gain experience working with federal law enforcement support operations.

Interagency Experience

The program provides exposure to operations within DHS, ICE, and CBP.

Career Networking

Participants work alongside professionals from multiple federal agencies.

Government Service Contribution

Volunteers contribute to maintaining an efficient and orderly immigration system.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Before applying, employees should consider:

Temporary relocation may be required
Long working hours may be expected
Deployment locations are not negotiable
Quick deployment timelines may apply

Applicants should ensure they can commit fully to the assignment.

Contact Information

For questions about the Volunteer Force program, applicants can contact:

DHS Volunteer Force Team
Email: fema-volunteerforce@fema.dhs.gov

Final Thoughts

The DHS Volunteer Force (DOW Detail) program provides a unique opportunity for federal employees to contribute directly to immigration operations in the United States.

By supporting agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, volunteers help strengthen the efficiency of federal operations and support the broader mission of the Department of Homeland Security.

While the assignment is temporary, it offers valuable experience, interagency collaboration, and an opportunity to support national security operations.

For federal employees interested in expanding their experience and contributing to important government missions, the Volunteer Force program can be a rewarding professional opportunity.

FAQ

What is the DHS Volunteer Force program?

The DHS Volunteer Force program allows federal employees to temporarily assist immigration operations for ICE and CBP.

How long are deployments?

Deployments can last up to 180 days.

Do volunteers perform law enforcement duties?

No. Volunteers only perform support and administrative roles.

Is there an education requirement?

No formal education requirement exists for this program.

Are travel expenses covered?

Yes. Travel, lodging, and per diem expenses are reimbursed according to federal policies.