I have recieved some interesting supportive responses for this idea. I have not seen anyone else advocate anything like it.
I wonder if it might grow legs?
Can anyone see a downside?
My first thought was the necessity for these new border guards to be armed. Thus, I see the potential for a number of unfortunate shootings as a result of the lack of quality recruits entering this new civil service. They would need to be very well trained before being unleashed.
It's one thing to mold a Marine recruit to kill in a foriegn land. Quite another to unleash a less qualified individual on our own soil toting the same weaponry...or close to it.
All of which can be dealt with by selecting quality applicants and training them properly.