Space Force and Border Patrol Recruit at Colorado Rodeo Event

Space Force and U.S. Border Patrol operated recruitment stations at a Professional Bull Riders event held at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The one-day rodeo, branded PBR Space Cowboys, drew more than 30,000 attendees and coincided with the swearing-in of 33 new military recruits.

The event combined bull riding, flyovers, a Tim McGraw performance, and a drone show. Space Force and Border Patrol tents stood in the fan zone alongside junior rodeo games and country music.

Patrol has served as the official federal law enforcement partner of Professional Bull Riders since 2008. The agency reported this week that its workforce has exceeded 21,000 agents for the first time since 1924. Between January and April 2025, Border Patrol received 34,650 applications, a 44 percent increase from the same period in 2024, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Recruiters offered signing bonuses up to $60,000 and starting salaries of $50,741 that can reach $110,563. Two 18- and 19-year-old attendees said medical conditions prevented military service but did not disqualify them from Border Patrol.

Force, established in 2019, exceeded its annual recruitment goal by 125 percent in February. A spokesperson said the service aims to double its size over the next five years while competing with private aerospace firms for talent. The rodeo gave Space Force an opportunity to present career options to families and young adults.

Nearly half the stadium stood when active-duty service members and veterans were recognized during the program.