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If you're looking for a job that combines adventure, challenge and diplomacy at the same time, you should consider working on border patrol. Admittedly, the job of a border patrol agent can be hazardous. But it is also a noble calling at the same time. It gives the chance for those who are interested to keep the country's borders safe from the illegal entry of aliens and contraband while facilitating access to those who are legally qualified. Over 6,000 miles of international land separating the United States from Mexico and Canada, more than 2,000 miles of coastal waters in Florida and Puerto Rico and many far-flung localities all the country are watched closely by vigilant border patrol agents.

Working under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Border Patrol is the mobile uniformed law enforcement arm of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. From the time it was officially established in 1924 until today, it has undergone a sizable change. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the role of border patrol became more focused on ensuring that the nation's borders are safe from the entry of terrorists and weapons.

Detection and apprehension of illegal entrants to the nation's borders does not happen everyday but this does not mean that patrolling the country's isolated borders is easy. Border patrol agents work in all types of weather, often alone, to ensure that the security of the country is not compromised. Rarely are trainees assigned to their hometowns or even close to it and transferring from one post to another is never easy.

But for those who are so inclined, border patrol is a fascinating and noble profession. Nature's raw beauty becomes readily apparent in the vast stretches of wildlands that agents watch over. Those who welcome a physical challenge are sure to find it as agents do their duties on foot, on horseback and in various operations that require athleticism and skill. More importantly, the job of a border patrol enables you to raise and take care of your family inasmuch as the pay and benefits package are at par with that of Federal law enforcement personnel. Overtime work is compensated. The benefits include life insurance, health insurance, liberal retirement benefits and a thrift savings plan.

Before you can work for border patrol, however, you will have to take and pass a three-part exam that covers logical reasoning, Spanish language or an Artificial Language that predicts your ability to learn Spanish if you don't speak the language yet and an assessment of your past experience. This test can be likened to a college entrance exam and thus requires intense preparation on your part. Study guides can also be downloaded from the CBP website. However, you might want to augment your preparation by purchasing the latest Border Patrol Study Guide that condenses the important points that you need to prepare for in order to pass the test.

If you believe that you have what it takes to be a border patrol agent, then the first step is the Border Patrol Exam Study Guide that walks you through the entire Border Patrol hiring process.