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The U.S. border with Mexico is among one of the most challenging areas for border patrol agents. And since 18 of the 43 points of entry are found in the State of Texas, it comes as no surprise that the problems of drug smuggling, illegal migrants and gang violence are magnified in texas border patrol. To make matters worse, almost all of these entry points are linked to major highways in the Lone Star State. From there, it is an easy route to getting into the inside of America.

Agents on texas border patrol work on five sectors-the Del Rio sector, the El Paso sector, the Laredo sector, the Marfa sector and the Rio Grande Valley sector. In the Del Rio sector, most of the illegal alien traffic occurs in the Rio Grande River which is quite difficult to patrol. The rough terrain, tall vegetation and railroads that cross the border all compound the problem.

The Laredo sector, meanwhile, is one of the most carefully-watched by agents doing texas border patrol. In this area, narcotics smuggling, false documents and false citizenship claims are the most common problems encountered by border patrol agents. Through freight train checks and check points, a lot of arrests have already been made although this has resulted in injuries and deaths on both the parts of the aliens and the agents themselves. Aside from linewatching and signcutting duties, new programs that include Drug Intervention, Drug Awareness, Bike Patrol, Boat Patrol and K-9 Programs have also increased their efficacy in ensuring that the U.S. borders are safe. The addition of sensor systems and Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS) has further increased the efficiency of border patrol operations in these areas.

The U.S.-Mexico border is perhaps the most heavily patrolled among all of America's borders. The employment statistics of two sectors alone reveal this: There are over 1,400 employees working in the Laredo sector and about 2,400 border patrol agents employed in the El Paso sector of texas border patrol.

Those who are interested in a physically demanding, adventure-filled and noble calling of helping keep our boundaries safe should consider a career as a border patrol agent. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection which is under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security continues to recruit individuals who are inclined to offer their services to the country.

However, because of the demands of the profession, the road towards becoming a border patrol agent is not easy. You will have to pass a rigorous three-part exam composed of logical thinking, Spanish Language/Artificial Language Test and an assessment of your past experience. Prospective border patrol agents will also have to pass an oral interview, a fitness test, a drug test and a thorough background check before getting a job offer. All interns will also have to complete a 55-day training at the Border Patrol Academy where law enforcement, driver training, physical techniques training and firearms training as well as Spanish language training will be given. The ability to speak Spanish is a necessary aspect especially in texas border patrol inasmuch as almost 90 percent of those apprehended only speak Spanish.

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.