LITTLE ROCK, AR -- On horseback, land, sea and air the Border Patrol never sleeps.

Saturday recruits were in Little Rock looking for a few men and women to fit the job.

In 2006 President Bush announced his commitment to add 6,000 Border Patrol Agents by the end of 2008. Since 9-11 border patrol has more then doubled with about 17,000 agents today and they're still taking applications.

Hundreds of Arkansans signed up at the Holiday Inn Presidential to be screened as potential Border Patrol Agents.

'The test is a doozy.' Twenty-four-year-old Cassandra Carey has one semester left in college and plans to enroll.

She adds, 'I figured with my major being Spanish combined with law enforcement why not border patrol.'
One of two women in orientation, Carey sees it as a challenge in a male dominated field.

'I'm always willing to prove myself, I like proving myself to the males and I believe that would be a good aspect for me,' Carey says.

Border Patrol Agent Alan Castillo says, 'It's is for individuals that are interested in a career in law enforcement that one to protect and serve America in America that don't want an indoor job.'

Castillo says the hiring process is rigorous because you must pass an entry level exam and physical. Then the board evaluates you on decision making skills and last is a background investigation before going to the Border Patrol Academy in New Mexico.

Castillo adds, 'The Border Patrol Academy is about 55 days of fire arms training, driving training, law classes and 40 days of pure Spanish classes.'

The majority of border patrol agents are stationed along the southwest border the rest are along the coast and northern borders. It's an outdoor job consisting of boating, biking, horseback riding and walking.

'Protecting the country would be a great honor,' Carey adds.

Carey knows the dangers, but says she's excited. 'I think I can see myself doing this in the long run. I'm a tomboy at heart so I think the ...