On a Mission

The United States has two of the longest unfortified borders in the world . . . and people arrive daily by air from outside the country, too. At those borders and airports are the border security officers who are on the front lines of making sure our nation is protected. They use their training, skill, and the latest technology to keep the bad guys out. Inside, learn how they keep our borders safe, every day, around the clock. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

They guard the most important people in the United States . . . but did you know they also guard our money? The U.S. Secret Service includes agents and officers who put their lives on the line to keep our leaders safe, and others who work around the clock to prevent counterfeiters from wreaking havoc. Presidents depend on them . . . so can we. Inside, find out more about one of America's oldest security agencies and learn the secrets to their success. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

When a country needs special help . . . it calls for the Special Forces. Elite, highly-trained military units can get the job done, no matter how hard the task or how remote the operation. It takes a special breed of person to simply survive the extensive training, but once they do, they join a legacy of success that has changed history. Inside, read about Navy Seals, Army Rangers, Delta Force, and other top-notch units from around the world. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

It takes a special kind of bravery to face down a live bomb . . . but the people in this book demonstrate that courage every time they go to work. Experts on bomb squads around the world face new dangers every day. Inside, read how they stay ahead of the bombers and how they train their minds and bodies to handle the stress of disarming explosive devices. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

Police work hard to investigate crimes. They follow the evidence and talk to witnesses. But sometimes, that's just not enough. When they need to get close to the criminals they pursue, they call on undercover officers. These special experts learn how to "become" a criminal to infiltrate and gather information. It's an intense job that could end in death at any second. Inside, read how officers train for this unique part of law enforcement, the dangers they face, and how their work has been so successful. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

A fighter pilot's office moves at the speed of sound, but an everyday office worker doesn't face death and danger every day. Fighter pilots working for military services around the globe are some of the most talented flyers in the world. They steer the most advanced aircraft ever built in ways that seem to defy physics. But their main job is not to fly, but to protect. In conflict after conflict, their outstanding skill and bravery has made the difference between life and death for millions. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

Dogs are "man's best friend," but the special animals featured in this book are more than friends-they are partners in saving the day. Dogs help law enforcement by sniffing for bombs and drugs, by helping take down suspects, and by helping search for victims in disasters. These dogs don't go for walks . . . they go to work. Also inside, read about the unique teams created by dogs and their handlers. Find out the many jobs that dogs can do to help keep people safe. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women-and dogs-who go . . . ON A MISSION.

Police officers can handle just about any situation they face out on the streets. But when things get too dangerous . . . it's time to call in SWAT. Known by many names, SWAT teams bring military tactics and efficiency to law enforcement. Facing down gunmen, bombs, riots, and more, SWAT teams work together to solve any problem that comes up. Inside, read about the tactics and gear they use, and find out what sort of people are called to this kind of work. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

No matter where in the world someone might be lost, these experts are ready to go in and find them. Search and Rescue teams brave just about every environment on Earth, from icy mountains to uncharted forests to raging rivers. Using skill, training, and tech, they put themselves in harm's way to help those in trouble. Inside, go on some search-and-rescue treks, learn about the training the rescuers undergo, and see some of the cool tools they use to do their jobs. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

Sirens blare as paramedics race to the scene of another emergency. With lives hanging in the balance, they use their training, skill, and ingenuity to come through in the clutch. Whether it's a heart attack, a car accident, a shooting, or just someone having trouble, these real-life heroes come through. Inside, find out how they do their jobs, whenever they get the call. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

Most people run from smoke and fire and danger. Firefighters run toward it. Braving intense heat, choking fumes, and scary situations, firefighters are the first among first responders. Inside, read stories of their impressive feats, along with information about how they train for this daring job, the teamwork skills they need, and the awesome gear that makes their jobs possible. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.

Bank robbers, kidnappers, terrorists-those and other criminals have their eye on harming Americans. But the FBI stands in their way. For nearly 100 years, the FBI has provided the United States with one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the world. Inside, read how the dedicated agents of the FBI do their jobs-learn about their training, their history, and their scientific tools. Adventure, courage, talent . . . and service-they can all be found in the stories of brave men and women who go . . . ON A MISSION.