Maintaining and knowing how to use firearms are important for all law enforcement officials. Many Border Patrol Agents say that they have never had to fire a weapon, even after many years on the job. Others report that they've found themselves in situations requiring that they use their weapon after only days or weeks on the job. Decisions an agent makes in a split second under life-and-death pressure may be analyzed and evaluated over the course of years. Extensive training in the use of firearms is critical to an agent making the best possible decision when called upon to do so.