Bundesgrenzschutz is the former name of the German Bundespolizei. Established on 16 March 1951 as a subordinate agency of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the BGS originally was primarily focused on protecting the West German borders. During their early days, BGS units had military structures, training and equipment. The law enforcement officers legally had military combatant status until 1994. A major part of the early BGS personnel joined the newly founded German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) in 1956 and thus significantly contributed to West Germany's rearmament. The BGS was renamed to Bundespolizei on 1 July 2005. The change of name did not have any effect on the legal status or competencies of the agency, but rather reflects its transition to a multi-faceted police agency with control over border, railway and air security.
BGS Federal Eagle (Bundesadler) worn from 1976 until 2001
BGS Federal Eagle (Bundesadler) worn from 1952 until 1976
An Aerospatiale SA.330J Puma helicopter operated by the West German Bundesgrenzschutz in 1985
Former BGS Eurocopter EC 155 with current markings but BGS dark-green paint
A border guard of a country is a national security agency that performs border security. Some of the national border guard agencies also perform coast guard and rescue service duties.
Soviet Border Troops riding horses patrol at the Khorgos Soviet-Chinese frontier post (1984 photo)
Chinese border guards' booth on the sea coast in Guangdong.
A Border Guard Bangladesh Senior Warrant Officer (left in yellow/green outfit) applies a mechanical advantage control/hold to a US Marine during training.
CBSA Inland Enforcement Officers