Becoming an air marshal is a difficult, competitive process. It can take many years to reach this level, but if you are willing to put in the work and have the right mindset, you will eventually succeed. Here are some tips for becoming an air marshal:
• Get a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or law enforcement. This will help you get into a federal law enforcement agency (like the FBI) and then apply for an air marshal position through that agency.
• If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, consider getting one now, while working toward your goal of becoming an air marshal later on down the road when it makes sense financially and logistically.
• Practice test-taking and written communication skills by taking CLEET testing courses such as those offered by [link]. This will help prepare you for the rigorous testing process required by most federal law enforcement agencies before they hire anyone as an air marshal.
• Take advantage of community college classes or other similar programs that provide training in firearms use, self-defense techniques like martial arts or boxing (which may be required for positions like these), aviation operations knowledge (if there’s
How To Become An Air Marshal
Following the events on September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security was instituted, and within it lies the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The main mission of the TSA is to secure the airlines, including the aircraft, the passengers, and the crew members. To accomplish this mission, the TSA developed the Air Marshal Service, a group of undercover, armed, law enforcement officers who ride on passenger flights around the world to protect against hostile acts.
Career Description, Duties, and Common Tasks
The TSA reports that a typical air marshal (sometimes called sky marshal) flies 181 days each year, spending 900 hours a year, or five hours a day, in the air. Like most law enforcement personnel, sky marshals evaluate the environment, attempt to identify potentially suspicious activity, and conduct investigations in an effort to protect airline travelers and crew against terrorist violence. They often work with law enforcement agencies to ensure success in their mission. This job comes with high levels of pressure and requires constant awareness and attention to detail.
Federal air marshals with a strong track record and sufficient experience may be promoted to senior management or supervisory positions. In addition to working at airports throughout the country, sky marshals are currently employed by such organizations as the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the National Counterterrorism Center, and the National Targeting Center.
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Steps for Becoming an Air Marshal
Air marshal candidates must be US citizens, between 21 and 36 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and be in excellent physical health. A bachelor’s degree is required for candidates who do not have qualifying experience (read more details below). Candidates can expect to undergo a process similar to the one below when applying to become an air marshal.
Attend a degree program and/or gain experience in a related field.*
Apply for an air marshal job on the USAJOBS website.
Be interviewed and perform other assessments.
Submit to fingerprinting and a background investigation.
Take and pass a drug screening.
Take and pass a medical exam.
Be hired as an air marshal.
Complete a rigorous 16-week training program including 36 days at the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) Federal Air Marshal Service Training Program-I(FAMSTP-I) in New Mexico and an advanced 43-day training program at the Federal Air Marshal Service Training Program II (FAMSTP-II) in New Jersey.
Receive on-the-job training once hired.
*US air marshals must have either a bachelor’s degree, three years of qualifying work experience (administrative, professional, technical, or investigative), or an acceptable combination of both education and experience.
Air Marshal Job Training
Successful candidates must participate in a mandatory training program. The first 36 days of the basic training program take place at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in New Mexico. The second part of the program takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where recruits receive more specialized training. Topics covered during training include international law, aircraft safety, how to recognize criminal and terroristic behavior, how to arrest suspects quickly and lawfully, and aircraft medicine, in case marshals have to administer first aid while in flight. Applicants must become proficient in firearm use and in close quarters self-defense.
Other Helpful Skills and Experience
Aspiring sky marshals must be comfortable working independently and be highly skilled at accurate shooting in close quarters. Former law enforcement or military experience may be beneficial.
Possible Job Titles for This Career
Air Marshal
Federal Air Marshal
Sky Marshal
US Air Marshal
Air Marshal Salary and Job Outlook
The TSA has its own unique pay scale and does not follow the General Schedule (GS) as do most other federal positions. In the TSA, the salary steps include letters A through M. The starting pay depends on factors like education and experience. Salary increases as TSA employees are promoted to higher levels of responsibility. Current job postings on USA Jobs website can provide an approximate idea of salary ranges. Air marshals receive the same benefit plans that other government employees receive – life and health insurance, medical and dental insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans.1 The hiring outlook for sky marshals is influenced by Homeland Security’s efforts to prevent attacks and the number of air miles traveled in the United States.While a college degree can’t guarantee an air marshal position, law enforcement leaders such as Sheriff Gary Raney and former Sheriff Sue Rahr agree that a degree can help set you apart from the competition and help with career progression in any law enforcement related career.
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