Becoming an Air Marshal
The job of a US Air Marshal is a secretive job for a reason. It was specifically designed to be an unseen anonymous layer of public safety. Air marshals were begun in response to plane hijackings in the 1960s and 70s, and increased due to the terrorism of 9/11 in 2001. The number of US air marshals actually employed is a secret, but is likely in the thousands, up from the 33 federal air marshals that were employed when the 9/11 attack took place.
Air marshals are called FAMs (Federal Air Marshals), sky marshals, or US air marshals. They are federal employees of the Transportation Security Administration (or TSA) part of the Department of Homeland Security. FAMs are security specialists primarily trained to provide safety on passenger flights throughout the US and worldwide. Air marshals are present- armed and anonymous- on planes, subways and ferries. They also monitor airports, bus and train stations.
FAMs travel undercover by air extensively, but cannot share any details of their flights with family or civilians. No Instagram, no photos, no airline miles or points, no sharing how many passports they’ve filled up. According to Michael LaFrance, a supervisory air marshal in charge of training operations near Atlantic City Airport, he’s been “…everywhere…All over Europe. All over Asia. All over the world.” But he cannot say anything more specific than that.
Despite the secrecy surrounding US air marshals, it can be a good career for someone who wants to travel and has a strong interest in law enforcement. According to TSA recruitment press releases, the salary range for entry-level FAMs is $46,428/year to $71,932/year- plus locality pay based on regions. According to Glassdoor in October 2023, the estimated median pay range of a general sampling of air marshal salaries is $81,000-$131,000 annually- which is base salary and additional pay. Air marshals typically work long hours- nights, weekends, and holidays- and are on-call all hours, ready to fly with little notice. Air marshals may be expected to relocate due to job demand. They may participate in land-based work related to preventing terrorism. FAMs may also be active in multi-agency task forces as well.
What Are The Federal Air Marshal Requirements?
According to information from the TSA the starting basic qualifications for an air marshal job applicant are that a candidate:
- Must be a US citizen or national
- Must be between the ages of 21 and 36
- Must have a valid drivers license
- Must have either 3 years work experience or a bachelor’s degree or higher
In addition, all applicants must undergo a drug test, along with criminal and credit background checks. There are skills required for security guard-interviews, physical and mental evaluations, a physical training assessment and a polygraph test. Recruits are expected to have not just physical and marksmanship skills, but qualities such as critical-thinking under pressure, social discernment of suspicious individuals/situations, and excellent communication skills.
TSA finds that candidates with degrees in criminal justice, aviation business administration, law, or homeland security are ideal. Applicants can also obtain attractive background experience by applying for internships or entry level positions. Experience in local law or military is a plus, along with fitness and marksmanship skills. Additionally, undergoing a comprehensive security guard background check is crucial for those looking to enhance their credentials in the security field, ensuring they meet the high standards required for the protection of public and private entities.
What Are Federal Air Marshal Duties?
Air marshal duties are multi-faceted and focus on our nation’s transportation system. The role of a FAM is to:
- Protect passengers/crew from security threats by flying on US commercial flights.
- Arrest individuals who commit crimes against aviation or aboard a flight.
- Conduct interviews and interrogations.
- Testify in court when needed.
- Be active in multi-agency task forces that fight terrorism.
- Conduct investigations to protect travelers/crew on flights.
- Secure airports when there are potential risks.
What About The Hiring Process?
Training takes about 5 months. Recruits receive specialized training in surveillance, terrorist and criminal behaviors, international law, aircraft safety, investigative techniques, lawful arrest, and self-defense and skilled firearm use (especially in close quarters). TRAINING PHASE ONE is a 7 week course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA or Artesia, NM. Specialized training includes crowd control, constitutional law, crime scene preservation, and responses to people in mental health crisis.There is focus on training in security guard emergency response procedures.
If you pass this first phase, TRAINING PHASE TWO is 8 1/2 more weeks of training, this time at the TSATC (Transportation Security Administration Training Center) located close to Atlantic City International Airport in NJ. There is intense physical training for agility and strength. In addition, in order to graduate, all candidates must have a score that qualifies them to be a firearms instructor in other law enforcement fields.
In conclusion, air marshals are dedicated security specialists who keep the US aviation and travel industries safe from threats. An air marshal job can provide an exciting and rewarding career path for those inclined to law enforcement work, with a desire for travel, and a strong commitment to protect our nation.
