Federal Air Marshal

Federal air marshals provide security on airplanes as well as coordinate security operations necessary to protect national transportation infrastructure. These agents provide security under the direction of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Their primary responsibility is to protect airplane passengers from terrorists. More federal air marshals now work with FBI counterterrorism divisions, the National Targeting Center, and the National Counterterrorism Center. Air Marshals are very skilled marksman, some of the better trained federal agents with firearms. The TSA estimates air marshals spend 5 hours daily, 15 days monthly, 181 days annually, adding up to about 900 hours every year flying in a plane.

Since many people apply to become federal air marshals, competition for these jobs is intense. A strategy you can employ to set yourself apart from other applicants is to obtain a bachelor's or graduate degree. If you already have a graduate degree, you can get past certain requirements and begin your career with a higher salary. The TSA usually require candidates to meet the following requirements: be American citizens, not be older than 37 when filing an application (applicants with previous law enforcement experience can often bypass this requirement), pass health and physical fitness requirements, and have at least 3 years of related experience. Applicants with experience related to the FV-G level can be listed on an application. Individuals with law enforcement and investigative experience, or experience with aviation security will improve their chances of working as a federal air marshal. Moreover, applicants with graduate degrees in aviation management, police science, criminal justice, or numerous other specialties can improve their opportunities. More information regarding federal air marshal applications can be found at the TSA’s website.

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Want to launch a career in Homeland Security? It will probably be a very challenging experience but we can guarantee it will be thrilling and rewarding.

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