How to Become a Federal Air Marshal (2023)
CONTENTS
- Guide: How To Become an Air Marshal
- What education and experience do you need to become an Air Marshal?
- What are the TSA requirements to become an Air Marshal?
- Do I need a degree in a specific major to become an Air Marshal?
- What is the 16-week TSA Training program like?
- What is the salary of an Air Marshal?
- Air Marshal Application – Apply
Ever since America’s tragic loss on 9/11, positions for Federal Air Marshals have grown both in number and importance.
In the global fight against terrorism, airport security is a top priority. And Federal Air Marshals serve as the nation’s first line of defense against airplane hijacking attempts and other threats to passenger safety.
As armed members of The Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Air Marshals swear to protect and serve the nation’s transportation system against all criminal and hostile activities.
Given the vitally important role Air Marshals have in National Security, the application process to become a Federal Air Marshal is taken very seriously. Applicants must possess a number of education and experience qualifications and meet an extensive list of TSA requirements in order to be considered. So what are they exactly?
How To Become a Federal Air Marshal
Steps to Become an Air Marshal
- Obtain a Bachelor’s degree; or
- Gain relevant work experience
- Pass the TSA Background Check & Requirements Checklist
- Complete a 16-Week TSA Training Program
- Find and apply to open positions for Air Marshal Jobs
*FutureYoupedia.com is a third-party not officially affiliated with the TSA
Education & Experience – Requirements to Become a Federal Air Marshal
To become a Federal Air Marshal, you must possess at least 1 of the following qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Three years of qualifying work experience*
- A combination of education and qualifying work experience*
*When it comes to qualifying work experience, candidates will be judged on a case by case basis. The TSA loosely defines qualifying work experience as “progressively responsible general experience” that demonstrates the ability to analyze problems, plan and organize work, and communicate effectively.
Do you have at least 1 of the qualifications above? Great! Keep reading for the additional TSA requirements you must meet to become a Federal Air Marshal.
TSA Requirements to Become a Federal Air Marshal
- U.S Citizen or National
- 21 to 36 years old at the time of application (*certain exceptions apply to those over 36)
- Possess a Valid Driver’s License
- Must complete a rigorous 16-week training session that will test your physical fitness
- Must pass a top security clearance and intensive drug and alcohol screening
- Cannot have been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense
- Must be able to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency in its use
*Veterans who will be older than 36 at the end of training are still eligible to apply. Veterans will also receive preferential hiring. For example, when applying to a TSA job announcement that’s open to the general public, qualified veterans or their family members may be ranked ahead of other applicants.
If you are passionate about protecting & serving your country and meet all of the requirements above, you have an excellent chance of being hired as a Federal Air Marshal.
Before you apply, read the rest of this article to learn more about the job duties, training process and salary for Federal Air Marshals. Get detailed answers to the following FAQs:
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Do I Need a Degree in a Specific Major to Become a Federal Air Marshal?
You are not required to major in a specific field of study, but the following degree majors are recommended because of their relevance to the job of an air marshal:
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Homeland Security
- Military History
- Public Administration
Additionally, a degree in one of the fields above will give you an edge on the competition if you apply for supervisory positions in the future.
What Does TSA’s 16-Week Training Program Entail?
The 16-week Training Program is split into two phases.
Phase 1 is conducted at the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) training center in Artesia, New Mexico. Candidates are evaluated on their physical fitness, marksmanship and mental acuity.
Phase 2 of the training is conducted at the FAMS training center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This phase involves advanced firearms training and classroom instruction on specialized topics such as international law, self-defense and aircraft safety protocols.
What is the Salary for Federal Air Marshals?
The annual salary for Federal Air Marshals ranges from $17,083 to $155,500.
The range is wide because Air Marshals are salaried by pay grades under the SV grading system. An Air Marshal’s pay grade is determined by their years of experience, level of education and possession of specialized skills.
The Federal Air Marshal Service uses the following 13 discrete pay grades to determine Air Marshal salary:
Take the Next Step!
Are you ready to become an Air Marshal?
Air Marshal Application. Learn more about the Air Marshal application process. A credit and background check will be conducted after you submit your air marshal application.
Click here to explore more careers and online degrees / programs
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January 24, 2022 @ 7:54 am
Great content
January 24, 2022 @ 5:03 pm
Thank you. Pass it along to any friends/family interested in a career as an Air Marshal.
January 24, 2022 @ 8:28 am
This was very helpful!
January 24, 2022 @ 5:04 pm
Great, glad to know it was valuable to you.