How to Become a Federal Air Marshal
Read about a Federal Air Marshal career below and the requirements for applicants. An important aspect to consider before becoming an Air Marshal is how an education (bachelor's degree) can waive many of the requirements, such as the three years of work experience that is required before becoming eligible for an Air Marshal position. Online schools are now offering bachelor's degree programs in criminal justice (a great degree that will prepare you for law enforcement related positions like an Air Marshal) that can be completed in as little as 15 months. Click here to request free information from some of the Nation's top online criminal justice bachelor's degree programs.
The TSA and its Agencies
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now part of the United States Department of Homeland Security and directs all TSA law enforcement agencies including, the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), the TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Program and the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program.
Federal Air Marshal Service Job Description
Federal Air Masrshals are responsible not only for the security of aircraft but for national security as it pertains to all aspects of transportation and the country's critical infrastructure. Federal Air Marshals are the primary law enforcement entity within the TSA. An Air Marshal's main job duties are to protect passengers and crew on international and domestic flights from crime and acts of terrorism. The job has evolved in recent years to include staffing several positions at different agencies like the National Counterterrorism Center, the National Targeting Center, and on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces. These liason positions are critical to coordinating and protecting against acts of terrorism. Air Marshals have the highest firearm qualification standards of all law enforcement agencies and are considered some of the best marksman in law enforcement. According to the TSA, a Federal Air Marshal flies 181 days a year, 15 days a month, spends 900 hours a year in an aircraft, and spends 5 hours a day in an aircraft.
Federal Air Marshal Requirements and Training
As with all highly trained and well paying federal government positions, applying for a Federal Air Marshal job is very competitive and anything you can do to set yourself apart from the competition is a must. One way, that by no means will guarantee you a position, is to earn a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. Some of the requirements for applicants are waived if the applicant has an advanced education and you will have a shot at starting your career with the Federal Air Marshal Service with a higher pay grade. According to the TSA, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, 37 years of age at appointment (previous federal law enforcement experience may exempt applicants from the age restriction), must meet stringent physical, health and medical requirements and 3 years of general experience. Such experience may have been gained in administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other progressively responsible work; or Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in any field. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-G level. Examples include law enforcement experience; e.g., conducting criminal investigations; performing inspections or evaluations to determine compliance with laws and regulations affecting aviation; developing or implementing policies or procedures affecting aviation security; and providing security risk, threat, or vulnerability assessments related to aviation security; or Completion of all requirements for a doctoral degree or three full academic years of graduate education in criminal justice, public administration, police science, law, or aviation management. More information about qualifications and requirements can be found on the TSA website.
Employment begins with Air marshals being required to attend two seven-week courses at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center training site in Artesia, N.M., and at the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) academy in Atlantic City, N.J. The training includes marksmanship, physical training, and critical scenarios air marshals may encounter while on the job. Trainees also learn how to manage situations with drunk, high or mentally impaired passengers.
There are 21 national field offices nationally and a number of airport based offices, that after successful completion of training an air marshal will be assigned to.
Federal Air Marshal Salaries
The TSA is unique in comparison to other United States federal governement agencies in that it does not use the same GS pay scale. Instead, the TSA utilizes an SV grading syatem with different pay bands designated with by a letter from A to M. The SV grading systems ranges from $15,958 to $145,400. Federal Air Marshals are hired on at the G,H or I pay level, which is a pay range of $36,764 to $84,739.

Criminal Justice and Related Degrees
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University of Phoenix Online:
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MS in Administration of Justice and Security
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Colorado Technical University Online:
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American Intercontinental University Online: The BSCJ in Special Populations is an accelerated Bachelor's Degree program that will prepare you for careers in federal governement, such as an Air Marshal.
Associate's Criminal Justice Administration
BS in Criminal Justice Special Populations
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Walden University: Walden University’s Online PhD in Criminal Justice is designed to help students achieve professional advancement and personal enrichment. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.
PhD in Human Services - Criminal Justice
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Kaplan University:
AAS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
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Everest University Online :
Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
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Capella University:
MS in Human Services / Criminal Justice
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ITT Technical Institute Online:
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Ashford University:
BA in Criminal Justice
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