Air Marshal
How to Become an Air Marshal
The Federal Air Marshal Service is the primary law enforcement agency within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Air Marshals are the undercover agents in the sky who protect over 80,000 flights in US airspace each day. They are responsible for protecting passengers and flight crew from crime and acts of terrorism. Air marshals may assist the FBI and National Counterterrorism Center in investigations to identify criminals and criminal threats. They must also prevent other forms of criminal misconduct (such as smuggling) from occurring.
Air marshals are usually disguised to blend in with other passengers. Air marshals carry weapons and are able to make arrests without warrants when necessary. According to the TSA, a Federal Air Marshal flies 181 days a year and spends 5 hours a day in an aircraft.
Air Marshal Requirements
- Be under the age of 40
- Be a United States citizen
- Be in excellent physical condition
Air marshals must also undergo extensive law enforcement training. Job opportunities will be best for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or law.
Job Opportunities for Air Marshals
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for federal air marshals are expected to increase by 13.3% over the next decade. Starting salaries for air marshals are around $47,500. Air marshals may advance to senior management positions earning over $88,000 annually.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition, and TSA: Federal Air Marshals, http://www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/programs/fams.shtm
