Do you enjoy air travel, investigative work and want to promote the safety of the skies? If so, becoming a Federal Air Marshal might be the perfect job for you.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is tasked with ensuring the safety of the aviation system in the United States. As part of this safety system, the TSA has a specially trained force of law enforcement personnel known as Federal Air Marshals. These individuals are responsible for detecting and preventing hostile acts during air flights in order to protect travelers, the air line crew and even citizens on the ground. http://www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/people/fams_join.shtm While focused on preventing terrorist attacks, Federal Air Marshals also help protect against unruly passengers who try to disrupt air travel and cause unsafe situations.

While mostly equated with in-air duties, Federal Air Marshals also work on investigative assignments with other federal agencies in land-based operations that help identify and prevent potential terrorist activities. http://www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/people/fams_join.shtm Most of the work you perform will be as an undercover agent, helping to quietly perform protection services.

The compensation for being a Federal Air Marshall can provide for a good career and progressive increases in pay based on experience under a ‘banding’ system. http://www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/people/fams_join.shtm The salaries generally range from around $48,000- $88,000.http://www.degreefinders.com/education-articles/careers/how-to-become-a-federal-air-marshal.html Other benefits of working for the Transportation Security Administration include health insurance, personal leave days, paid holidays, Thrift Savings Plan for retirement, Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses, paid training, allowance for uniform, long-term and life insurance, retirement plan, transportation subsidies, flexible work schedules including telework opportunities and a recognition program.http://www.tsa.gov/join/benefits/career_benefits.shtm

Becoming a Federal Air Marshal is a highly competitive undertaking. A minimum of a high school education is required, but it is highly advisable to obtain a college degree. A degree will no only increase your chances of entering the Air Marshal force, it will also help you increase your rank and pay once inside the service. To make the most of your undergraduate education, select a career related to law or criminal justice such as a major in criminal law, criminal justice or a legal degree.http://www.degreefinders.com/education-articles/careers/how-to-become-a-federal-air-marshal.html You may want to consider taking classes in psychology, government and sociology to help improve your knowledge base before Air Marshall training.

Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge of self-defense and military tactics through training and extra-curricular activities while completing your undergraduate education. Consider taking martial arts lessons, joining an ROTC program or obtaining a part time job in security or with the police. As soon as you meet your state’s requirements for a pistol permit, obtain your permit and spend time at a local gun range. Having strong marksmanship abilities can increase your chances of becoming a federal air marshal.

In addition to basic educational requirements, you must also be 37 or under when applying, be physically fit and pass a physical examination that includes vision, hearing and heart screenings.http://www.criminaljusticeprofiles.org/federal-air-marshal.html You must also be a United States citizen to apply for Federal Air Marshall positions. You can be native born, or a naturalized citizen, just make sure your paperwork is completed before starting the application process.

Applicants to the Federal Air Marshall service must have at least 3 years of experience in law enforcement, the military or related job. Preference may be given to candidates who come from other branches of government service like the military, especially if they already have security clearance. Applicants with an aviation security background will also have a better chance of admission.http://www.criminaljusticeprofiles.org/federal-air-marshal.html

Consider working for the Transportation Security Administration in another area of service, working for a police force, serving in the Air Force or other military branch or even serving in a local police force. Whenever possible look for opportunities that increase the skills needed to be a Federal Air Marshall. For example, if you work in a police force, take opportunities to work in crowd control, where you must constantly monitor and evaluate individuals for potential threats.

While working on your experience requirements, constantly improve your skills and physical abilities. Stay in shape through running, weight lifting and endurance exercises. Maintain a healthy weight and fill your diet with fruits, vegetables and whole-wheat grains. If you are concerned you do not meet the tough physical requirements to become a federal air marshal, work with your doctor to identify areas where you need to make improvements and an actionable plan to get you in top form before submitting your application.

The application and recruitment process for the Federal Air Marshal program is sporadic. They have short periods where they accept candidates and it is not based on any specific timing formula. To find out if the Transportation Security Administration is accepting applications for the Federal Air Marshal program, check the USAJOBS website. You can also proactively create and perfect your online resume on the USAJOBS website before applications are accepted, that way when the application process is opened up, you can apply without any delays. You can also call 877-872-7990 or email HelpDesk@tsa-hraccess.com with questions, or to inquire about upcoming submissions timelines.http://www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/people/fams_join.shtm

After you have submitted your application, be prepared to wait. The application process can be a long and tedious process before being accepted into the training program. You should maintain your existing job while completing this process.

If you pass the minimum requirements, you will be asked to complete a psychological assessment, a complete background check, a medical examination, a physical training evaluation and a panel interview. Based on the results of these components, the best applicants are hired to become Federal Air Marshals and begin an intense training program specifically aimed at the unique safety and space concerns applicable to Federal Air Marshal work.