Jul
okay…so I really really really want to be a Air Marshal and I read that 15 days out of each month they are on “duty” and sit nonchalantly on planes waiting for crime/terrorist threats. Well what do they do or the other 15 days out of the month? I can’t find it anywhere. If you find a GREAT website that explaisn my question, please site it..I will give the ideal answer to the person that helps me the most and gives the most information.
Answer:
I was actually offered employment with them about 3 years back. Unfortunately, they then decided to freeze hiring and send me a stupid *** email a few months telling me I would have to fill out their 2 hour long application again in order to be considered again. I ignored the email because I heard that they were having a lot of problems there - like the idiotic dress code was giving the agents away. If a guy offers to purchase you supper in the airport restaurant because you looked out for the plane he was on, don't you think that Ahmad would know who you are too? I won't work for an *** hole that values my dress attire over my life. Any way, I am reapplying now that they have their **** together. What experience do you have? College? (which is useless in law enforcement, trust me) Or any law enforcement experience? If you’re just some guy off of the street you can probably hang it up. You would be better off applying with them after working as a police officer or correctional officer for a few years - or a bag screener. It's easier to get federal jobs from the inside that it is to get hired into one initially.
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OK, this is an edit. I checked out your other questions and I see that you’re serious about this. Also, I see that you look like you know tiny about law enforcement. Like I said, I don’t believe that your chances are very good to be hired without any experience. But I don’t know you, so hey, what do I know? It is worth a try. The worse they have the ability to say is “better luck next time”. I ince knew a Air Marshal that I’ve sadly lost contact with. These suggestions are based on our conversations and a general knowledge of law enforcement. OK. First is physical fitness. You need to be prepared for the academy. They’re going to run the hell out of you. Second, is stress. There are going to be stress tests and psychological exams. If there is a bunch of screaming and crying and stuff on an aircraft with a bunch of people out of their seats you have to keep a cool head to determine who the threat is - or if there’s one? Maybe some one was having a nightmare and screamed in their sleep and upset each one. You’ve to remain calm and cool at all times because even on the street, if an officer looses his cool the whole situation is lost. Just one calm person can exercise control of a chaotic situation. Also, being in law enforcement isn’t about being a tough guy. There’s always someone out there who can eat your lunch. I have been in many situations where choosing my words wisely and acting diplomatically kept me from getting hurt, and me from having to injured some one else. Diplomacy is the name of the game. If you’ve any previous knowledge of martial arts, forget it when you go to the academy. I went to the police academy with one black belt under me. And I could perform what I had been taught much better than the instructor could perform what he was showing me. I forgot what I knew and I performed what I was being tested on. Seriously. Forget what you know beyond the very basics. After you graduate if you’re interested in a martial arts style for the close quarters of an aircraft I would recommend Kenpo or Wing Chun because they are both mostly use your upper body in attacks and both specialize in close range combat. The worst one would be karate or Tea Kwon Do or any other kicking style or Brazilian Jujitsu (how will you kick or ground fight someone on a plane?) Also is firearms training. Air Marshals have the most strenuous and intense firearms training in law enforcement. Period. Another secret: most cops can't shoot. Seriously it's pathetic. When they re qualify each year their target looks like a shot gun hit at 40 yards. The “good enough to work for a year” mentality does not cut it at FAMS. I would suggest you receive training from a range master at your local gun range. Once again…when you go to the academy forget what you know. Do things how THEY want you to do them. But target shooting before hand will ensure that you do better when you’re at the academy. It will eliminate the stress of trying to improve your sight alignment and trigger control. Then while there you can simply focus on your speed. And do get a certified teacher to teach you. Do not rely on what daddy or uncle Joe showed you at grand pappies farm when you were 12 with a cheap .22. Practice does not make perfect. Prefect practice makes perfect. Poor practice yields poor habits that have to be retrained and are worse than not practicing at all.
Here is what the TSA says on their application:
Please read carefully.Current primary hiring sites are: Atlanta (GA), Chicago (IL), Denver (CO), Detroit (MI), Los Angeles (CA), Miami (FL), Minneapolis (MN), Newark (NJ), New York (NY), Orlando (FL), Philadelphia (PA), San Francisco (CA), and Washington (DC). However, applicants may choose other desired duty locations from the given list. Based on the OLE/FAMS operational stipulations, this announcement might be used to fill positions at any duty location.
PAY/COMPENSATION: The OLE/FAMS has adopted the FAA Core Compensation system, which includes job categories and pay bands. Basic salary ranges are: G = $37,683 - $58,388, H = $45,965 - $71,225, & I = $56,007- $86,857. These will be adjusted to include locality pay based on the assigned duty location.
This position is covered by the Federal Law Enforcement Retirement System, and the incumbent is eligible for the 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay.
While qualified applicants may be selected to either the SV-G, SV-H, or SV-I level, most applicants will be selected at the SV-G level. The highest pay band of a FAM is SV-I. There’s NO guarantee of promotion. Movement to a higher level will depend on the incumbent's capability to perform the more complex, higher level work.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent is subject to work a tour of duty that meets program stipulations including shift work, nights, weekends and holidays and subject to required regular and recurring overnight travel.
This position requires that the incumbent carry a firearm. Individuals selected must meet initial and recurrent qualifications in the use of firearms.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS: The assessment process is extensive and includes structured interviews, medical examination, psychological assessment and background investigation.
Drug Testing: You may be subject to a screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. In addition, incumbents are subject to random drug testing.
The OLE/FAMS has implemented a Physical Training Assessment (PTA) stipulation for all applicants in order to assess ability to successfully participate in strenuous physical activity during formal training with minimized risk of injury. Candidates will be evaluated for performance of the following physical tasks: Pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. There is no minimum required score for the PTA. The fitness evaluation level achieved by candidates is a factor considered in the applicant assessment process.
Applicants will be prompted to provide associated background investigation information as part of the application package.
DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS: Required supporting documents include proof of citizenship, SF-50 or equivalent, DD-214, SF-15 and DVA approval letter, and college transcripts as applicable. Documents must be attached to the on the web application.
Federal Air Marshal's must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid say driver's license and a personal U.S. passport.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGE REQUIREMENTS: This position is a primary law enforcement position under 5 U.S.C. 8336 (C) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (D) (FERS). Persons making their first entry into a law enforcement position under these authorities must be appointed before reaching their 37th birthday. Persons already in covered secondary positions or persons with previous creditable service who apply for a primary position can’t be considered if their age at reentry into the primary position exceeds 37 years after subtracting their years of service in covered positions. Applicants must provide evidence of current or previous coverage that would qualify.
Candidates for this position must be at least 21 years old before their entry on duty date.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: This announcement is open continuous. Candidates are notified of application status on the internet, by email, or by phone. Applicants can update personal information at any time on the web.
Initial appointment requires completion of a 2-year trial period with the following exceptions: New hires entitled to Veterans Preference serve a one-year trial period. Former Federal employees with career status or current Federal employees who move to TSA without a break in service will not be required to serve another trial period if they’ve already finished a trial/probationary period.
This announcement is being used to take into account internal Merit Promotion and external candidates. You’ll be considered under all categories for which you’re eligible.
DUTIES:(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)
Incumbent serves as a Federal Air Marshal (FAM) in the OLE/FAMS, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. The OLE/FAMS promotes confidence in our Nation's civil transportation systems through the effective risk-based strategic deployment of Federal Air Marshals and other OLE/FAMS law enforcement resources in both air and land based mission related assignments. The organization’s primary focus is to detect, deter, and defeat terrorist or other criminal hostile acts targeting U.S. air carriers, airports, passengers, crew, and when necessary, other transportation modes within the Nation’s general transportation systems.
Consistent with the duties described herein, FAMs: administ
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