Qualification Requirements for Federal Air Marshals

1. Qualification Requirements for Federal Air Marshals By Nicholas Janitsary

2. Dr. Nicholas Janitsary has served as managing director of New Dimension Group since 2000, spearheading the global consultancy’s operations throughout the Middle East and Asia. Holding a PhD in criminology, Dr. Nicholas Janitsary consults on business development, security, and cultural matters from the firm’s Singapore office. In addition to advising a wide range of organizations on security concerns such as threat assessment, counterterrorism, and intelligence gathering, New Dimension Group also facilitates training for a variety of security professionals, including federal air marshals. Introduction

3. The Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) currently employs between 3,200 and 4,000 air marshals to combat the threat of international terrorism and protect passengers on both domestic and international flights. In addition to the completion of an intensive 16-week training period, aspiring air marshals must also fill a number of other criteria. While added leeway and preferential hiring are granted to veterans, applicants must typically fall between 21 and 36 years of age. Candidates must also pass thorough drug and alcohol screening processes, and must obtain top security clearance. Federal Air Marshals

4. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense are not eligible to become air marshals, and candidates must obtain legal certification to carry and use a firearm. Air marshal candidates must also possess either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or three years of “progressively responsible general experience.” This experience should demonstrate a candidate’s proficiency in problem solving, task organization, and effective communication. Conclusion