How long does it take to become an air marshal?
Mia Phillips
Updated on March 26, 2026
Complete a rigorous 16-week training program including 36 days at the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) Federal Air Marshal Service Training Program-I(FAMSTP-I) in New Mexico and an advanced 43-day training program at the Federal Air Marshal Service Training Program II (FAMSTP-II) in New Jersey.
What degree do you need to be a federal air marshal?
bachelor’s degree
Federal Air Marshal Degree Requirements You’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree and one year of specialized work experience equivalent to the FV-G level. The experience can include: Conducting criminal investigations. Performing inspections to determine compliance with laws and regulations affecting aviation.
How much does a federal air marshal make a year?
Salaries for air marshal positions range from $46,950 to $82,417 annually. That’s not bad. In fact, considering some ex-military or private security officers may qualify for an air marshal job with only a high school diploma or associate’s degree, the pay range is great.
Do Federal air marshals fly first class?
Currently, air marshals are seated in first class or (at worst) in the front of the economy cabin, which means they get extra-legroom economy seats on most aircraft. Instead, when air marshals have needed to break cover, it’s typically for rowdy passengers — and almost all of these incidents have been in economy.
What benefits do air marshals get?
Benefits for federal air marshals include life and health insurance, paid vacation, federal savings plan, medical and dental coverage, retirement plan and transportation subsidies. Air marshal training is also fully federally funded.
What pistol do air marshals carry?
Sig Sauer P250 Compact
The sidearm of choice of the Federal Air Marshal Service is the Sig Sauer P250 Compact, after previously using the P229. While the P229 is the company’s most widely-used pistol by law enforcement professionals nationwide, it is only available in three calibres and does not offer the customisation of the P250.
What do air marshals wear?
TSA required Federal Air Marshals to wear raid jackets or shirts identifying them as air marshals, which potentially compromised their anonymity.
Can air marshals sleep?
The typical signs to look out for are unaccompanied passengers who board at the last moment, take carry-on luggage only, and have an aisle seat near the back of the plane. During the flight, they never sleep, even on long-haul flights.
How much is Air Marshal salary?
Federal Air Marshal Salaries
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| US Department of Homeland Security Federal Air Marshal salaries – 9 salaries reported | $99,220/yr |
| TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Federal Air Marshal salaries – 5 salaries reported | $105,692/yr |
Do air marshals wear uniforms?
Federal air marshals must have neatly trimmed hair, and men must be clean-shaven, the documents say. Some of the service’s 21 field offices have mandated that male officers wear suits, ties and dress shoes while on duty, even in summer heat. Women are required to wear blouses and skirts or dress slacks.
Where do you go to school to become an air marshal?
Air Marshal Job Training Successful candidates must participate in a mandatory training program. The first 36 days of the basic training program take place at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in New Mexico. The second part of the program takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where recruits receive more specialized training.
When was the Federal Air Marshal Service created?
The Federal Air Marshals Service was created in 1961 under the name of the U.S. Sky Marshal Program.
Where is the u.s.marshals Service Training Center?
Basic Training Academy. United States Marshals Service Basic Training Academy is conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), in Glynco, GA. Glynco is located near Brunswick, Georgia, mid-way between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. New Deputies are hired as GS-0082 series Deputy U.S. Marshals.
What does it mean to be an air marshal?
Federal Air Marshals are specially trained, armed law enforcement officers who are authorized to fly on general aviation aircraft. These professionals, who work on an independent basis, are called upon to blend in with other passengers and use their skills and training to protect the flying public from criminal and terrorist violence through:
