How Does an Air Marshal Spend a Workday?
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Background
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The Federal Air Marshal Service falls under the Transportation Security Administration, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. The Federal Air Marshal Service initially began back in 1970 after some hijackings in the 1960s. It was then called the Customs Air Security Officers Program or, more commonly, the Sky Marshal Program. The program ended in 1974 when X-ray equipment was brought in to start screening passengers and luggage. In 1985, after TWA Flight 847 was hijacked, the program was started again for international flights at the direction of President Ronald Reagan. On September 11, 2001, there were fewer than fifty marshals. After, President George W. Bush ordered that the program be expanded. There are now several thousand federal air marshals who fly on both domestic and international flights.
Federal Air Marshal Duties
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Federal air marshals spend a typical workday protecting the flying public from hostile acts by terrorists or criminals. They are trained to work alone and pose as passengers. They fly on the airplane, blending in with other passengers, and use the techniques they learned to maintain security without others knowing. They are able to spot terrorist behavior and have specialized investigation techniques. Because they work on airplanes, they are extremely skilled with handguns and shoot with high accuracy. They are trained to protect the public in close quarters. There are some air marshals who work in other areas such as on the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces and the National Targeting Center. Federal air marshals usually have a background in the military or other law enforcement.
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Other Federal Air Marshal Service Careers
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If one has a background other than law enforcement but would like to work for the federal Air Marshal Service, there are other career options available. There are positions that involve the analysis and communication of intelligence. Positions in information technology will allow you to work in development and maintenance of leading technology. Civilian instructors train the federal air marshals. Many support and administrative types of positions also exist, such as secretary, security assistant and human resources and medical positions.
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