Career Profile: Air Marshall	Home	Español
		Informal perspective of what an occupation might be like.

What I Do: If you were to sit beside me on an airplane, you would think I was just an ordinary passenger. In reality, though, I'm a federal air marshal there to protect you from hijackers. I work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). I travel thirty-six weeks out of the year, flying routes inside the United States as well as overseas. I've been trained to overpower hijackers to keep the flight crew and the passengers safe.

Best and Hardest Parts of My Job: The hardest thing about my job is the grueling schedule. I work irregular shifts for weeks at a time. I guess it's a good thing I'm not married because I'm hardly ever home! Also, being an air marshal is downright dull sometimes. Because most flights are routine, I seldom engage in any dangerous activity. But I know that my very presence deters would-be hijackers. I'm proud to protect my fellow Americans.

How I Got Started: If you'd like to become an air marshal, you must submit an application to the FAA. You must be a U.S. citizen under the age of thirty-seven. Also, you must qualify for a top-secret security clearance. If you're hired, you'll receive special training by the FAA at its facility in New Jersey.