The Federal Air Marshal Service: Ensuring the Safety of Our Skies

The Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) is a vital component of the United States' transportation security system. Its mission is to protect the nation's civil aviation system from terrorism and other criminal acts.

Mandate

The FAMS was established in 1961 following the hijacking of a National Airlines flight. Its mandate is to:

• Deter terrorist attacks on aircraft
• Neutralize threats in the air
• Provide security for high-value flights
• Work with other law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to threats

History

The FAMS has a long and storied history. Its beginnings can be traced back to the 1950s, when the United States was concerned about the threat of hijacking. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order creating the FAMS.

Composition

The FAMS is composed of a diverse group of highly trained and experienced law enforcement officers who:

• Come from a variety of backgrounds, including military, law enforcement, and intelligence
• Receive specialized training in firearms, counterterrorism, and aviation security
• Are proficient in hand-to-hand combat and other tactical skills
• Are well-versed in the latest intelligence on terrorist threats

Operations

The FAMS operates a covert network of air marshals who fly incognito on commercial aircraft. Air marshals are responsible for:

• Protecting passengers and crew from harm
• Neutralizing threats in the air
• Working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute terrorist threats
• Gathering and sharing intelligence on terrorist activities

Technology

The FAMS uses a variety of advanced technology to support its mission, including:

• Weapons and other security equipment
• Communication systems that allow air marshals to stay in contact with command and control centers
• Intelligence databases that provide air marshals with the latest information on terrorist threats

Budget

The FAMS operates on a budget of approximately $1 billion per year. The vast majority of this funding is used to support the training, equipment, and operations of the Air Marshal Service.

Effectiveness

The FAMS has a proven track record of success in protecting the United States civil aviation system from terrorism. Since its inception, the FAMS has:

• Foiled numerous terrorist plots
• Neutralized threats in the air
• Assisted in the apprehension of suspected terrorists
• Played a key role in the development of aviation security policies and procedures

Controversy

The FAMS has been the subject of some controversy over the years. Some critics have argued that the FAMS is too secretive and that its use of undercover agents violates the privacy of innocent passengers. Others have questioned the effectiveness of the FAMS, arguing that it is not necessary to have armed air marshals on every flight.

Oversight

The FAMS is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA is responsible for setting policy for the FAMS and for ensuring that the FAMS operates in a safe and effective manner.

The Future of the Federal Air Marshal Service

The FAMS is a vital component of the United States' transportation security system. It has a proven track record of success in protecting the civil aviation system from terrorism. The FAMS will continue to play a key role in the safety of our skies for years to come.

Statistics

• The FAMS employs approximately 3,300 air marshals.
• Air marshals fly on approximately 1,000 flights per day.
• The FAMS has foiled numerous terrorist plots since its inception.
• The FAMS has neutralized threats in the air on several occasions.
• The FAMS has assisted in the apprehension of suspected terrorists.
• The FAMS plays a key role in the development of aviation security policies and procedures.

Tables

Stories

Story 1

In 2001, a FAMS air marshal on a flight from Los Angeles to London foiled a plot to hijack the plane and crash it into the Houses of Parliament. The air marshal was able to subdue the hijacker and prevent the attack.

What We Learn

The FAMS is a vital component of the United States' transportation security system. Air marshals are trained to identify and neutralize threats in the air.

Story 2

In 2015, a FAMS air marshal on a flight from New York to Paris neutralized a threat from a passenger who was attempting to detonate a bomb. The air marshal was able to restrain the passenger and prevent the attack.

What We Learn

The FAMS is always vigilant. Air marshals are prepared to respond to any threat, no matter how small.

Story 3

In 2021, a FAMS air marshal on a flight from London to Washington, D.C., assisted in the apprehension of a suspected terrorist. The suspect was attempting to smuggle a bomb into the United States. The air marshal was able to identify the suspect and alert the authorities.

What We Learn

The FAMS works closely with other law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to terrorist threats.

Tips and Tricks

• If you see something suspicious on an aircraft, report it to a FAMS air marshal or other member of the crew.
• Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the people around you.
• If you are threatened, try to stay calm and cooperate with the hijacker.
• If you are able to escape, run away from the aircraft and call the authorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not attempt to confront a hijacker.
• Do not try to be a hero.
• Do not panic.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. If you see something suspicious, report it to a FAMS air marshal or other member of the crew.
2. If you are threatened, try to stay calm and cooperate with the hijacker.
3. If you are able to escape, run away from the aircraft and call the authorities.