Elite Law Enforcement Leadership: Becoming a Supervisory Federal Air Marshal (ASAC)

In an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving security paradigms, securing the nation’s commercial aviation corridors is one of the federal government's highest priorities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), plays a defining role in this ongoing effort. At the apex of this defensive shield is the Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (LE/FAMS), an elite agency tasked with deploying tactical law enforcement officers globally to prevent, deter, and defeat hostile acts targeting transportation networks.

TSA is actively seeking accomplished law enforcement professionals to step into the role of Supervisory Federal Air Marshal / Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (ASAC). This highly selective role is mapped to the SV-K pay band, which is the direct equivalent of a GS-15 grade level within the federal civil service. Available in vital metropolitan hubs—including Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston, and Chantilly—this position represents a premier career milestone for seasoned officers who possess the strategic vision, tactical wisdom, and executive capabilities required to lead elite teams on a global stage.

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About the Agency: The Mission of LE/FAMS

The Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service is recognized worldwide as a premier aviation security and tactical response force. Originally established to protect commercial flights from hijackings, the modern FAMS mission has expanded significantly. Today, LE/FAMS operates across the entire transportation domain, deploying highly trained law enforcement personnel on civilian aircraft worldwide, as well as managing complex protection, response, and threat detection activities inside major international airports and surface transportation networks.

LE/FAMS fosters public confidence by projecting a highly competent, responsive, and visible defensive posture. Under the legislative mandate of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA), the agency maintains operational teams capable of neutralizing threats in seconds. Operating within this context, an Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (ASAC) acts as a high-level executive and operational commander, ensuring that strategic regional and national mandates are flawlessly translated into day-to-day tactical execution.

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Job Responsibilities and Operational Command

The role of an ASAC is multifaceted, blending executive administrative management, inter-agency diplomacy, and tactical operational oversight. The incumbent operates under the authority of the Field Office Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (SAC), serving as a crucial advisor and consultant on all regional activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Directing Elite Personnel: ASACs direct the operational efforts of subordinate Supervisory Federal Air Marshals (SFAMS) and Federal Air Marshals (FAMs). This includes establishing tactical work schedules, determining operational priorities, evaluating performance, administering disciplinary action, and mentoring subordinates to optimize career development.
• Strategic Resource Management: Commanders must systematically plan, allocate, and justify regional resources, including substantial operational budgets, sophisticated technical gear, and personnel hours. This involves projecting short- and long-term organizational demands and reallocating assets across projects or regional offices.
• High-Level Inter-Agency Liaison: Establishing and maintaining active partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies is paramount. The ASAC represents LE/FAMS goals and strategies to high-level stakeholders, airport executives, and international security partners.
• Discretionary Operational Control: ASACs are routinely expected to make critical operational decisions with minimal higher-level intervention. They resolve complex and non-routine problems on the fly, ensuring field initiatives align with the broader strategic objectives of DHS.

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Specialized Qualifications and Core Requirements

To qualify for this SV-K (GS-15 equivalent) position, candidates must demonstrate a high degree of specialization in law enforcement leadership. Specifically, candidates must possess at least one full year of specialized experience at the SV-J (GS-14 equivalent) level within the federal service or an equivalent capacity in the public or private sector.

Defining Specialized Experience

Specialized experience must include a deep familiarity with the LE/FAMS mission or comparable high-stakes law enforcement operating environments. This includes:

1. Applying advanced knowledge of operational training principles, emergency preparedness protocols, and tactical operations.
2. In-depth understanding of criminal statutes, precedent court decisions, rules of evidence, judicial processes, and complex multi-jurisdictional investigations.
3. Demonstrated competence in managing cross-functional programs, coordinating with external law enforcement bodies, and directing personnel in high-stress operational settings.

Career Level Comparison Table

Operational Element	SV-J / GS-14 Level (Prerequisite)	SV-K / GS-15 ASAC Level (Command Core)
Command Scope	Direct supervision of tactical squads or specialized investigative units.	Comprehensive leadership over SFAMS, FAMs, and regional office sectors.
Inter-Agency Integration	Tactical collaboration and project-specific cooperation with local peers.	High-level diplomacy, representing FAMS to regional DHS heads and executive partners.
Fiscal Responsibility	Budget inputs, equipment tracking, and tactical operational resource execution.	Direct management, reallocation, and multi-year planning of field office budgets.
Decision-Making Latitude	Alignment of operational units with established, pre-defined regional protocols.	Discretionary authority to address complex, non-routine system challenges.
Strategic Contribution	Contributing operational feedback to regional leadership and policy boards.	Designing and deploying long-term operational and crisis-response strategy plans.

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Conditions of Employment

Due to the critical nature of homeland security defense, selected individuals must satisfy strict, ongoing conditions of employment:

• Security Clearance: Candidates must obtain and maintain a favorable Top Secret (TS) security clearance. The position is designated as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk.
• Firearms Proficiency: ASACs must carry a firearm and maintain top-tier physical and operational proficiency, as defined by TSA standards.
• Lautenberg Amendment Compliance: Any individual convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition and is disqualified from this role.
• Physical and Medical Readiness: Candidates must meet demanding medical criteria and continuous physical fitness benchmarks to ensure capability during emergency response deployments.
• Availability and On-Call Duties: This position is emergency-essential. Selected individuals are subject to 24-hour on-call availability, may be required to work irregular schedules, and must be prepared to relocate to emergency zones with little to no notice.

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Salary and Federal Compensation Structure

This position offers a robust compensation structure commensurate with executive federal service. The baseline salary range is $129,885 to $168,852 per year.

Crucially, because this position is designated under the Federal Law Enforcement Retirement System (FLERS), the incumbent is also eligible to receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP). LEAP adds an additional 25% premium on top of the base salary, recognizing the extensive on-call requirements, irregular working hours, and high-intensity demands of commanding tactical operations. This brings the total earning potential significantly above the base parameters listed, depending on localized cost-of-living adjustments.

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Premium Benefits and Incentives

The Department of Homeland Security provides an exceptional benefits package structured to support its workforce throughout their careers and into retirement:

• Retirement Planning: Full integration with the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) tailored for law enforcement, supplemented by the robust Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with automated agency matching.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Premium plans covering health, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term care insurance policies.
• Leave Programs: Substantial annual and sick leave accumulation. Note: TSA caps annual leave transfer balances to the maximum accumulation for the appointed domestic position (typically 240 hours).
• Workplace Wellness & Incentives: Access to on-site fitness centers, health programs, transportation subsidies, uniform allowances, and potential tuition reimbursement programs.

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Application Tips and Resume Requirements

Navigating the USAJOBS process for an executive-level law enforcement role requires meticulous attention to detail. TSA employs strict validation parameters that must be met to avoid automated disqualification.

1. Maintain a Two-Page Limit

The USAJOBS system configured for this vacancy will not allow candidates to submit an application if their resume is longer than two pages. Keep your history concise, focused, and directly aligned with the SV-K requirements.

2. Document Your Federal Grade & Working Hours

If you are a current or former federal civilian employee, you must clearly document your performance level (pay band or grade) for every position listed on your resume. Furthermore, you must state your exact weekly working hours (e.g., "40 hours/week" or "20 hours/week"). Part-time service is credited on a proportional ratio.

3. Avoid Verbatim Plagiarism

While you must demonstrate that you possess the required competencies, do not copy and paste bullet points directly from this job announcement into your resume. Focus instead on describing your specific, real-world achievements and operational impact.

4. Provide Crucial Personnel Action Documents (SF-50)

Ensure you upload a legible, non-award SF-50 that proves your civil service status and coverage under law enforcement retirement codes. This is critical for verify age requirements if you are over 37.

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Q: Is this position eligible for remote work or regular telework?

No. Given the critical, emergency-essential nature of tactical field command and the requirement for on-site inter-agency coordination, this position is not eligible for telework or remote work arrangements.

Q: Does this role require frequent travel?

Yes. Due to the global scope of LE/FAMS operations, the ASAC must be willing to undertake extensive travel, which may frequently include overnight stays and rapid mobilization to international or domestic emergency sites.

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Serving as a Supervisory Federal Air Marshal (ASAC) is more than a job—it is a calling to safeguard the pathways of global travel. For accomplished law enforcement officers seeking a high-visibility, high-impact command role within the Department of Homeland Security, this position offers an unparalleled opportunity to lead elite tactical forces, manage complex operational budgets, and write the next chapter of national defense history. Ensure your application is accurate, complete, and submitted before the closing deadline.