A different kind of fam

OK, so I scared myself silly with last Friday's post about possible rumors of terrorists in the air. So I did a little checking on those guys who are supposed to watch our backs while in flight, the Federal Air Marshals. The FAMs, who now operate under US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, do undergo a pretty rigorous training process:

Every Federal Air Marshal candidate must successfully complete a two-phase training program to fulfill the requirements necessary to become a Federal Air Marshal (FAM). The initial phase consists of a seven-week basic law enforcement officer training program conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (F.L.E.T.C.) in Artesia, NM. The FAM basic training has been specifically tailored to prepare recruits for the unique and critical mission of the Federal Air Marshal Service. The core curriculum taught during FAM basic training is drawn from the following disciplines: constitutional law, basic marksmanship, physical fitness, defensive tactics, emergency medical and fundamental law enforcement investigative/administrative practices. FAM candidates who successfully complete the basic training curriculum continue to Phase II training conducted at the Federal Air Marshal Training Center in Atlantic City, NJ.

Phase II training is dedicated to providing FAM candidates with the knowledge, skills and abilities specifically applicable to the environment in which they will perform their duties. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced firearms and defensive techniques proficiency, advanced operational tactics, strength conditioning and aerobic training, aircraft systems emergency procedures and legal and administrative protocols. Candidates who successfully complete Phase II have demonstrated the ability to carry out the duties and tasks necessary to fulfill the mission of the Federal Air Marshal Service. Upon graduation from Phase II, newly appointed Federal Air Marshals are assigned to one of 21 field offices to begin flying missions.

I feel better now. Not great, but better.

To receive a weekly blog update, e-mail Sue.