Patriotic and Practical Rewards Come with Working in Homeland Security

As part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, every officer within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is valued by the government as part of "the frontline of defense." Far more extensive than the corps of men and women screening airline passengers, the TSA's lineup includes professionals in law enforcement, technology, security, management and more. And that is why the TSA is one of the top government employers in the homeland security field.

Every member of the TSA team, regardless of title, is committed to helping create and reinforce airtight protection around the United States' vast transportation infrastructure. TSA employees prevent terrorist acts using methods of intelligence, inspection and regulation enforcement. To achieve this goal, the TSA has been organized into a body made up of 20 layers of security, from high-level intelligence to ground-level passenger safety operations.

Forming this impenetrable shield takes both the manpower and the mind power of more than 43,000 employees at all varieties of U.S. transportation nodes and routes -- from city subway lines and interstate highways to major airports and crowded rail stations. Not to mention, the department is constantly growing. Recently, the TSA Web site showed that the agency had up to 220 job openings throughout TSA's approximately 450 work locations nationwide.

To many people's surprise, TSA is established at the largest employer within the homeland security department and acts as the most visible and publically accessible branch. For example, TSA currently employs those making up the Security Screening Team located in airports. However, it was not until 2001 that U.S. law was changed to bring the screening of airline travelers and their baggage under the control of the TSA. The Security Screening Team, as a result, became the group of individuals who made the abstract idea of homeland security a reality by putting a face to developing security measures across the country. These men and women are charged with both protecting the country and ensuring safety for citizens as they travel to and from work each day.

Additionally, the Security Screening Division within the TSA is not limited to those working directly with passengers at checkpoints. These inspectors are backed up by administrators, managers, financial specialists and other valuable members of the Security Screening Team.

A vital, yet notably less visible, classification of TSA employees is the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS). These experts are far more than just the G.I. Joe image their title brings to mind; this service includes administrative, human resources, information technology, and logistics specialists, as well as federal air marshals.

These marshals are commissioned with the task to "detect, deter, and defeat hostile acts against U.S. air carriers, passengers, and crews." They are impeccably trained to protect U.S. air space and monitor flight progress while camouflaged as ordinary travelers. These TSA employees may remain unseen and unheard, but they are infinitely valued for their ability to discreetly and effectively protect their country. On average, a Federal Air Marshal flies 181 days per year, spending 900 hours in an aircraft annually. The FAMS is constantly looking for applicants at both professional and entry levels; however, given the career requirements, those who fear flying should probably not apply to the Air Marshal position.

Beyond the reward of making a difference in the lives of innumerable travelers within the U.S., the benefits to working with the TSA are numerous. Perks of working for a government agency, in general, include competitive starting salaries (subject to performance-based increases), a wide range of health insurance programs to choose from, personal leave days and paid holidays, access to a portable savings program similar to a 401(k), life and long-term care insurance and more.

As an agency committed to fostering an ideal workplace, the TSA offers many additional benefits that are advantageous not only to its employees, but, in turn, to the citizens they serve. On its Web site, the TSA lays out its mission to create a diverse and inclusive employee community at all levels, marked by respect, communication and cooperation. It also outlines many of the more tangible perks enjoyed by those who count themselves among the TSA family. Some of these include the Career Coaching Service, which involves personal, one-on-one guidance to shepherd employees along the best path for both personal success and the success of the TSA as a whole, and the Career Toolbox, a service for TSA employees that includes advice and assistance on moving up the Department of Homeland Security ladder, assessing skills and taking courses to advance those skills.

Within the TSA, the pay scale rises incrementally from Pay Band A ($16,357-$23,914) to Pay Band M ($115,120-$149,000), according to 2008 quoted figures. Recently, the number of Transportation Security officers -- promoted as part of TSA's Career Progression Program -- passed the 20,000 mark.

As a major focus of daily American life, both the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration are growing tremendously. For instance, the growth outlook for the position of Homeland Security Specialist from 2002-2012 was recently estimated at 21-35 percent. From maintaining the administration and organization of such a large undertaking to interacting with and quietly protecting fellow citizens, the TSA is looking for dedicated, qualified Americans to join its vast -- and vastly rewarding -- ranks.

Interested in a career with the TSA or Homeland Security? Please visit our section on Online Homeland Security Degrees for more information.