US Marshals Service Careers for Veterans: Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to US Marshals Service careers for veterans. Learn about Deputy US Marshal positions, requirements, hiring process, salary, and how military experience helps at USMS.
US Marshals Service Careers for Veterans: Complete Guide
The United States Marshals Service is the nation's oldest federal law enforcement agency—and one of the most action-oriented. If you're looking for a career that continues the operational tempo of military service, USMS delivers.
With approximately 5,300 employees including about 3,700 Deputy US Marshals, USMS handles fugitive apprehension, witness protection, prisoner transport, court security, and asset forfeiture. Veterans thrive in this high-tempo environment.
Why US Marshals for Veterans?
High Operational Tempo
USMS offers continuous action:
- Fugitive investigations and apprehension
- High-risk prisoner transport
- Federal court security
- Witness protection operations
- Tactical operations (SOG)
Military Skills Direct Fit
Your training applies immediately:
- Tactical operations
- Small unit leadership
- Firearms proficiency
- Physical fitness
- Decision-making under stress
Veteran Representation
USMS actively recruits veterans:
- Strong veteran representation in ranks
- Military experience valued for tactical roles
- VRA and disabled veteran hiring
- Clearance compatibility
USMS Primary Functions
Fugitive Operations
The core mission:
- Investigate and apprehend federal fugitives
- Task force operations with state/local
- International fugitive matters
- Cold case investigations
15 Regional Fugitive Task Forces nationwide
Judicial Security
Protecting the federal judicial process:
- Federal judge protection
- Court security
- Threat investigations
- Secure transportation
Prisoner Operations
Moving federal prisoners:
- Inter-facility transport
- Court appearances
- Medical transports
- Aviation operations
Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) – largest prisoner air transport system
Witness Security Program (WITSEC)
Protecting witnesses:
- Relocation and new identities
- 24/7 protection details
- Family protection
- Long-term security management
Asset Forfeiture
Seizing criminal assets:
- Property management
- Sale and disposition
- Financial investigations
- Interagency coordination
Career Paths
Deputy US Marshal (GL-5/7 to GS-13)
Primary law enforcement position:
Responsibilities:
- Fugitive apprehension
- Prisoner transport
- Court security
- Protective details
- Task force operations
Starting salary: ~$50,000-$70,000 base + LEAP Full performance (GS-13): ~$120,000-$150,000 total
Supervisory Deputy US Marshal
Leadership positions:
- Squad supervisor
- Unit chief
- District chief deputy
- Regional leadership
Grade: GS-14/15
Special Operations Group (SOG)
Elite tactical unit:
- High-risk operations
- Specialized training
- Selective assignment
- Most tactical USMS role
Strong fit for Special Operations and infantry veterans
Investigative Operations
Focused investigative work:
- Sex offender investigations
- Financial investigations
- Cold case units
- Intelligence positions
Administrative Positions
Support roles:
- Program analysts
- IT specialists
- Administrative officers
- Human resources
Deputy US Marshal Requirements
Basic Requirements
Age:
- 21-36 at appointment
- Military service extends maximum
- Mandatory retirement at 57
Citizenship:
- U.S. citizen
Education:
- Bachelor's degree from accredited institution, OR
- Three years of responsible experience, OR
- Equivalent combination
Military service counts as responsible experience.
License:
- Valid driver's license
Mobility:
- Must accept assignment anywhere in U.S.
Physical Requirements
Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB):
- Push-ups (1 minute)
- Sit-ups (1 minute)
- 1.5-mile run
Minimum standards by age group (must pass all events)
Veterans typically exceed minimums.
Medical Requirements
- Vision: 20/20 corrected (20/100 uncorrected or better)
- Hearing: Normal range
- Color vision: Required
- General health: Good condition
- Drug test: Mandatory
Background Investigation
Extensive investigation:
- Top Secret clearance
- Polygraph examination (new requirement)
- Financial review
- Full employment verification
- Reference interviews
Hiring Process
Step 1: Application
Via USAJOBS or USMarshals.gov:
- Complete application
- Submit transcripts and documents
- Answer assessment questions
Step 2: Online Assessment
If referred:
- Cognitive abilities test
- Work styles assessment
- Situational judgment scenarios
Step 3: In-Person Assessment
Structured interview:
- Panel interview
- Behavioral questions
- Scenario-based evaluation
Step 4: Physical Efficiency Battery
Fitness test at designated location:
- Same-day events
- Pass/fail standards
- Must pass all components
Step 5: Polygraph Examination
Full-scope polygraph:
- Counterintelligence
- Lifestyle questions
- Criminal history
Step 6: Background Investigation
Comprehensive review:
- SF-86 completion
- Investigator interviews
- Record verification
Step 7: Medical Examination
Full medical and psychological evaluation.
Step 8: Basic Training
United States Marshals Service Training Academy:
- FLETC (Glynco, GA)
- 17.5 weeks
- Law enforcement fundamentals
- USMS-specific training
Timeline
Expect 12-18 months from application to academy.
Salary and Compensation
Deputy US Marshal Pay
| Grade | Base | With LEAP (25%) | With DC Locality |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL-5 | $43,647 | $54,559 | ~$58,000 |
| GL-7 | $48,148 | $60,185 | ~$64,000 |
| GL-9 | $53,105 | $66,381 | ~$70,500 |
| GS-11 | $64,957 | $81,196 | ~$86,500 |
| GS-12 | $77,898 | $97,373 | ~$103,500 |
| GS-13 | $92,619 | $115,774 | ~$123,000 |
Career Earnings
Entry-level: $65,000-$85,000 Journey (GS-13): $120,000-$150,000 Supervisory (GS-14): $140,000-$175,000 Executive (GS-15): $160,000-$190,000
Benefits
Federal benefits plus:
- LEO retirement (20 years = 34% pension)
- 6c retirement coverage
- Early retirement at 50 with 20 years
- Mandatory retirement at 57
- Enhanced annuity calculation
Locations
Districts
94 federal judicial districts = 94 USMS district offices:
- Every state represented
- Major metropolitan offices largest
- Resident offices in smaller cities
Major Offices
High activity districts:
- Southern District of New York (Manhattan)
- Central District of California (Los Angeles)
- Northern District of Illinois (Chicago)
- Southern District of Florida (Miami)
- Southern District of Texas (Houston)
- District of Columbia
Regional Offices
Regional command structure:
- Coordination across districts
- Task force management
- Resource allocation
Headquarters
Arlington, VA:
- Executive leadership
- Policy and programs
- National operations
International
Limited overseas presence:
- Fugitive investigations
- Interpol coordination
- Foreign liaison
Military Experience Advantages
Tactical Skills Premium
USMS especially values:
- Close quarters tactics
- Firearms proficiency
- Surveillance operations
- Tactical decision-making
- Small unit leadership
MOS Alignment
| Military Background | USMS Fit |
|---|---|
| Infantry (11B/0311) | Core tactical operations |
| Military Police (31B/5811) | Law enforcement foundation |
| Special Operations | SOG potential, high-risk ops |
| Security Forces (3P0X1) | Court security, protection |
| Reconnaissance | Surveillance, investigations |
Specific Experience Value
Special Operations Group (SOG) recruitment:
- SF, Rangers, SEALS preferred
- Combat experience valued
- Tactical certifications
- Leadership under fire
Many SOG members are military veterans with tactical backgrounds.
Clearance Transfer
Existing clearances save time:
- Background processed faster
- TS especially valuable
- Maintain until employment secured
Special Operations Group (SOG)
USMS tactical unit—strong military veteran presence.
Mission
- High-risk fugitive apprehension
- Witness protection security
- Special assignments
- National emergencies
Selection
- Competitive process
- Physical testing
- Tactical assessment
- Interview and evaluation
Training
- Advanced tactical training
- Specialized weapons
- Specialized equipment
- Continuous training cycle
Requirements
- Deputy US Marshal in good standing
- Superior physical condition
- Tactical aptitude
- Team orientation
- Willingness to deploy
For Military Veterans
SOG is natural fit for:
- Special Operations veterans
- Infantry veterans
- Combat arms with tactical experience
- Those seeking continued high-tempo operations
Application Tips
Resume Emphasis
Highlight:
- Tactical training and operations
- Leadership positions
- Firearms qualifications
- Physical fitness achievements
- Security clearance status
Specific experience:
- Prisoner handling (if MP)
- Protective operations
- Investigative work
- Team leadership
Interview Preparation
Be ready for:
- Scenario-based questions
- Ethics and integrity questions
- Why USMS specifically
- Knowledge of USMS mission
- Stress interview components
Physical Preparation
Train for PEB:
- 1.5-mile run (train for speed)
- Push-ups (continuous)
- Sit-ups (1 minute)
- Overall cardiovascular fitness
Common Mistakes
Avoid:
- Incomplete application
- Missing deadlines
- Poor physical preparation
- Inflated claims
- Inconsistencies (polygraph catches these)
Career Progression
Typical Path
Years 1-4: Career ladder to GS-13 Years 5-10: Full performance Deputy, specialization Years 10-15: Supervisory opportunities (GS-14) Years 15-20: District/regional leadership (GS-15)
Specialization Options
- Fugitive task forces
- SOG selection
- Witness security
- Judicial security
- Financial investigations
- Training division
Leadership Track
Supervisory Deputy → Chief Deputy → US Marshal (Presidential appointment)
The Bottom Line
US Marshals Service offers veterans:
- High operational tempo matching military service
- Tactical opportunities including SOG
- Diverse mission set – fugitives, courts, protection, transport
- Strong compensation with LEO retirement
- Career advancement to senior leadership
If you want continued action and tactical operations in federal law enforcement, USMS delivers.
Interested in other federal law enforcement? Explore careers at FBI, Secret Service, or DEA.