After several years of effort, DOJ has finally lifted the ATF hiring freeze in Martinsburg and has authorized the addition of 9 new NFA Examiners. This is in addition to the dozen contractors currently acting as examiner/research assistants to the existing 10 examiners plus 1 supervisor. This brings the total number of folks working to push NFA forms through the system to around 30+...

ATF has advised that the first few additions are already being processed and that they expect to have all of the positions spoken for in short order. Of course, there will be an onboarding process that includes background checks, etc. and then a training process to bring them up to speed. Hopefully, we should see of near doubling a throughput by this time next year! Constant pressure by NFATCA was instrumental in creating this needed increase in staffing and funding. Thanks to all who support the NFATCA efforts to address issues that affect us all.