There has been some Internet chatter about assistants being hired for the NFA Examiners in Martinsburg. I have sought confirmation and clarification and can verify the following:
- There are currently 10 DOJ hired ATF employees as NFA Examiners. That number is not changing anytime soon, barring attrition, etc.
- Assistants are *not* ATF employees and being placed via a government contract for a one year term.
- ATF is still under a hiring freeze.
- ATF is making its case to post a solicitation for hiring 5 new Examiners in FY 2013
It is estimated that it will take a few months before the new Assistants are up to speed and effective.