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2004-06-01 Home Front: WoT

Air marshals look to lower their profile

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Posted by Phil B 2004-06-01 1:29:43 AM|| || Front Page|| [1 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Forgive me for stating the obvious, but isn't it possible for these guys to check their weapons with a screened staff member who will transport the firearms undercover into the aircraft and reunite them with their proper owners once they've undergone regular boarding procedures?

I know, too logical.

Posted by Zenster 2004-06-01 1:48:21 AM|| 2004-06-01 1:48:21 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 There are rules, which are enforced, against joking about bombs on airliners. There ought to be similar rules against commenting aloud about the presence of air marshals.

Posted by Mike Sylwester 2004-06-01 2:35:20 AM|| 2004-06-01 2:35:20 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 There are rules, which are enforced, against joking about bombs on airliners. There ought to be similar rules against commenting aloud about the presence of air marshals.

Works for me. If I'm flying with them, I want their cover to be intact.

Posted by Zenster 2004-06-01 2:55:59 AM|| 2004-06-01 2:55:59 AM|| Front Page Top

#4 How about making the undercover officers ACTUALLY UNDERCOVER? I think that works better than arresting otherwise law-abiding citizens. Remember, the terrorists are the bad guys who need to go to jail, not us.

Posted by gromky 2004-06-01 3:47:53 AM|| 2004-06-01 3:47:53 AM|| Front Page Top

#5 How about just arming the air crews and let them protect the aircraft and passengers? Dismantle the TSA road blocks and let the people in the crosshairs defend themselves.

Posted by DanM 2004-06-01 6:07:27 AM|| 2004-06-01 6:07:27 AM|| Front Page Top

#6 How about letting me carry my 45? If the U. S. Army says I'm competant enough to carry one why not the TSA?

Posted by Deacon Blues 2004-06-01 7:27:07 AM|| 2004-06-01 7:27:07 AM|| Front Page Top

#7 How about everyone on the plane gets a stun gun, ala the Simpson's family therapy clinic episode? It will cut down on the dude next to you hogging the arm rest.

Posted by ed 2004-06-01 7:31:47 AM|| 2004-06-01 7:31:47 AM|| Front Page Top

#8 I think the air marshall ought to be openly carrying a street-sweeper loaded with slugs

Posted by Shipman 2004-06-01 8:02:48 AM|| 2004-06-01 8:02:48 AM|| Front Page Top

#9 I sympathize with their dilemma. My own physique and appearance often attracts much attention whenever I fly. I have the tight shave and a similar haircut to your average Marine. In fact, before a flight overseas I now let my hair grow out and do not shave the morning of the flight. It is unnerving for people to ask what branch of the military I serve in (especially since I have never served in any such capacity).

The Air Marshals do stand out. I can often narrow down who they are as well (though I would never be an ass-munch and say something). Even some operators stand out in the airport. Note to special operators flying commercial airlines to and from your theater of operations: Lose the Rolex and tactical watches.

Posted by Dragon Fly 2004-06-01 9:05:10 AM|| 2004-06-01 9:05:10 AM|| Front Page Top

#10 DanM, Deacon Blues, the feds tend to react extremely negatively to the idea that the populace is capable of defending itself. We require federals to defend us...you must understand we're not qualified to protect ourselves. We haven't the proper certifications, nor have we passed the confidence course at Quantico. Why, if the idea got around that the American public didn't need the feds, what kind of negotiating position would they have come next fiscal year's budget?

Posted by gromky 2004-06-01 9:57:27 AM|| 2004-06-01 9:57:27 AM|| Front Page Top

#11 How 'bout we just let them wear the uniform of the airline they're flying? "Nothing to see here, just a pilot and a flight attendant dead-heading back to the home hub..."

Or: jeans, t-shirt, ballcap, gym shoes.

Posted by eLarson 2004-06-01 10:23:36 AM|| 2004-06-01 10:23:36 AM|| Front Page Top

#12 I telling you, Archie Bunker had it right. Give everybody on the plane a gun.

Posted by tu3031 2004-06-01 10:36:25 AM|| 2004-06-01 10:36:25 AM|| Front Page Top

#13 Tu - no, you do *not* want the drunken assholes sitting behind you to have weapons or even a fork.

And as I recall there are somethings on an airliner which 'do not react well to bullets.'

Posted by CrazyFool 2004-06-01 12:12:40 PM|| 2004-06-01 12:12:40 PM|| Front Page Top

#14 About 6-8 mos. after 911, I was standing in Orlando Airport waving goodbye to my in-laws (no comments,please) as they weaved their way through the switchback system they were using when all of sudden came a group of lean, mean, tanned, close cropped hair types in dark business suits. Now, at first I thought they were secret service since I have seen them collect at BWI in transit (same motif)but they turned out to be AMs. How do I know because that is how THEY introduced themselves to the security people in front of at least 200 passengers in the weaving line!!! They were late (traffic situation) and had to make their flights (there were 4 of them), they showed their ordanance, IDs and asked for a golf cart to take them to the plane. All of this was fine by me - I prefer letting everyone know, even the potential terrorist in the crowd, that this flight is protected. Of course, it puts the AMs in a pretty vulnerable position having their cover blown but how nuts would you have to be (or how smart would you have to be) to still go ahead with whatever plan you may have? Do you speed up when you see a police car sitting on the shoulder knowing it can't outrun you? Or do you slow down and become a good boy?

Posted by Jack is Back! 2004-06-01 2:53:29 PM|| 2004-06-01 2:53:29 PM|| Front Page Top

#15 Get Dennis Hopper in there, he'll take care of the problem.

"Are you lookin' at me?... ARE YOU LOOKIN' AT ME??!"

Posted by mojo 2004-06-01 5:55:41 PM|| 2004-06-01 5:55:41 PM|| Front Page Top

#16 Actually, the solution is pretty easy: relax the dress code. Polo shirt, workout shoes (tacticals), dockers trousers, ball cap, and a tweed or light weave sport coat. Carry a laptop bag for stowing under the seat in front of you (and keep the hardware there).

Comfy, operable, and doesnt stand out - about as generic as you are going to get.

As for the gates - there is no reason for them to go thru security. They should be coming in the entrances to the airport used by employees and their badges and credentials checked there. They come in by way of the cargo spaces, and enter from one of the "pilot lounge" restricted areas. Thats also how they leave when they get off the plane.

As for boarding, have them board when the "1K" or platinum club flyers board.

pretty simple. Too bad we are dealing with govt b-crats more concerned with appearance than function.

As for being mistaken or makred out as an op - well, you got me there. I never really thought about that since I got out of that end of the business. But years of posture, standing a certain way and in certain locations especialy aroudn windows and doors, keeping SA, good angles, etc... well I guess I am probably painting myself pretty well.

Since I've lost my extra "quit smoking" (and desk-jockey) weight and been in the weight room and on the track (and doing oblique and straight v-ups, dive-bombers and hindu squats), I've been pegged as "military" (I was once upon a time) and been asked if I was an AM. I was pretty proud in that I was thinking it was my regained phsyique,

But looking at it realistically, it must be the high and tight, and a grey suit with a plain white shirt and dark tie. Never considered it before - when I was "working" I wore my hair pretty long at times, but now that I am not "working", I keep it short.

Good points. Maybe I'll grow a moustache and dress a little messier next time I fly.

Posted by OldSpook 2004-06-01 10:27:36 PM|| 2004-06-01 10:27:36 PM|| Front Page Top

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