Apparently people are being rubbed the wrong way when confronted with airport security. The TSA is turning into such a behemoth of under trained government employees, we might have better luck with the Keystone Cops. Unfortunately the chances that a government operated aviation security entity will execute their mission with the highest degree of competence is slim and none. Though much as been talked about the possibility of replicating Israel's success, it will be impossible to implement in the US. Here's three short reasons why:
1. Selection process for screeners: Serve in the military or a police unit, pass a background test, pass a psychometric test, pass multiple interviews, speak multiple languages, demonstrate a capability to identify suspcious behaviors, and the training process and probationary period. Imagine if the TSA screeners had to meet such criteria.
2. Armed security - must previously have served in a field combat/police unit, command experience in military or police unit, background test, interview process, psychometric test, fitness test, plus depending on the particular security unit, an intensive training and weapons course and probationary period. Though US police and federal authorities are the only armed security at US Airports, their mission is reactive not pro-active.
3. For the TSA to hire such individuals that possess the intelligence, social, cultural, and physical skill sets required for either of the jobs, they will have to pay such high salaries so that potential candidates won't apply their skills in other careers.
Israel has the advantage of getting veterans of the IDF at 21 or 22 years of age. Your general security screener or protective agent, will work for a few years while pursuing a college degree. Then focus on a career of their choosing, few continue on within the security administration. There are always fresh highly trained candidates available.
Since hiring thousands of individuals with the ability to identify suspicious behaviors will be too expensive, the TSA instructs its minions to look for explosives only. The TSA selection process leaves a lot to be desired.
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