Do you think the US government and TSA and should upgrade Airport security to screen for Plastic explosives?

Sgt Kelli Mays — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 09:20:20 -0500

With the controversy and speculation that a bomb brought down the Russian plane do you feel the US should step up how the TSA conducts searches?

After spending the last week watch various news channels I've come to the conclusion that this sort of thing can happen here too. Right here in the US of A.
If indeed it was some sort of plastic explosives that got aboard this plane and exploded and brought it down, how do we know the same thing can't happen on any other plane?
What can be done to prevent this from happening again?
I do not know anything about explosives of any kind, but I imagine there are quite a few RP members who might know or have experience with explosives.
What, if any, measurements should be implemented to detect explosives? Whether liquid or plastic that a metal detector of body scanner wont detect?
Any thoughts?
Are we safe, or should we be concerned?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Nov 9 at 2015 9:23 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 09:23:23 -0500

Why aren't they doing that now? With everything going on in the world you would think that the US would be leading the way. Oh yeah we don't want to infringe on anyone's rights!

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 9 at 2015 9:27 AM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 09:27:38 -0500

Actually, I thought they were already doing this by determining what you can or cant bring onto the aircraft... The only other thing they can add to this is explosive residue swipes and the re-introduction of bomb sniffing dogs... I don't think the dogs will go over too well when they have to start sniffing people... not to mention if one should bite...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 9:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 09:42:14 -0500

TSA can go away , they are horrible.

Response by TSgt David L. made Nov 9 at 2015 9:49 AM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 09:49:13 -0500

The scanners we have can detect almost any organic or inorganic substance. How do you think they find your water every time?! What they need is competent trainers and qualified screeners. The amount of money we have spent on equipment vs. personnel is atrocious. You get what you pay for I guess.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 9 at 2015 10:01 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 10:01:39 -0500

Sgt Kelli Mays i'd like to see someone other than the US government do screening. It seems that they are not very effective or efficient. They have failed to many tests lately for me to have any confidence in their ability.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 9 at 2015 11:09 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 11:09:48 -0500

Sgt Kelli Mays I think the TSA should modify Airport security to thoroughly screen all airport employees, vendors with access top secure areas and all air crew members since people with access tend to be the ones who cause the catastrophic incidents - unlike the shoe bomber.
"Plastic" explosives are one of the chemical groups which need to be screened for ...

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Nov 9 at 2015 11:11 AM

PVT Robert Gresham — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 11:11:26 -0500

Sgt Kelli Mays I think there needs to be a few things that absolutely have to happen:

1. TSA needs to stop being complacent, and step up all the things that they are SUPPOSED to be doing in the first place.

2. Dogs, trained to sniff out explosives of all kinds, need to be put into immediate service in every airport in the US.

3. Americans need to stop being such little, pouty, children about security measures that are put into place: NO ONE wants to look at you naked, it's all in your head. Yes, you can only take enough breast milk on to the plane for that flight. All TSA agents are not perverts who just want to touch your children. Bomb-sniffing dogs don't bark, or bite (and they are not perverts either).

I like TSA. I like that they are there at the gates. I like that we have not had one hijacking, or had a plane blow up since they started working at our airports. They make mistakes, but what group that you would put out there wouldn't? Safety, and security, while flying has a price. If you don't like it, then take the train, or drive. Going overseas? Then you better get over your little insecurities.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Nov 9 at 2015 12:34 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 12:34:36 -0500

I think they should abolish the TSA and create a new organization born out of customs who can provide better security and cause less issues.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 12:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 12:59:37 -0500

Sgt Kelli Mays, I do think the US should upgrade and improve the security on airplanes, as well as tourists ships. I would like to see the security checks done like the Israelis do. But, there are too liberal,bleeding hearts to allow that. Every time the TSA makes a change to our security measures, some bleeding hearts, or it could be the terrorists, complain about their liberties being infringed on, or invasion of privacy, Russia doesn't allow anymore carry on baggage since the explosion and I'm sure their inspection of the stored luggage has been increased. If we as Americans, want to feel safer in flying on commercial airlines, we're going to have stop the whining about our invasion of privacy, and accept we have to be more intrusive to be safer.