Over 400 TSA workers arrested for theft alone and not one terrorist caught. Should National Guard replace them?

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 13:47:56 -0400

Is it time to just say the TSA is useless? Theft is just ONE of the many crimes they are arrested for on a regular basis. I personally had my Percocet stolen out of my checked bag once. They caught the guy on tape. Let's not even get into how much money is made from auctioning "confiscated" items.
Do we really need the TSA? Should National guard replace them? Seems like their title alone is the job description. ;-)
http://tsascandals.wordpress.com/

Master List of TSA Scandals

TSA Crimes and Abuse

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 1:49 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 13:49:53 -0400

TSA is mostly for show and tell. Keep it! Trust me: I'm navy master at arms (MP). Most of the stuff we do doesn't make much sense to a general public and it's not supposed to! Let people question and not try to make it logical. That's the best way to keep the 'enemy' guessing.

Push comes to shove, National Guard might 'replace' them, but it will not last long because the general public might not support military presence in non-combat environment long term. My best proposal is to change its name for the sake of clean slate and make policy revisions.

It SUCKS how much they steal and do wrong. But from the ATFP point of view, unfortunately they're still a necessary evil. Like those darn MPs.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 29 at 2014 2:04 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 14:04:07 -0400

I could think of a few thousand people about to be laid off that could class up the operation so we could get rid of the wanna-bees.

Its a government operation. Give it a few decades to break in and grow roots so then it will be impossible to get rid of.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 2:05 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 14:05:54 -0400

At least new technology can help us capture the thieves . . . and get our luggage back . . .

http://money.cnn.com/2014/07/03/technology/innovation/smart-luggage/index.html?hpt=hp_bn6&iid=obnetwork

'Smart' luggage will text you when it gets lost

Companies like AT&T and Airbus are developing "smart luggage" that can transmit its location to travelers when it gets lost.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Aug 29 at 2014 2:06 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 14:06:50 -0400

There has got to be a better way just not sure what that way is.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 3:13 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 15:13:49 -0400

The TSA is a joke, for a couple of reasons.

The most obvious reason is that the people they hire are unqualified and get minimal training. Evidence has already been noted that operational managers were pencil-whipping training records to keep their tactical-level guards (the ones patting you down and confiscating your water bottles) up to speed. So, not only are they unqualified, they STAY unqualified. They were, from the onset, the new mall cops.

Then, all of the guards are part-time employees. They might only get twenty hours a week. So, not only are they unqualified, they’re unmotivated. It’s just a job (an unskilled one, at that), and how many of us joined the military just looking for a paycheck? My guess (my sincere hope) is zero.

Finally, and this is the real insidious part of it, and why replacing them with National Guard personnel really wouldn’t do much. All of their operations are bottlenecked right at the security checkpoint. Either before or after that point, as far as TSA is concerned, it’s the Wild West. They have stovepiped their operations and do not coordinate with either the various airlines or the Federal Air Marshals. You can replace them with Terminator cyborgs, but if you don’t coordinate strategies with the other entities involved and provide security-in-depth, all you’re doing is putting on a show.

And that’s all it is. It’s a show of strength. They’re paper tigers. Once it becomes clear that TSA operations did nothing to stop the next terror attack, they’ll be considered redundant.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 4:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 16:01:21 -0400

The 69th Infantry was tasked with guarding the major transportation systems (airports, trains, etc) in NYC following 9/11, and we did a very professional job of it. I say yes, get rid of TSA and replace them with military.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 29 at 2014 4:12 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 16:12:36 -0400

Would that be a specialty MOS or OJT? I bet you could get a lot of support for this idea if it could be filled by volunteers from the Guard/Reserves. There would be less opposition if members who would be forced to take a pay cut didn't get forced to do it for long periods of time. You might be on to something here SSG Robert Burns

Response by Sgt Lucas Waldron made Aug 29 at 2014 5:29 PM

Sgt Lucas Waldron — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:29:30 -0400

"Theft would never happen in the National Guard!" Is what this says to me. Military members are NJP'd and sent to brig every day for theft. Even in my own sacred Marine Corps.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 5:47 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:47:29 -0400

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca SSG Robert Burns SSG Matt Murphy They seem to love to molest kids and old ladies and oh yes, Veterans just like some of their security.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 29 at 2014 6:01 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 18:01:20 -0400

Should they take credit for not one terrorist caught? Just playing devil's advocate.......

Response by MSgt Chris Adams made Aug 29 at 2014 6:36 PM

MSgt Chris Adams — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 18:36:44 -0400

1.) If security remains a federal function, TSA needs to be replaced by a function with standards and the ability to fire. Basically no public union holding up the firing or incarceration flow. 2.) Something I've said in the past but it has always been poo-pooed...federal employees should be bound by standards. The UCMJ has worked for years, make them accountable under the UCMJ, just with a different name so the naysayers don't get hung up on the "M". Call it the UCFEJ, "Federal Employee". 3.) The airports should be footing the bill of security, not taxpayers. Ever notice airport taxes never lowered after TSA took over security? What are the airports doing with those dollars?

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Aug 29 at 2014 6:45 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 18:45:19 -0400

I see some changes coming in the near future for TSA. I think some of them do need to be fired for their actions. What else are they doing that we do not know of as of yet?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 7:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 19:08:28 -0400

They do not necessarily replace the TSA with another agency, but holding people accountable and punishing those that do the crimes is what needs to happen. I have never understood why the federal government will let unions into it's work place for civilians, because they sure aren't going to let the ones of us in the military have a union to protect our work place rights.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 7:24 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 19:24:15 -0400

Interesting idea. Not realistic, but of interest. it's already confusing for the civilians when it comes to Title 32 vs Title 10 authorities, etc.

But...let's go there. Title 32 means the Governor foots the bill for all the airports / ports / etc in his/her state. Title 10 - means the DOD foots the bill. NOT seeing that go over well in Congress.

Another thought: People are human. If you believe that there won't be at least 400 soldiers tempted to steal from suitcases that they have absolute, unfettered access and control over - you're a fool. The more junior the soldier, the less they make, the more likely they will be tempted. Trust me, it'll be the junior soldier's job to do all the checking of bags, grunt work, etc - the senior NCO's and Officer's will be the faces.....and please don't tell me that you'll be able to maintain surveillance and control for extended periods. Soldiers are human. People have forgotten Red Cell ops and how easily they got where they were challenged to get into.....

As for how many terrorists have been caught...meh. It's sorta like the NSA or CIA...we never hear about the triumphs or the big wins....only their failures. Trust me, there have been terrorist acts prevented, terrorists captured - we just never hear about it.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 11:35 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 23:35:03 -0400

When the TSA is frisking old ladies, babies in bassinets, and military service members and vets to prevent offending someone more likely to be a terrorist, then I have to say, they are just another PC bureaucracy run amok.

Response by SFC James Barnes made Sep 21 at 2014 6:50 PM

SFC James Barnes — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:50:20 -0400

I'm going to slowly back away from the mic before I say something offensive and completely true.......

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 6:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:42:53 -0400

The National Guard was used in the days following 9/11. While it might be a good alternative, I don't think that it would make the Guard any less susceptible to scandal.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 11:45 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 23:45:49 -0400

The Airlines could do their own security better.

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Oct 10 at 2014 4:23 PM

SSG Michael Hathaway — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 16:23:37 -0400

Make it a military branch or something that doesn't look so similar to a mall rent-a-cop, may get better results. I mean no disrespect on their look, but there have been times I found it difficult to take the TSA seriously when I had a 300lbs lady sitting on a stool running the xray on my bag, along with some hood rat with gold teeth, a youngster with a bird like ZZtop, and another female with a uniform way too tight...all of these employees talking smack of customer when they are gone or talking about what drink and party they can't wait for...unacceptable in front of customers in my opinion.

Response by SPC Dave St.Andrew made Oct 10 at 2014 9:01 PM

SPC Dave St.Andrew — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 21:01:59 -0400

Do you think all Soldiers are trustworthy? There are a lot of bad seeds out there and replacing one agency with another isn't going to fix anything.

Response by SSG Jon Turner made Nov 9 at 2014 10:44 AM

SSG Jon Turner — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 10:44:58 -0500

Make it a National Guard position but make everyone in the TSA join the guard if they want to keep their jobs.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Nov 9 at 2014 11:34 AM

SFC Stephen P. — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 11:34:56 -0500

"Do we really need the TSA?" No. The TSA was intended to address a deficiency which is more efficiently corrected by locking cockpit doors.

"Should National guard replace them?" No. The problem with the TSA is not the agency, but the mission. Put the Guard in the same circumstances and you will have the same results.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 15 at 2015 2:00 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:00:04 -0400

I'd say abolish the TSA. Its blanket searches comprise a federal violation of the 4th amendment as a matter of policy. Replace with private security guards hired by the airports/airlines and include a consent to search clause in any plane ticket purchase. The feds can establish safe standards of searching and handle the inspections and performance, but private security executes in accordance with the contract signed by airline passengers. Neatly sidesteps the constitutional issue, allows for maintaining 100% screening and brings the free market into enforcing behavior of screeners.

A related problem:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/sexual-assault-by-the-tsa-is-this-an-isolated-incident-or-the-result-of-a-cultural-flaw

Sexual assault by the TSA: Is this an isolated incident or the result of a cultural flaw? |...

Please take a minute to read this article in the Atlantic, then vote in the Survey and provide your comments. http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2015/04/where-did-the-tsa-agent-touch-you/390561/ Is this a cultural problem? How could the investigation be better executed? Why did it take so long to investigate? Why are names of people fired for cause being withheld? How could an organization with access to such strict record keeping...

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 2:20 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:20:49 -0400

I think that Jerry Seinfeld says it best. :)

https://youtu.be/2ZUt4p1TXHU

jerry seinfeld - airport security

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 15 at 2015 2:25 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:25:05 -0400

I'd make prior military service a minimum requirement at a minimum. That way, we get our recently discharged right into work and their work ethic is known, and they should be held to the highest standards. I've had pills stolen as well. Live and learn. Now these "guardians" are shipping weapons?? Cut sling!

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Apr 15 at 2015 2:29 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:29:49 -0400

To be short yes they should

Response by SFC Charles S. made Apr 15 at 2015 6:45 PM

SFC Charles S. — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 18:45:26 -0400

TSA, "Terminally Stupid Assholes" should be replaced by ANYTHING else, Drunken Monkeys come to mind, but I'm really open to anything at this point. If they are going to do a JOB then at least do it right or don't do it at all... TSA was created haphazardly and began performing without a fully tested plan of action. They have grown by discovery. "Think of blind man walking with hands outstretched, feeling around in the dark" I don't have the answer but I know what is there isn't working to it's 100% capacity.

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Apr 17 at 2015 12:19 PM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 12:19:47 -0400

How about cadets from all the gov. agencies, FBI, ICE, IRS, service and police academies. Do this on a rotating basis. Since the whole plan was to stop terrorism, lets stop the damn PC bulls*&^, It's nor likely to 80 year grandparent, children (especially those in wheel chairs). How about middle eastern/Muslim decent between 18-35 years old, something like 97% of all the attacks in over the last 30 years over the world have been from this group!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 17 at 2015 7:50 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 19:50:12 -0400

They know how to excite my underpants. That's about it. ***sarcasm*** NO SHARP INTENDED

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 26 at 2018 10:23 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:23:14 -0500

NG are owned by the state unless federalized- s I understand it- they like active can only detain, not arrest. Also how much of the economy are you willing to cut down while they activiated?