I am slightly embarrassed to admit this, but I have no clue what makes a red coat a red coat. I have almost a million miles on Delta, DM three years in a row/qualified for DM next year on MDMs and fly them every week: yet I don't know what they do.

1) are they supervisory level? Do the gate agents report to them?
2) do they receive special training?
3) Can they do things the rank and file gate agent cant? More than the DM line?
4) is there one per departure gate?

I consider myself lucky in that I clearly have never had an issue that rises to the point of needing a red coat.

Just curious.

Thanks!