I think there's been plenty of progress made since 9/11. It's too bad the reporting of successes isn't as newsworthy as the reporting of failures or shortcomings. It's easier to point and blame than to shoulder the challenges and drive on. Then again, it's a reflection of our society. No matter what the situation, Americans tend to whine and complain when the going gets a little tough. Don't know if we were always such wimps or if it's something that has recently manifested itself in the wake of political correctness, holding hands and singing Kumbaya. Here's my personal opinion of where TSA is today:

The biggest challenge to TSA is leadership. I think it's problematic in today's society as people tend to substitute management for leadership across the board. When I speak of leadership, I'm talking about those traits that are exhibited by people like Atilla the Hun, Napoleon, Patton, King Leonidas, Hannibal, Rommel and a host of others who had the task of organizing masses to achieve certain tasks efficiently, effectively and successfully. Tall order in today's world and many fall short.

Kudos to TSA for responding so quickly to the unknowns of the liquids bombs threat in August 2006. However, one big aw-sh*t for not changing much since then. TSA should have developed a method to deal with the threat of liquid explosives that would still facilitate travel rather than cling to the path of least resistance by banning liquids in excess of 3.4 ounces. If we are able to allow vendors to bring liquids into the sterile area, then we should be able to mitigate the same potential threat for passengers. My thinking is that we should at least ETD sample sports drinks, water bottles, etc.; no alarm is clear; two alarms means the item doesn't pass (have to allow for the possibility of a false hit by taking a second sample after following standard alarm clearing procedures). This translates into more inconvenience for passengers because of the additional time required to clear these items through ETD sampling. But the choice would clearly be the passenger's to make: bring a bottle of soda and wait for it to be cleared, or don't bring a bottle and buy one after clearing through security.

It's all too easy to look at statistics and make broad brushed statements. I'm one who likes details, and I don't expect that to be released publicly. However, the 90% statistic is misleading; I can see it a mile away as misleading. Be that as it may, there are certain issues that come to mind.

X-ray technology works. The key ingredient is operator attentiveness, and TSA has made significant steps towards improving x-ray operator efficiency and effectiveness. There are other tangibles that, unfortunately, aren't included in the news articles, perhaps because it just doesn't sell from a news reporting perspective. And this brings me back to my first point: leadership.

Standing in front of an x-ray machine is very demanding. It requires absolute attention to detail and concentration. The TSA formula is to rotate x-ray operators no later than every 30 minutes, and that's about right: after 30 minutes an operator will lose his or her effectiveness. I don't know if the official report notes any observations on how long the x-ray operator was at his or her station when the test was conducted. This shouldn't be interpreted as an apology for the failure; conversely, it should be interpreted as a tool to help supervisors run their checkpoints more effectively by making sure x-ray operators are rotated every 30 minutes. Along with this are a series of tools available to supervisors: TIPS and TRX scores. TIPS is the computer-generated tool that superimposes threat images on actual passenger bags as a means of testing operator effectiveness. And TRX is another computer-based program available at the local training facility that specifically tests x-ray operator skills. Theoretically, supervisors should evaluate TIPS scores and send weaker x-ray operators to the local training facility to practice their x-ray interpretation skills on TRX. The two are supposed to work hand-in-hand. Theoretically. I'm afraid the reality is that supervisors checklist TRX practice without evaluating scores or comparing TRX scores with TIPS. Point is that there is a very effective way to help TSOs improve their x-ray interpretation skills, and I'm afraid that supervisors either haven't figured that out yet or are too lazy to really do anything about it. Again, this is a leadership issue. Atilla the Hun wouldn't put up with this sh*t.

As for the other skills: hand-wanding, taking ETD samples, pat-down searches, the techniques themselves are extremely effective at detecting the sort of items we're looking for---as long as TSOs stick to the basics. And this is where good supervision, another leadership trait, plays a huge role. We recently had one such test, and our screeners followed the procedures yet failed to detect the explosive. When I inquired, I found out that the screeners essentially went through the motions rather than stick to the fundamentals. I can't elaborate any further than that; but my feedback to the supervisor was blunt and concise: they should have caught it; they need to stick to basics and not rush through things.

One other thing to point out is the blame game that takes place whenever one of these tests are conducted and failed. This is true in any organization; however, it inhibits improvement and encourages a CYA mentality. Again, good, strong leadership would overcome this, and the blunt truth is that we don't have very many in our organization who have a clue on what effective leadership is all about.

I don't think this means we ought to throw the baby out with the bath water. It only means that TSA needs to concentrate on developing leaders. And that starts at the top. Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? No. Again, look at our societal dynamics: it's easier to fix the blame on some poor schmuck than it is to go out and fix the problem.

Sometimes, I think people need to experience a bullet shot at them: helps put things in perspective. But the wimps who read this comment will accuse me of being brutal, harsh, uncaring and cruel rather than pick up the point I'm making.

TSA has made progress; it still has a long way to go before it can truly be a world class security organization.