OP:

What did you do before you joined the TSA?
Why did you go to work for the TSA?
What do you see your self doing in 5 years?
Do you enjoy your job?

Also...

What jobs to you do for the TSA? That is, do you rotate between front line screener, Id checker, the person who collects checked bags, or checks checked bags out of sight, Supervisor, BDO, gate screener? How often will do the same task? Do you prefer one task over the other?

I was a groundskeeper for a local baseball team in high school, I was in the Army for 8 years as an MP, I worked as a Silversmith (and still do in what passes as free time at my house....) and then I came to TSA.

I went to TSA because I liked the organization, I had a security background, and I wanted to be a part of it.

In 5 years I hope to be sitting on the deck of my gihoopic yacht sipping MaiTais and fishing. (But more than likely the reality will be working for TSA at my local airport and blogging).

I love my job. I actually look forward to coming to work every day(or at least a large majority of them).

I have been a TSO, got promoted to LTSO, got promoted to BDO and am currently serving as a BDO. I have done all of the duties you describe above, and prefer the BDO job the most.

22 years military

Why did you go to work for the TSA??[/QUOTE]

I have a A&P license and a degree in aviation maintenance but there were no aviation jobs directly after 9-11.

What do you see your self doing in 5 years??[/QUOTE]

Semi retired with a custom airbrush and pinstripe business.

Do you enjoy your job?[/QUOTE]I have.

I do the best job that I can given the lack of leadership that I have. All too often leadership lacks the stones to confront those TSOs who are worthless which makes it difficult to really "enjoy" the job.

How much training did you receive to become a BDO? Was it all at your local airport, or did you travel to another location for training? Since becoming a BDO have you ever made a "big catch?"

Folks, we're removed dozens of off-topic posts and commentary in this thread. The thread was started as a means to ask questions of the TSO's here on FT who are willing to answer same to the best of their ability. And I personally appreciate their taking the time to address these questions.

This thread is not meant for statements about your feelings toward the TSA/DHS, your questioning of their motives or for other off-topic commentary.

If you have a question for one of the TSO's, then ask it in this thread. That's all this thread is to be used for. If you have general comments about the TSA, TSO's, FAM's, DHS, etc., please find or start another thread to posts those.

Thanks for your cooperation.

And Happy Holidays.


_____________________

Cholula
TS/S Co-Moderator

I am not certain on what info I can publicly state about training, so I will say the following. I had the initial training, but we train constantly for the BDO program... By constantly I mean all the time! It is a never ending cycle of learning and reinforcement (personally it is some of the best stuff I have ever been a part of). You will see a lot of information published about "how short" or something similiarly dergatory abouot the BDO training, don't believe it - the BDOs I work with are some of the best trained coworkers I have ever had.

Any time you have someone gaming the system or attempting to game the system it is a "big" catch, regardless of what their nefarious intent is. We are really not allowed to disclose info on what we do, stats or anything like that, so I will have to tell you I am sorry, but I can't discuss any information on specific situations.

My thanks Cholula, and best wishes for you and yours this holiday season!^

To all the FT folks, Happy Holidays and best wishes on the new year!

Those things are EXPENSIVE, no there have not been any issues with them other than they like to eat x-ray tubes more than the old ones. So I believe that cat x will get them first and somewhere along the line it will peter out to the point that they dont continue putting them in all the airports.

What did you do before you joined the TSA?

Spent 14 years working in a major retail store doing customer service.

Why did you go to work for the TSA?

It's a stepping stone to get into the federal government. I am also a licensed pilot so being around aircraft and airports is just something I enjoy.

What do you see your self doing in 5 years?

All options are open at this point.

Do you enjoy your job?

For the most part. There are things I don't like, for example taking snowglobes (I have 2 daughters and I can only imagine how they would feel if that happened to them).

What rules does the TSA have for those that require gluten free food and drink(note-I do not require this, but one of my workers does)? Meaning, can a supervisor insept and allow gluten free items to pass, or is a physicians note needed, etc. Thank you.

Ciao,
FH

What did you do before you joined the TSA?

Nothing. First job right out of high school.

Why did you go to work for the TSA?

It's a stepping stone to get into the federal government. Plus, the money... and the other choice was doing retail.

What do you see your self doing in 5 years?

Still working for TSA most likely, full-time and LTSO/STSO hopefully and going to school. I'm taking it slow, rather not be a full-time student and get weighed down.

Do you enjoy your job?

For the most part on most days. Right now, I'm kinda in a bad luck streak and it's stressing me out. There are things I don't like though, bad management, ineptness, a$$h0l3 passengers, sudden SOP changes incorrectly implemented... the list goes on.

Thank you gsoltso for this thread.

If I am willing to submit to a secondary screening, why is ID check necessary?

Happy Holidays!

I have changed the questions to suit me better.

1. Worked Retail and was a student.
2. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
3. Police officer
4. No, I feel I have outgrown it professionally and I have no room for the advancement that I want.

Bring a doctor's note, it will make things a lot easier.