Got made and I wasn't even carrying

[DKPRC]

Coming on the heels of a topic thread last week about "Tacticool" clothing and whether or not it might make you a target, I had an interesting experience today.

I had to go to the airport to pick up a fellow for my job. I was wearing a 5.11 short sleeve shirt. (I think they call it a Covert Casual or some such marketing slogan.) Anyway, I wasn't carrying today because I had to take this fellow into Washington D.C, and we know how they are about firearms. I was only wearing the shirt because its was too hot for long sleeves and that was the only kind of shirt I had that looked nice enough to be for business, but was still short sleeve and cool enough for the heat.

As I was waiting around for my guy to show up, and two uniformed TSA employees approach, and start chatting me up.

"Am I waiting for someone?"

"Yes."

"When are they due to arrive?"

"X time."

Finally, the fellow asks me,

"Do you work for the Government?"

"No"

"Private Personal Security?"

"No but I have a brother that used to do that."

"We get a lot of VIPs in here (Dulles) so we see a lot of that." He says.

"Oh." I say.

As it happens the guy I am picking up is, while not necessarily in need of a security detail, somewhat known, has been on TV, and occasionally gets some threats. That's the reason why I had to pick him up instead of him just taking a cab. If I had felt it was an option, I'd have preferred to have been carrying, to be honest.

He never asked about a weapon, or anything like that the entire time, and it was a very casual and friendly conversation, but there was clearly something, that gave this TSA guy the idea that I was armed, or the sort of guy whose usually armed.

I asked the guy if he was asking about my occupation based on my shirt, and while he said no, I am not so certain. I think it may have been a factor of the shirt, and the fact that my SA was higher than normal because of the circumstances. (I was keeping an eye on people and did check my exits, that sort of thing.)

Anyway, that's my story for what it's worth. I don't know if it answers the question of that previous thread, but I thought it was interesting.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[azchevy]

No offense to anyone who works for TSA here, but in my day to day dealings with them... they are not the sharpest tools in the shed. Don't give them too much credit

[deafdave3]

Coming on the heels of a topic thread last week about "Tacticool" clothing and whether or not it might make you a target, I had an interesting experience today.

I had to go to the airport to pick up a fellow for my job. I was wearing a 5.11 short sleeve shirt. (I think they call it a Covert Casual or some such marketing slogan.) Anyway, I wasn't carrying today because I had to take this fellow into Washington D.C, and we know how they are about firearms. I was only wearing the shirt because its was too hot for long sleeves and that was the only kind of shirt I had that looked nice enough to be for business, but was still short sleeve and cool enough for the heat.

As I was waiting around for my guy to show up, and two uniformed TSA employees approach, and start chatting me up.

"Am I waiting for someone?"

"Yes."

"When are they due to arrive?"

"X time."

Finally, the fellow asks me,

"Do you work for the Government?"

"No"

"Private Personal Security?"

"No but I have a brother that used to do that."

"We get a lot of VIPs in here (Dulles) so we see a lot of that." He says.

"Oh." I say.

As it happens the guy I am picking up is, while not necessarily in need of a security detail, somewhat known, has been on TV, and occasionally gets some threats. That's the reason why I had to pick him up instead of him just taking a cab. If I had felt it was an option, I'd have preferred to have been carrying, to be honest.

He never asked about a weapon, or anything like that the entire time, and it was a very casual and friendly conversation, but there was clearly something, that gave this TSA guy the idea that I was armed, or the sort of guy whose usually armed.

I asked the guy if he was asking about my occupation based on my shirt, and while he said no, I am not so certain. I think it may have been a factor of the shirt, and the fact that my SA was higher than normal because of the circumstances. (I was keeping an eye on people and did check my exits, that sort of thing.)

Anyway, that's my story for what it's worth. I don't know if it answers the question of that previous thread, but I thought it was interesting.

You sound like a "personal security agent". At the risk of sounding childish and immature, that's always been my dream job.

[Hiram25]

You sound like a "personal security agent". At the risk of sounding childish and immature, that's always been my dream job.

Hey deafdave3, than you could get one of those cool CC Badges!

[deafdave3]

Hey deafdave3, than you could get one of those cool CC Badges!

I'm actually gonna take the class next month and should get the CHL about a month or so after that. The only reason I can't become an official bodyguard, though, is because I'm deaf.

[DIABLO9489]

No offense to anyone who works for TSA here, but in my day to day dealings with them... they are not the sharpest tools in the shed. Don't give them too much credit

Couldnt agree more

[Harryball]

Sounds like an interesting event none the less...

[1 old 0311]

You sound like a "personal security agent". At the risk of sounding childish and immature, that's always been my dream job.

I have a friend who dies this. Only deals with high profile/celebrity/political figures. Travels first class. Eats at the best restaurants. Sits in the best seats at games, and races. Makes a TON $$$$ of money and gets more chicks then Hef.

I am on his backup/waiting list but so far I just get the stories, and pics.

[CLASS3NH]

You say you werer wearing a "511 short sleeve shirt" right? Most people, who are in the business, or have a working knoledge of the gun industry know Sig markets their 511 clothing line. This guy may have working knowledge of the clothing, OR your body language gave you away even if you wern't carrying. Take a look at LEO types and most have a distinctive type of stance or sitting position.
Just some observations of my own

[CLASS3NH]

You sound like a "personal security agent". At the risk of sounding childish and immature, that's always been my dream job.

I worked it for a long time. Got plenty of looks and stares
I once worked Close Security for a Firm in Boston, got do go a lotta places, seen a lotta things, and yup it's a cool job LOL

[bladenbullet]

masybe you just dont realize how obvious it is that you are scoping everything out and it raised their suspicion that you were either a security type person or possibly somebody up to no good...the interview may have been to see if they shook you up...

spend enough time in an airport and you see a lot of tactical type clothing...

your actions probably brought them to you...

[WC145]

I find that interesting, I always carry a gun and I've been through numerous airports armed, nobody ever talks to me.
Hmmm.... Maybe I have to buy some new shirts.

[sentioch]

Your shirt doesn't by any chance look like this one, does it?

[OldVet]

Want to know how bright TSA employees are? Ask them a question--any question--and notice the minimum-wage stare.
Like, why does my little tiny belt buckle set off the alarm when Cowboy Bob's supersized rodeo champion buckle doesn't? The stare.
What's so threatening about a CPAP machine? The stare.
Do you guys ever clean these nasty floors you're making me walk barefooted on? The stare.

I get a lot of TSA "escorts," not because I carry, but because of the hell I raise going through that security check point. As I wait to board my plane, every time I quickly look up at them, they turn away. Humm.

[VTLO910]

He may have just been in tune like many other CCW's. I can spot military, Police, etc by clothes or behaviors... It's just knowing what to hone in on. What you wear and how you carry yourself say more sometimes then you would ever know... and yes, wearing 5.11 stuff is a pretty Public Safety popular... on or off duty...

or

He might have been a BDO.

The Behavior Detection Officer (BDO) program utilizes non-intrusive behavior observation and analysis techniques to identify potentially high-risk passengers. BDOs are designed to detect individuals exhibiting behaviors that indicate they may be a threat to aviation and/or transportation security. The program is a derivative of other successful behavioral analysis programs that have been employed by law enforcement and security personnel both in the U.S. and around the world.

TSA's BDO-trained security officers are screening travelers for involuntary physical and physiological reactions that people exhibit in response to a fear of being discovered. TSA recognizes that an individual exhibiting some of these behaviors does not automatically mean a person has terrorist or criminal intent. BDOs do, however, help our security officers focus appropriate resources on determining if an individual presents a higher risk or if his/her behavior has a non-threatening origin. Individuals exhibiting specific observable behaviors may be referred for additional screening at the checkpoint to include a handwanding, limited pat down and physical inspection of one's carry-on baggage. Referrals are based on specific observed behaviors only, not on one's appearance, race, ethnicity or religion.

BDOs add an element of unpredictability to the security screening process that is easy for passengers to navigate but difficult for terrorists to manipulate. It serves as an important additional layer of security in the airport environment, requires no additional specialized screening equipment, can easily be deployed to other modes of transportation and presents yet one more challenge the terrorists need to overcome in attempt to defeat our security system.

BDOs are currently operating at approximately 161 airports nationwide.