Marks First Effort To Take DHS Program Abroad

ANN has learned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in cooperation with the State Department is asking permission from foreign countries to allow US pilots to carry firearms abroad.

Conan Bruce, spokesman for the Federal Air Marshals Service told USA Today,"It's obvious that there's a threat internationally. We want to work toward having (armed pilots) be able to perform their duties on international flights."

But officials acknowledge they're fighting an uphill battle. Some countries, like Sweden, have blocked even trained US Air Marshals from carrying weapons on aircraft. And US requests for Sweden to place Swedish citizens trained as air marshals aboard US-bound flight have been stonewalled.

"Sweden would rather not see any weapons aboard airplanes," said Michael Mohr, homeland security liaison at the Swedish Embassy in Washington. "There's a concern about arms and very sensitive equipment inside airplanes."

The Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program -- the plan under which pilots are trained to carry and use firearms -- has come under fire of late. Critics say it's falling short of its potential because some policies may have dissuaded pilots from participating.

Some pilots say not having permission to carry weapons overseas is one of the reasons so many pilots refuse to get involved. Another is that pilots must take off work, travel to a training location and arrange for lodging during a week-long training program -- all at their own expense.

Others say they'd like to see appropriately trained pilots allowed to carry weapons while sitting in the cabin instead of keeping them in a lockbox. David Mackett, president of the Airline Pilots Security Alliance says, "We have thousands of pilots who are routinely riding in the cabin (as passengers) and could serve as the last line of defense."

Bruce says officials are working to improve the program to include issuing trained pilots badges and opening more training sites to make the periodic required re-certification more convenient.

FMI: www.dhs.gov, www.tsa.gov, www.ffdoa.org,www.secure-skies.org/