TSO Security Threat Awareness 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes a 'dry run' in the context of aviation security threats?
- A practice fire drill conducted by airport staff
- A test run by terrorists to probe security vulnerabilities without committing an actual attack (Correct answer)
- A TSA training exercise at a checkpoint
- An aircraft maintenance simulation
Correct answer: A test run by terrorists to probe security vulnerabilities without committing an actual attack
A dry run is when a would-be attacker rehearses an attack plan, testing security responses and identifying weaknesses without executing the attack.
Question 2: Homemade explosives (HMEs) pose a unique screening challenge because:
- They are always liquid-based
- They can be constructed from common materials and may lack metal components (Correct answer)
- They only appear in checked baggage
- They are detectable only by explosive-sniffing dogs
Correct answer: They can be constructed from common materials and may lack metal components
HMEs can be made from widely available materials and engineered to avoid metal detection, making multi-layered screening essential.
Question 3: A passenger claims ownership of a bag only after being told it will be abandoned and destroyed. This behavior is:
- A sign of forgetfulness typical of frequent travelers
- A potential indicator of someone who placed an item and is now reassessing (Correct answer)
- Normal behavior for nervous flyers
- Grounds to waive screening
Correct answer: A potential indicator of someone who placed an item and is now reassessing
Delayed claim of ownership, especially after threat of destruction, is a recognized behavioral indicator that warrants additional screening.
Question 4: The primary goal of a terrorist attack at an airport checkpoint, even if unsuccessful, may be to:
- Test the TSA's hiring process
- Disrupt air travel, create fear, and generate media attention (Correct answer)
- Steal passenger belongings
- Recruit airport employees
Correct answer: Disrupt air travel, create fear, and generate media attention
Even failed attacks achieve terrorist objectives of disrupting commerce, spreading fear, and generating extensive media coverage.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'target hardening' in airport security?
- Making airport floors harder for easier cleaning
- Strengthening aircraft fuselages
- Implementing security measures that make it more difficult for attackers to successfully execute a threat (Correct answer)
- Training TSOs in self-defense combat
Correct answer: Implementing security measures that make it more difficult for attackers to successfully execute a threat
Target hardening refers to implementing physical and procedural security measures that increase the difficulty and risk for would-be attackers.
Question 6: A vehicle circling the airport departure drop-off area multiple times without stopping is:
- Normal behavior for drivers waiting for passengers
- A potential vehicle-borne IED (VBIED) surveillance indicator (Correct answer)
- A taxi driver looking for fares
- Only relevant if the driver is acting aggressively
Correct answer: A potential vehicle-borne IED (VBIED) surveillance indicator
Vehicles repeatedly circling without purpose are recognized surveillance indicators associated with potential vehicle-borne threats.
Question 7: Which of the following represents a 'secondary screening' trigger at a TSA checkpoint?
- Passenger wearing shoes
- Alarming on Advanced Imaging Technology or metal detector (Correct answer)
- Having a boarding pass
- Traveling with checked baggage
Correct answer: Alarming on Advanced Imaging Technology or metal detector
When a passenger alarms on AIT or a metal detector, they are directed to secondary screening for a more thorough examination.
TSO Security Threat Awareness 3
Which of the following best describes a 'dry run' in the context of aviation security threats?