TACTICS & TRAINING
Air Marshals in Training
Guns and technology used to protect our airways
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The rapid expansion of the United States' air marshal program has renewed interest in the weapons and tactics used for in-flight security. Obviously, there are some equipment and tactics that can't be discussed for security reasons, but most readers should find the following information interesting.
TACTICS AND TRAINING
The air marshal must be an excellent marksman. In fact, those FAA air marshals with whom I have trained have been among the best shots I've seen in law enforcement, ranking with the Secret Service and FBI in their emphasis on weapons skills.
In addition to attending the basic course for federal agents at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, FAA air marshals receive specialized training designed specifically for the situations in which they may have to employ their weapons.
One of the first specialized skills air marshals learn is where not to shoot. The film "Goldfinger" has, for years, perpetuated the myth that depressurization by bullet hole is the greatest danger. Normally, this is not the case. The pumps/compressors that keep a cabin pressurized can normally deal with a couple of small bullet holes.
A far greater danger is hitting hydraulic lines or electrical wiring. As a result, trainees learn where critical systems are located, so a shot may be placed without hitting them. Of course, the most important system to avoid shooting is the pilot or co-pilot. As a result, shot angles and ammunition type must be considered.
When I was training indigenous air marshals in the Persian Gulf many years ago, I had a chief mechanic help me stretch ribbons through the interior of the aircraft in which we were training to simulate the location of electrical and hydraulic lines. For our scenario-training at that time, we used wax bulleted primer-powered loads. To protect our eyes we wore goggles, but those wax bullets still hit hard enough to leave a painful welt. Trainees certainly remembered if they were hit, but this system did allow us to train in an actual aircraft. Today's U.S. air marshals also train in aircraft cabins, but use Simunitions ammo in weapons just like their issue handguns, but specially set up for this dye-marking round. By allowing agent-on-agent dueling, Simunitions grant great realism in creating situations a trainee might face in the air.
Strong marksmanship skills are vital. The ability to shoot at relatively long range, for example, could be critical should a shot have to be taken down the length of the cabin. Air marshals practice moving down the aisle while retaining their shooting base so that they can close the distance to a potential threat, but a shot may still be necessary at 25 yards or more.
Aircraft seats create additional problems. Even at the best of times, it's difficult to pull yourself out of one. Under the stress of a hijacking, this can be even more difficult. As a result, the air marshal must train to take a shot while seated. He must also train to take a shot as he levers himself up out of the seat. When I was training air marshals in the Persian Gulf, I always taught them to choose a seat on the aisle and on the left side of the aircraft looking forward if they were right-handed (on the right side if they were left-handed). This allowed them to take a lean-out shot while seated.
Lone air marshals must be able to engage multiple hijackers quickly. Reportedly, in training, U.S. air marshals must demonstrate the ability to engage three opponents quickly. Since a hijacker might well have grabbed a flight attendant or passenger as a shield, the air marshal must also be capable of making a head shot. Normally, a center-mass shot is preferable as the bullet will more likely stay within the chest cavity. Special ammunition will, however, minimize the danger of over-penetration.
Still, the air marshal must be constantly aware of the angle of any shot taken and what is behind the potential target. As a result, he should train himself to move slightly when necessary to get the optimum angle for both the shot and for bullet retention.
HOLSTERS AND SUCH
An air marshal must be able to bring his weapon into action effectively while keeping it well concealed until needed. The challenge when choosing a carry method is not just to have a holster that allows access while seated, but one that also allows the weapon to be carried comfortably on long flights.
The very first "sky marshals" the U.S. deployed back in the late '60s and early '70s used a belly band holster to carry a compact .38 Special revolver. During my time working with Middle Eastern air marshals, I used an upside-down shoulder holster from an English custom maker. It carried a chopped S&W 25-5 comfortably and also allowed me to quickly deploy the gun while seated.
Other methods include the ankle holster, especially the one available from Bianchi that allows the comfortable carry of a SIG P-228, P-229 or a Glock 19 or 23. When worn on the ankle opposite the gun hand, the weapon may be reached readily while in an aircraft seat. Shoulder holsters have traditionally been popular with air marshals, particularly among women. I would recommend one of the down-slanting shoulder rigs from Galco or Mitch Rosen. These also have the advantage of allowing the carry of spare ammo under the opposite arm.
Still another type of rig that works well is the counter carjacking rig of the type offered by Mitch Rosen. These position the gun parallel to the belt and are specifically designed for a seated draw. If one is used aboard an aircraft, a loose sweater or windbreaker can be worn over it and lifted for the draw.
Because close combat ability can be very important within the confines of an aircraft cabin, U.S. air marshals receive extensive hand- to-hand combat training, plus a monetary allowance each month which is to be applied to martial arts training, gym membership or other applicable physical training. Not only does this help hone skills, it also counters the effects of spending so much time seated and inactive. Still other air marshals have trained in tantojitsu or other close-combat techniques using blades for situations where a firearm might be out of the question.
Less-conventional holsters may also be used. Kramer's Holster Vest offers an easy way to carry a weapon under the arm comfortably. I would recommend, however, that if a button shirt is worn, then at least two buttons be removed and sewn to the outside of the shirt. Hook-and-loop strips may then be used to hold the shirt together while allowing a fast draw. A loose sweater or pullover shirt may also be worn over the Kramer Holster Vest.
A similar carry method is the use of special holsters from Uncle Mike's or Aker that are attached to a ballistic vest.
I've also known at least one air marshal who wore a jacket with a built-in holster specifically designed to allow quick access while seated. Another used a small-of-the-back holster and did not find that it was uncomfortable.
The specific carry method is not as important as the ease of access while seated, the capability of concealment under low profile clothing, and comfort.
