Airport checkpoint officers don new uniform
Airport checkpoints' Transportation Security Administration officers, whose jobs and federal agency were established in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, today started wearing new uniforms and badges that they requested in order to raise their levels of respect, confidence, and utility.
Their white long-sleeve shirt has been replaced with a dark blue one, and their embroidered patch traded for a gold metal badge.
The 65 percent polyester, 35 percent cotton-blended blue shirt will supposedly stay cleaner and be more comfortable to wear, and a wider belt is being used to ensure better-fitting uniform pants.
Additionally, each officer now wears a nametag displaying the last name and rank. The new look grew out of a recommendation from the TSA's National Advisory Council, the formal organization of transportation security officers, assistant federal security directors and security managers that meets quarterly.
For photos of how the TSA officers' uniform has changed annually since 2005, go to
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/091108.shtm.
(By Nicole C. Wong, Globe staff)
