Troops train for airport job

Associated Press

CAMP MURRAY — About 200 National Guard troops are training for security detail at the state’s 10 international airports.

The first 160 guardsmen are expected to be in place by Friday morning, The News Tribune of Tacoma reported. The rest will be on standby.

"They’re going to be in uniform, and they will be armed," Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Rick Patterson said. "I think you’ll see them at baggage and personnel screening areas, and certainly at areas where you’re checked for ticketing."

The exact role of the troops is being worked out by the Federal Aviation Administration and local law enforcement agencies.

Gov. Gary Locke issued a deployment order for the troops late last week; 300 volunteered for duty. President Bush and governors across the nation hope increasing security at airports will ease passengers’ fears following the hijacking of four planes in terrorist attacks Sept. 11.

The troops were beginning FAA training Tuesday at Camp Murray and Fort Lewis. They were to hit the target range at Fort Lewis to become qualified to carry 9mm handguns; officials hope to avoid having them carry automatic rifles, as soldiers in some European airports do.

"I think that maybe automatic rifles might look a little more imposing than we wanted it to look," Patterson said. "I don’t know if we’re ready to look like Europe yet."

The federal government is picking up the cost of the deployment, which is expected to last four to six months, Patterson said.

Sgt. Vito Pizzi, an Army National Guardsman, said he volunteered for airport duty as a way to help restore the confidence of the American public.

"We just want to assure people that they can travel without having to worry, you know, is that person suspicious? Has that person been checked?" he said.

Teri Trittin, who owns a travel agency that operates in Pierce and Thurston counties, said the soldiers need not fear a negative reaction. Passengers were shaken by the events of Sept. 11, and they’ll understand the presence of armed guards.

"I think it’s going to be well-received by the traveling public," she said.