Peace and Security Review, Vol.1 No. 2 - International Centre for ...

Dr. Harrison Aviation Security 111
have both a tactical and strategic analysis capability addressing industry
specific needs.
The final level of analysis is the tactical level. This is dealing with the
increasing threat presented by the self-organized, self-radicalized and selfoperationalized
cells, illustrated by the recent plots against Fort Dix and JFK.
The general record against this threat is mixed. There are far more of these
cells so the threat is greater, but the risk thy pose is substantially less, as they
are more limited in their access to funding and training so there skills are
reduced. They are thus more likely to conduct London or Madrid style
operations rather than 9/11. They still pose a potential threat to aviation as it
is relative simple to hijack an aircraft and a bit more complicated to introduce
an explosive device. As this is the emerging trend the industry can use the
space to address existing weakness and develop a coherent proactive strategy
to deal with current and emerging threats.
Tactical
• Develop and implement a more coherent tactical response.
• Regular and realistic training is required.
• Assist in developing economically viable responses across the system.
The two critical elements in the first recommendation are staff and training.
The industry must be involved again in its own security. This may require in
put in recruiting and training the proper staff. It also requires all staff in the
industry to recognize their role in security and that they are empowered to
act on their concerns. Staff must understand their operational environment
and what aspect can easily be turned into a defensive tool in the event of an
incident. For example, if there is an attempt to hijack an aircraft the cabin
crew must recognize that they have a non-lethal weapon readily available to
disrupt an attacker. Coffee, ideally hot. Armed guards and self-defense are
useful, but unless there are going to be regular sessions in the gym the likely
hood of a martial arts approach working is limited. Using coffee or the food
cart is much more effective in disruption of an operation.
The above illustrates why training is important. The understanding of
how an event will take place and how to respond is not intuitive, but can be
learned. It is believed that the first 5 to 7 seconds in a hostage or other type of
attack is the most critical. Hoe one responds may determine the outcome for
both the individual and all involved.
Any security program must be economically viable. This seems to be
common sense, but to frequently it is not. As can be illustrated with the
debate over the protection against MANPADS, the economic cost is prohibitive
Vol.1, No.2 2008 pp.95-114