Dan while I agree that there are some less than desirable people in the screening force, to say we're " all a joke " is in-appropreate. That's like calling all soldiers baby killers. We have about 10 percent of our workforce that are acting military or retired, so you are also not being fair to them. We as the grunts are given our orders ( SOP ) and have to follow them as a military private would have to. You cite the fact that you were in uniform - well I remember a Major that just recently murdered 13 soldiers and wounded 30 at Ft. Hood, he also had a uniform on. Yea talk about stupid orders - disarming our troops on a military base.
You ever been to a Army surplus store lately? We are just doing our jobs as any soldier would do. Obviously TSA cannot make everybody privie to why we do certain things nor do we as screeners agree with the procedures but we are not high enough in the food chain to make the rulings. Besides when is the last time a plane has slammed into a building as of late? Guess somebody must be doing their job right.
You do not have to fly, you could always find another mode of transportation or better yet jump a military flight.
Happy trails to you and stay safe.
Thank you for serving your country!