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Hello [firstname],
FFDOA leadership participated in the quarterly stakeholder meeting (held virtually this time) on 18 Nov 25.
The call began with an interactive discussion with the Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), EAA Brian Belcher. He gave us a good briefing on the status of the FAMS and FFDO program and took several questions from the stakeholders.
On this update, I would like to focus on the initiatives that we have been briefing the membership on for some years now. It occurred to me the significant progress we have made by consistent, solid advocacy and meaningful time-tested partnerships with our parent agency.
FFDOA, along with our colleagues from CAPA and ALPA, have continually pushed for improvements and advancements in the program. This includes, but not limited to, training opportunities, program expansion, budget growth and quality of life issues.
With the support of our membership and individual association leadership, including a trusted partnership with a courageous, transparent TSA Acting Branch Manager, Mr. Daniel Kuhn, we have made a significant impact on the FFDO program and its future:
SENIOR PROGRAM: Championed by FFDOA, CAPA, and ALPA (specifically Darrick Dorn), the senior program is up and running. It offers advanced training to qualified FFDOs and designates those who complete the training as "senior" members of the FFDO population. We at FFDOA highly recommend attending this training if able.
BUDGET: Although we are acting under a Continuing Resolution until January 2026, the FFDO budget for FY26 is marked at over 32 million, the highest in program history.
RECURRENT TRAINING PROGRAM - ATLANTA: RTP ATL is set to begin 100% capacity with construction completed and in the final stages of implementation. This will allow 2 full classes of 24 FFDOs to participate each week giving FFDOs more options and flexibility.
MOVING INITIAL TRAINING TO ATLANTIC CITY: Through years of constant advocacy, the TSA is now set to have a "proof of concept" initial training class in ACY the Spring of 2026 at the Federal Air Marshal Training Center, which is the first steps to moving all initial training out of Artesia, NM.
INTERNATIONAL: Although slightly delayed due to the government shutdown, the program remains in talks with over 20 countries to expand the FFDO program's international footprint.
WEST COAST RTP LOCATION: This initiative is still in the concept phase, but has broad support within the agency. The program has begun preliminary investigatory steps on a location, which includes the stakeholders, and a plan to have specific meetings on the west coast in FY26 possibly view options and further solidify this needed expansion.
While FFDOA is far from taking a "victory lap" on any of these initiatives, as this was a TEAM EFFORT in every sense of the words, it is also important that (now and then) we highlight that through your dues and trust in your leadership, we are making some marked progress!
However, we have plenty more to do at FFDOA and are certainly engaged in other very important issues and initiatives. We will continue to seek improvements through our partnerships and work diligently to continue to grow and expand this needed layer of aviation security.
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