The Federal Transit Administration has got some new Web-based counterterrorism training tool videos online. You can check them out here.
The first is called The Mark.
The Mark is a fast-paced training video depicting a fictionalized version of an all-too-real threat against a metropolitan transit system. It demonstrates to transit employees how asking the right questions and following their instincts when faced with suspicious and unusual circumstances could ultimately mean the difference between life and death.
First of all, the film isn't that bad -- but the terrorist cell is a little Benetton-esque to be believable. They got one stereotype evil-doer after another, it seems. And you know the lone woman is evil because she is a chainsmoker. The setting is fictional, but much of it was filmed at NJ Transit facilities and the plotters drive a car with NY plates.
Just hope the real transit workers (all 300,000 nationwide) are as alert as they are in the movie and that the finale never happens... Check out the flick, it won't be a complete waste of 20 minutes.
-- Chuck Benentt
