Photo courtesy of TSA

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is spending $12 million to provide new uniforms to the screener workforce beginning in fall 2007. It's part of an effort by the agency to give transportation security officers (TSOs) uniforms that better reflect the critical nature of their jobs, as I wrote in the July 31 issue (subscribers only) of Airports.

“TSA's National Advisory Council (NAC) recommended changes to current TSO uniforms after it was identified as a major issue among our 43,000 uniformed employees,” said spokeswoman Amy Kudwa.

The subcommittee reviewed and developed recommendations on all aspects of the current uniform - color, appearance, durability, ease of care and professional image - and presented them to leadership, said Kudwa.

TSOs will be issued three short-sleeve and three long-sleeve shirts, three trousers, two shoulder boards, one sweater vest, one name tag, and one belt, said Kudwa.

I don't have a problem with TSOs getting new uniforms, but one has to wonder -- with airports needing to get next-generation screening equipment, is it prudent to spend $12 million at this point? Tell me what you think.