Are FAMs required to identify themselves to others who are also armed onboard?

The correct understanding regarding the identification of armed personnel onboard is that they should remain unidentified. This approach aligns with the principles of operational security and safety in scenarios where there are multiple armed individuals present. The rationale behind this decision is to prevent the risk of confusion or misidentification, which can lead to dangerous situations in an environment where security and safety are paramount.

When armed individuals are advised to remain unidentified, it minimizes the potential for compromising the security protocols in place, ensures a clear chain of command, and protects the passengers and crew from any unintended escalations during a security incident. In contrast, if everyone were required to identify themselves openly, it might lead to issues such as additional risk exposure or confusion among passengers and crew about who is authorized to respond in a crisis. Therefore, the guideline emphasizes maintaining a low profile for those who are armed, ensuring a more secure operating environment.