August 21, 2007
Japan Broadcasting Corp. Films News Story at GCCOne of the largest television broadcast companies in Asia filmed a news story at Glendale Community College (GCC) on Aug. 21. Keiichi Tanaka, a News Correspondent for the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, and his cameraman visited a special self-defense training class held on the GCC campus and sponsored by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The class, called "Crewmember Self-Defense Training" (CMSDT) teaches flight crews how to deal with possible violence aboard an aircraft. GCC is one of only 11 sites in the nation where this optional training is offered free to pilots and flight attendants of all U.S. airlines. Two Federal Air Marshals from Washington, D.C. also attended the day-long class as coordinators and observers. The local instructors, already skilled in police work and martial arts, received additional special training for this class in Washington, D.C.
During the course, participants learn how to:
All actively employed flight and cabin crewmembers of U.S.-flagged passenger and cargo airlines are eligible to participate in the CMSDT program. The program is delivered in two parts. First, the crewmembers receive and review a self-paced, interactive DVD and student manual designed to familiarize them with basic self-defense concepts and techniques. After completing the review and a short written assessment, crewmembers attend one day of "hands-on" training at a participating community college.
Japanese Broadcasting Corporation's news story on this preparedness training will only be shown in its Asian markets. Tanaka interviewed flight attendant Matthew Gardner who said he had learned a lot during the eight-hour training class. He said he felt more confident about dealing with potentially violent situations and possible terrorism.
The cost of the class is covered by the government; travel to and from class and other associated costs are not. Visit www.tsa.gov/cmsdt for information about class dates, locations, registration and other details.
This CMSDT course was created through the combined efforts of the American Association of Community Colleges, the TSA, Glendale Community College and Rio Salado Community College, which supplied the instructors.
GCC is located at 6000 W. Olive Avenue in Glendale.
