I really do not see the point of the National Guard soldiers being posted at security checkpoints whatsoever.
If someone there is to be armed (hopefully not the screeners - ever) then a rifle is surely the worst instrument for this job. Not only is it more bulky than a pistol, but it is harder to aim in that small enclosed environment, when any situation necessitating its need would be to take one person down and not a whole group of bystanders themselves clearing security. Are they expecting to spray bullets in the area? I surely hope not.
A show of force may be a good thing in the aftermath - now over I hope you would agree - and now is simply an unnecessary cost and excessive risk. Increasing normal police presence would surely be more effective, and provide more officers for other uses as well.
This incident described above simply reinforces the need for bonafide airline personnel and the related airside personnel to all cary a single ID card for all airports of one country such that they are easily identifiable, and a separate screening area away from passengers such that they can also go through unnoticed were credentials to be verified - also discouraging perhaps those who would be potential imposters.
Anyone got that 'priceless' post again with the FAA security guards?