“The organization slowly changed into a giant welfare to work make-work project for the chronically unemployable.”
I had friends who tried to become TSA screeners shortly after the agency was formed. The screeners test was very difficult and you had to be pretty sharp to pass it.
I don’t know about what the test is like now but if you look at what the job pays (entry level) and the working hours (usually part time), I doubt that they attract the best and brightest into government service.
The TSA, only one step below the DMV.
I don't know what your friends were like but I found the test not that hard. It was basic common sense, but then I was educated when a education actually meant something.
One of the traits that did show up to a surprising degree among co-workers was back stabbing and using sexual and affirmative action complaints to further advancement.
You not only had to watch for "security threats" but had to be extremely careful in word or deed lest you run afoul of the "chronically offended." The management was no better and displayed some amazing gross incompetence. I eventually resigned in disgust.