Who should be the first to board and last to exit the plane among armed law enforcement officers?

The correct answer is based on the principle of ensuring the safety and security of the boarding process during operations involving armed law enforcement officers. Law enforcement officers who are designated to be the first to board and last to exit the plane are positioned to secure the area immediately and provide a protection chain throughout the process.

Having armed officers at both the point of entry and exit allows for continuous coverage and immediate response to any potential threats, which is especially crucial in high-stakes environments like boarding an aircraft. This approach minimizes vulnerabilities that could arise from having unarmed personnel in these critical roles, as armed officers can swiftly react to emergencies or disturbances.

The rationale for not choosing other options is that the chain of command is best exemplified through the presence of armed law enforcement at these key moments, rather than an unarmed officer or consideration of different weapons among officers. This continuity also reinforces a strong presence, deterring any hostile actions during boarding and deplaning.