Equipped: improvements in gear ensure Airmen protection, capability against threats

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  (Editor's note: This is the first of a three-part series on Air Force chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive training as it's managed and conducted at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The series will cover equipment, training and practical exercise.)

The first key to surviving a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive attack begins with the equipment used to protect its most valuable resource... its Airmen. While every deploying Airman receives their requisite CBRNE gear, recent improvements to that equipment now provide even more protection as well as comfort and usability.

The gear consists of a gas mask and carrier, a chemical protection suit, also known as "Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology," protective overboots and gloves. Those along with chemical detection and decontamination paper make up the contents of the Air Force issued "C" bag.

A recent innovation replaced the MCU-2P gas mask with the M-50 for all services. The Air Force started issuing the new mask in June 2008, and Eglin began issuing them in September.

The lighter-weight M-50 has a number of advantages over the old mask -- an increased field of peripheral vision, an internal drinking tube that can be repositioned, a better head harness that doesn't shift while in motion and dual filters that can be changed while the mask is being worn, according to Staff Sgt. David Forston, individual protective equipment supervisor.

"Compared to the older masks I feel like the new M-50 fits better to my face," said Staff Sgt. Alicia Mangan, 96th Medical Operations Squadron who recently completed her CBRNE training. "It is a lot easier to breathe in and seems easier to get a seal with. I also like the drinking tube system better with this one. It's nice to be able to push it out of the way when you aren't using it."

Another advantage is the lens insert for Airmen with glasses. Before, focally-challenged Airmen had to don prescription goggles before putting on a gas mask. Now, after receiving proper lenses from an optometrist, the lenses can remain inside the Airmen's mask indefinitely. This reduces the time the Airman is exposed to the elements while putting on his gear.

Eglin has approximately 6,400 new gas masks that are managed and distributed by the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron's material management flight. Each gas mask kit contains nine accountable items that must be registered in the Mobility Inventory Control Accountability System. Each mask also has to pass a thorough "leak" test prior to issue, according to Sergeant Forston.

The test examines the seal created around the face, oxygen flow and the drinking tube. A passing grade means the mask is ready for issue.

"We typically test 175 masks a week based on our tempo," Sergeant Forston said.

Deployment schedules dictate mask issue. Upon receiving a deployment tasking, Airmen can be issued the M-50.

But not before the Airmen "pass" a test as well. To ensure proper size and fit requirements, Airmen must be "fit-tested" prior to receiving a new mask.

The test consists of five one minute long tests that mimic normal movements an Airman might perform while wearing the mask, according to 2nd Lt. Lindsay M. Kotouch, 96th Aerospace Medical Squadron.

"The test is to ensure personnel are fitted to the proper size mask and to build confidence in its performance and use," she said. "The exercises used alter the seal as facial movements occur and ensure the mask to face seal is not broken and won't allow contamination into the mask."

The tests include normal and deep breathing, yes and no head motions and chin rotating.

The chemical suit equipment is worn by all services. It was issued beginning in 1997. Eglin began issuing the suits in 2006.

The suit contains a carbon lining to protect against chemical and biological agents. Upon opening, the suit is useable up to 120 days or 45 days with up to six launderings. In a contaminated environment, the JSLIST suit can be worn for 24 hours.

The suit was upgraded to make it lighter weight, longer wear and wash ability and reduced heat stress. The suits are issued in the woodland green pattern and desert camouflage. ABU-style suits are currently available at deployed locations.

An advantage of the new protective rubber gloves is they are now designed to fit on either hand and the cotton inserts are now made with elastic to fit closely to the hand. Eglin began issuing the new gloves in July.

Although the rubber boots have not been upgraded, the way they are issued has. In a deployable C-bag, the boots now come vacuum-sealed to save space.

As the new equipment comes in, the older or expired equipment gets "recycled" and used for training.

"With all the new and improved CBRNE gear available, Airmen are more equipped to handle a possible attack, but the equipment is of no use unless Airmen are trained to understand and utilize it properly," said Senior Airman Audrie John, CBRNE instructor.

The second part of this series examines CBRNE training.