NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. -- NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va., – Marines from Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, participated in their annual gas chamber training Sept. 15, 2016, after a three day-long course given by Chemical, Biological, Radioactive and Nuclear defense specialists
The Marines from Company A, FAST, MCSFR, began training on Sept. 13, with the gas chamber qualification as the culminating event. Classes consisted of proper use of the M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask, knowing how to use a mission-oriented protective posture suit, maintenance of gear, capabilities of gear and detecting CBRN threats.
Attending this annual CBRN training and the gas chamber is a requirement for all MCSFR Marines for their pre-deployment training. With this preparation, the Marines can confidently use the knowledge they have gained to detect a CBRN threat and properly use their gear when faced with a chemical environment.
“The training is important because the Marines in this platoon, including myself, don’t know where we can end up,” said Sgt. Timothy Trauth, 5th Platoon, Company A, FAST, MCSFR. “The threat of CBRN is a very real threat, so it’s important that we know how to identify, mitigate and ultimately defeat that threat.”
The final day of training allowed the Marines to put their training to use entering into a gas chamber. Once inside the Marines receive instructions from a CBRN specialist to perform various activities that include side-straddle hops and shaking their heads vigorously to ensure the mask is properly secure. Once completed, the Marines will break the seal on their mask and expose themselves to compound 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile gas. Once exposed, the Marines put their masks back on and demonstrate the procedures to successfully clear the contaminated air and breathe filtered oxygen through the mask.
CS gas is a non-lethal substance used by the Marine Corps not only for training, but also for riot control. Once someone is exposed to CS gas it causes inflammation of the skin, difficulty breathing as well as burning of the nose, mouth and throat.
“This training validates that the Marines’ gas mask works and that they are confident in its serviceability and operating in a CBRN environment,” said Capt. Ryan Berger, 5th Platoon commander, Company A, FAST, MCSFR. “It’s as close as you can get to being gassed without using something lethal.”