1st Battalion 22nd Infantry CBRN Training August 2012

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

Regulars Undergo CBRN Training

August 6-10, 2012

FORT CARSON, Colo. Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Lambert, chemical, biological radiological and nuclear noncommissioned officer,
1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, explains the procedures for
Mask confidence training to 1st BCT Soldiers at the Fort Carson CBRN training site, Aug 10, 2012. To validate Soldiers' ability
to properly use their M40-series protective masks, the CBRN specialists directed students to remove the masks from their faces
for five seconds before replacing them, expelling any gas trapped inside and then resealing the masks to their faces.

Gas! Gas! Gas!

Published August 23, 2012 by Pfc. Andrew Ingram

1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office
Close article

FORT CARSON, Colo.

Hands held aloft, Soldiers rushed out of the small concrete structure, coughing and sputtering,
flapping their arms wildly as if attempting to fly away from the horror within.

Soldiers assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, reaffirmed trust in their equipment
during protective mask confidence training at the Fort Carson chemical, biological, radiological
and nuclear gas chamber Aug. 6-10.

Each day, CBRN specialists assigned to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st BCT, guided dozens
of masked "Raiders" into the CBRN chamber, filled with 0-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS gas),
a vapor that causes intense irritation and a burning sensation to the eyes, nose and throat,
without lasting side-effects, most commonly used to break up riots.

The gas caused minor skin irritation to Soldiers as they shuffled into the chamber, but their masks kept the primary side effects at bay.

"It burns, but I think this training actually builds morale," said Pvt. Christopher Johnson, infantryman,
Company A, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt. "It proves that you can do something other people are afraid of, or don't want to do."

To validate the Raiders' ability to properly use their M40-series protective masks, CBRN specialists directed
their students to remove the masks from their faces for five seconds before replacing them, expelling any gas
trapped inside and then resealing the masks to their faces.

"Once you're confident in your mask and know the proper procedures, you have nothing to worry about,"
said Sgt. Denver Stennet, CBRN specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt. "If you stay calm, you'll be fine."

When used properly, a pro-mask could save a Soldier's life from countless situations, Stennet said.
He emphasized the importance of training with the CBRN equipment in preparation for possible attacks during deployment.

After each group cleared and resealed their masks, the CBRN specialists directed them to take their mask off,
hold it above their heads, and recite their last names and the last four digits of their social security numbers as they exited the chamber.

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Lambert, CBRN noncommissioned officer, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., said this final phase
of the training demonstrates the masks' effectiveness to Soldiers.

"(Taking their masks off), Soldiers really feel the CS gas," he said. "It's hard to doubt your mask
after trying to breathe in there without it."

Lambert said reaffirming Raider Soldiers CBRN skills will make them more well rounded
and efficient warfighters capable of engaging an enemy in any situation.

FORT CARSON, Colo. First Lieutenant Nicholas Mueller, assistant plans officer, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment,
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seals his M40-series protective mask during mask confidence training
at the Fort Carson chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear gas chamber, Aug 10, 2012. To validate their effectiveness,
Soldiers removed their masks for five seconds before replacing them, expelling any gas trapped inside, and resealing the masks to their faces.

FORT CARSON, Colo. Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Lambert, chemical, biological radiological and nuclear noncommissioned officer,
1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, releases 0-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile
(CS) Gas, preparing the Fort Carson CBRN training room for mask confidence training, Aug 10, 2012. "We've been fighting a war
and focusing on that mission, but now it is time to get back to the (basics)," he said. "This is something Soldiers should be doing
every year and we are going to make sure that happens."

FORT CARSON, Colo. Soldiers assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, lift M40-series protective masks
from their faces in a room full of chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) Gas to test their masks' effectiveness during
confidence training at the Fort Carson Nuclear Biological and Chemical range, Aug 10, 2012. "(Soldiers) really need to take this training seriously,"
said Sgt. Denver Stennet, CBRN specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st BCT. "If you get
into a situation where you need to use your mask and you've never done this before, chances are you won't get it on in time, or you won't use it properly."

FORT CARSON, Colo. Soldiers assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, hold their M40-series protective masks
above their heads to experience the full effects of CS Gas and highlight their equipments' effectiveness during Mask confidence training
at the Fort Carson Nuclear Biological and Chemical range, Aug 10, 2012. Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Lambert, CBRN noncommissioned officer,
1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, said this final portion of the training demonstrates to Soldiers just how effective pro-masks are.
"During that last part, Soldiers really feel that CS gas," he said. "It's hard to doubt your mask after trying to breathe in there without it."

FORT CARSON, Colo. Soldiers assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division exit the Fort Carson Nuclear Biological
and Chemical building during Mask confidence training, Aug 10, 2012. During the last phase of the training, Soldiers take off their masks,
hold them above their heads and recite their last name and the last four digits of their social security number as they exit the chamber.

BACK