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PATS testing ensures Soldiers' protective gear is functional

  • Published
  • By Sgt. David Bolton
  • 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Gas! Gas! Gas! Nine seconds. Locate the M41 gas mask. Eight seconds. Remove the mask from the hip pouch. Seven seconds. Press the mask firmly against the face. Six seconds. Pull the face straps over the head. Five seconds. Tighten the straps. Four seconds. Place hand over the air filter. Three seconds. Breathe in to pull the mask tight against the face. Two seconds. Exhale to clear the air in the mask. One second.

Successfully avoid contamination and potential injury.

Nine seconds could mean the difference between life and death for approximately 40 members of the Kentucky National Guard's 1103rd Law and Order Detachment.

"God forbid a chemical attack happens," said Sgt. Craig Probus, a 1103rd team leader from Louisville, Ky. "We have nine seconds to don the masks and make sure it fits."

The 1103rd completed the protective assessment test station exercise as part of their mobilization training here May 13, 2013, to prepare for possible chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive incidents.

Soldiers disassembled their masks into component parts, reassembled them and ensured a proper seal around their face so that no outside air could leak into the mask.

Staff Sgt. William McKinney, 1103rd squad leader and section chief, said the PATS test broke-down into five exercises: normal breathing, deep breathing, moving one's head side-to-side, moving one's head up and down, and chewing.

Soldiers were required to move their head and face to mimic the normal environment and wear which would be expected to occur if an attack were to happen. The training staff made sure wearing the masks was comfortable in addition to assuring the functionality of the gas masks.

"We want to make sure there is comfort in wearing the mask and to make sure Soldiers have some protection in a CBRNE environment," said Isabella McCloud, CBRNE/PATS course lead instructor. "This mask is going to protect you."

Although "gas, gas, gas" may be three of the most feared words a Soldier may ever hear while on duty, knowing they can put their faith in their protective equipment can keep their battle-minds ready and focused on the mission at hand.