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Gas mask testing; shelf life now 15 years

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tamika Edwards
  • 305th Logistics Readiness Squadron
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  After years of extensive engineering studies, the MCU2P series mask now has an implemented shelf life of 15 years because the mask will go into the wear and tear phase over an extended number of years.

Due to this new requirement, all gas masks must now be tested to ensure masks are serviceable.

"This problem is not only McGuire's problem. It's an Air Force-wide issue," said Staff Sgt. Brian Acuavera, 305th Logistics Readiness Squadron warehouse supervisor. "Every Air Force installation is currently recording shelf lives as of the summer of this year."

"We need to make sure our troops have the right serviceable equipment," said Capt. Tia Seals, command mobility readiness support section chief, Logistics Readiness Division at Headquarters AMC.

McGuire's Logistics Readiness Squadron is currently responsible for testing all of the gas masks on base. If the masks are past 15 years, they are coded with a "B," which means serviceable with qualifications.

These masks are tested with the TDA 99 tester, which lasts five to six minutes. After the test is completed, members are allowed to leave with their masks. If the masks are not serviceable, they are placed on a shelf marked code B and are not issued until all operational masks are exhausted. The results are then entered in the Mobility Inventory Control and Accountability System, with the expiration date of October 2008. If the mask is older than '92, they will be placed in a separate stock.

"It's been very busy, but things are going well so far," Sergeant Acuavera said.
The gas mask testing started Oct. 3. The 305th LRS' masks were tested from Oct. 23-27. "It was really busy because LRS is one of the largest squadrons.

The testing winds down with the 305th Aerial Port Squadron Dec. 18-22.
The mobility squadron is working around the clock to fix this problem but still has a lot of work on their hands.

"It's been tough getting people in to get their masks inspected," said Staff Sgt. Alicia Hughes, warehouse supervisor. "But we are trying to get 100-percent accountability, so that no one is deployed with an unserviceable mask."