Photo By Sgt. Dong-weon Kim | Soldiers of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command wait in front of the gas...... read more read more
WAEGWAN, South Korea – Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command went through the gas chamber to conduct chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training at Camp Carroll, Nov. 13.
As one of the fundamental basic trainings, the CBRN exercise fosters the soldiers to develop confidence and prepare readiness from potential threats. The Area IV gas chamber operated or "ran hot" for two days for the 19th ESC and its subordinate units to experience and it enriched the very basic values of soldiers.
Two weeks prior to the gas chamber, the 19th ESC CBRN office bustled with numerous soldiers waiting in line to replace their outdated protective masks with the brand new ones. Contrary to the protective masks that were previously assigned, there were conspicuous differences in both the exterior and interior of the mask. Soldiers were confident and ready for the gas chamber with their brand new masks.
“There are six major changes in the new protective masks,” said . “During the CBRN training, soldiers would have experienced that the lens has more peripheral vision and the internal drinking tools can be controlled from the outside.”
Amparado started off the CBRN training with a safety briefing to the soldiers. When it comes to military training, safety is the most crucial factor that should be considered. Soon after, she went over the chamber training procedures that were due to be conducted.
The training procedures included 17 steps in total. Some of the notable procedures included drinking water with their protective masks on, doing pushups and shouting their rank, name, position and the 19th ESC motto with their masks removed inside the gas chamber.
Soldiers put on their Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) with their chemical protective mask after the briefing. The equipment provides protection against chemical and biological agents, radioactive fallout particles, and battlefield contaminants.
Gas overshadowed the atmosphere of the chamber limiting the soldiers to look clearly. Soldiers took in a deep breath trying their very best to relax and hide their anxious faces right before entering the hot chamber.
Soldiers of the 19th ESC made groups in five, waiting in front of the gas chamber with their protective masks on. Smoke from the gas chamber gushed from the entrance door and the soldiers encouraged each other boosting motivation. Amparado instructed the soldiers inside the chamber for 15 minutes.
“Team 19, Rock Steady” shouted the soldiers as they were hurriedly pushing the door to leave the gas chamber. Soldiers exited the chamber with both of their arms high in the air and inhaling in fresh air. Although most of them displayed a big frown on their faces while coughing painfully, they also gained a sense of accomplishment.
“Before I went in, I felt fine. After coming out, I can say that I am still doing well,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Harris, 19th ESC G-6 systems technician. “The protective gear proved effectively performed its function.”
The CBRN training was a meaningful event to the soldiers, especially for the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army soldiers. It was an opportunity for the KATUSAs to train along with their U.S. Army counterparts.
KATUSAs go through five weeks of basic military training, which includes CBRN training before being assigned to the U.S. Army bases. This event was truly exotic for the KATUSAs in that it was conducted with the military equipment provided by the U.S. Army.
“I hope that both the U.S. Army and the Republic of the Korea Army integrate its advantages and make strong improvements,” said Cpl. Cha Joong-gon, 19th ESC G-6 information-technology specialist. “I appreciated the equipment issued by the U.S. Army such as the JSLIST and the protective masks. Particularly, the new masks appeared to be very safe and effective.”
The CBRN training concluded with a success, reflecting the strenuous efforts that Amparado has put in. As she shut down the gas chamber, she delivered a short but powerful message to the soldiers.
“I hope that the soldiers grew confidence in their CBRN protective gears” Amparado said.
Attributing to the dynamic military activities in the Korea theater of operations as well as potential contingencies that may occur, the CBRN exercise constructs preparedness for the soldiers to react. This training surely proved that soldiers can accomplish both their individual and collective missions as strong battlefield fighters.
| Date Taken: | 11.18.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.11.2014 01:58 |
| Story ID: | 120429 |
| Location: | WAEGWAN, 27, KR |
| Web Views: | 122 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 19th ESC gas chamber runs hot, by SGT Dong-weon Kim, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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