Gas! Gas! Gas! Marines learn CBRN defense at Cherry Point

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. J. R. Heins | Lance Cpl. Stephen Richardson breaks the seal of his M50 gas mask during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 2, 2014. During CBRN defense training, Marines break the seal of their masks, allowing CS in, which tests their ability to use the M50. Richardson is an electrician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

04.02.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. J. R. Heins 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CHERRY POINT, N.C. - More than 40 Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. took part in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at the air station April 2, 2014.

During the training, the Marines learned proper use of their Mission Oriented Protective Posture suits and M50 gas masks. The MOPP suit and M50 gas mask are issued to Marines who are slated to deploy to protect against exposure to airborne toxins, such as nerve gas or biological agents, according to Sgt. Tonay Flattum, a CBRN defense specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2.

"We are here to make sure everyone is confident in their ability to use their gear," said Flattum.

In order to test a Marine's understanding of MOPP suit and gas mask functionality, CBRN defense specialists oversee a standard training curriculum, which includes classroom and practical application training. After the classes and practical application, Marines enter a gas chamber filled with chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, commonly referred to as CS.

In the chamber, the Marines perform a series of light exercises and mask clearing procedures to test their comprehension, according to Flattum.

"The first exercise is a simple movement of their head up and down, then to the left and right," said Flattum. "This shows that they have range of motion in their gear. The second exercise is leaning over and shaking the head vigorously. This ensures that all their gear is worn properly and nothing comes undone."

Finally, the Marines break the seal between their face and masks, allowing CS into their mask. Once exposed to the CS, the Marines replace their mask and exhale, expelling the gas and clearing their mask.

The final exercise demonstrates the Marines ability to function in case of chemical, biological or radiological exposure.

The CBRN defense specialists who oversee the gas chamber conduct classes and training several times each week for Marines at Cherry Point. All Marines learn CBRN defense during enlisted recruit training or The Basic School for officers. While the principles are the same, attending CBRN defense training in the fleet differs from training for recruits and officers. The roles of the CBRN defense specialist differ as well, according to Lance Cpl. Jonathan E. Marron, a CBRN defense specialist with MWHS-2.

"The gas chamber (at recruit training and TBS) is used more to help recruits and officers get over their fear of CS gas," said Marron. "Our job as CBRN instructors at Cherry Point is to make sure everything is safe and controlled for the Marines."

• Date Taken: 04.02.2014
• Date Posted: 04.17.2014 11:48
• Story ID: 126433
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US