MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- A platoon of recruits line the metal walls of a small room. With their eyes squeezed shut, they hold their gas masks just above their faces to get a taste of the gas in the air. Some try to hold their breath while others start coughing, waiting for the command to put on and clear their masks.
Company M recruits were completed training at the Confidence Chamber Nov. 8, at Edson Range, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
While in the chamber, recruits were introduced to chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, commonly known as CS or tear gas. CS gas is a non-lethal substance commonly used as a riot- control agent by the military and police.
Before recruits enter the chamber, they received classes in which they learn how to properly put on and adjust their gas masks.
Completing the Confidence Chamber is a graduation requirement for recruits.
The classes not only teach recruits how to properly fit their masks, but also to perform common procedures such as clearing gas that may have entered the mask, and making sure that the mask is correctly sealed.
The recruits go to the chamber the day before they step off for the Crucible, a 54-hour training exercise in which recruits get little food and sleep.
“I feel that I have a good grasp of how to operate the mask,” said Recruit Luke Reed, Platoon 3267, Company M.
After the recruits complete their classes, they are given the signal to put their masks on and enter the chamber to begin practical application of what they have learned.
Once in the chamber, they are instructed to do two exercises to make sure the mask is sealed and to assure they can operate the mask.
The exercises performed are bending over and shaking their head from side to side, and completing 10 side straddle hops. Once completed, the recruits are then instructed to break the seal of their masks to let some of the gas in.
“The exercises didn’t affect the mask,” said Recruit Sean Raney, Platoon 3266, Co. M. “It worked perfectly.”
When everyone removed their masks they were told to reseal them and clear out all the gas that had entered.
“They’re doing this (putting the mask on) because they need to get confidence in the gear they hopefully won’t have to use,” said Sgt. Johnny Sermersky, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear instructor, Field Company, WFTBn. “If they do, they know it’s going to work.”