Capt. Joshua Howell, right, signal officer, and Spc. Eduardo Rincon, chemical Soldier, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, ignite tablets of CS gas in the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive gas chamber June 26, 2015. (Photo by Capt. Shaun T. Manley)
By Capt. Shaun T. Manley
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — Soldiers coughed and choked as they were given the order to break the seal of their protective mask in a gas chamber on Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
Soldiers of 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) gas chamber June 22-26, 2015.
“Conducting CBRNE tasks such as the gas chamber improves the Soldiers’ confidence in themselves and their equipment,” said Capt. Joshua Howell, signal officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 64th BSB.
The training allowed Soldiers of the battalion to familiarize and qualify on the process of donning their protective masks which is conducted and timed in several steps.
“Going through the (gas) chamber allows Soldiers to see the importance of properly sealing their masks and completing the associated tasks,” said Sgt. Magen Garner-Rizo, supply sergeant, HHC, 64th BSB. “As leaders, we have to ensure our Soldiers get qualified on their equipment, protective masks included.”
The chamber includes the use of CS tablets that are heated until they smolder. The smoke that fills the chamber replicates CBRNE contamination and usually results in temporary coughing, nasal drainage and irritation of the eyes and throat when exposed.
“As a (CBRNE) Soldier, it is my job to ensure that the chamber is prepared prior to the Soldiers entering,” said Spc. Eduardo Rincon, chemical specialist, HHC, 64th BSB. “The CS adds stress and realism to the training event.”
Once the group of Soldiers entered, they underwent a series of tasks ensuring the proper wearing and seal of their protective masks. Once all masks were checked by the range cadre, the Soldiers were ordered to break the seal of their masks, exposing them to the gases inside the chamber for an allotted time period.
“Most Soldiers don’t like having to take their masks off inside the chamber but understand the reasoning behind it,” said Cpl. Jeri Butterfield, supply sergeant, Company C, 64th BSB. “I think it makes us appreciate having protective equipment more, once going through the training event and being exposed to the CS.”
After the last group of Soldiers completed its chamber qualification, the team cleaned up the chamber and moved out to its next mission as the battalion continues its deployment in Southwest Asia.
“A lot goes into setting up and conducting this type of training but the outcome definitely makes it worthwhile,” said Garner-Rizo. “I was glad to be part of this training event and to be honest, enjoyed watching everyone in our battalion go through the chamber.”