CBRNE Training Prepares Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carrie M. Peasinger
  • 931st Air Refueling Group
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  When Airmen try on gas masks for the first time in training, it can be uncomfortable learning to breathe and move while wearing a mask and harness, along with wearing or carrying all of their other necessary gear. Chemical, biological, nuclear and explosive training conducted by the 931st Civil Engineer Squadron helps ease that discomfort.

The keys for Airmen surviving in a combat environment include possessing the necessary skills needed to help protect themselves and their fellow Airmen and having the proper equipment to do so. CBRNE training helps teach these skills, while recent improvements to equipment now provide even more protection as well as comfort and usability.

The 931st Civil Engineer Squadron provides the training to ensure Airmen are ready to survive. Every deploying Airman completes CBRNE and receives their requisite CBRNE gear. CBRNE training consists of both computer based and hands-on learning.

The online training, accomplished in the Advanced Distance Learning System through the Air Force Portal, consists of proper chemical suit wear procedures, Mission Oriented Protective Posture levels, alarm conditions, M8 contamination detection paper and decontamination actions to name a few. When a reservist prepares to deploy, they must first pass the online training, then attend the hands-on training, CBRNE Defense Survival Skills.

"The CBRNE training will teach you how to protect yourself from chemical and biological warfare agents, radioactive dust and particles, and riot control agents," said Staff Sgt. Stacy Spain, 931st Emergency Management Air Reserve Technician.

During the training, Airmen simulate being in a contaminated environment and perform proper procedures for reading M8 and M9 paper, changing into different mission oriented protective posture levels and learn how to transition through various contamination zones. It puts the Airmen in the suits and mask, many for the first time since basic training, and explains how to properly wear and operate in the gear. It also teaches Airmen how to stay safe in the event of a CBRNE attack.

"This type of training develops confidence in an Airmen's equipment, so if an attack happens in a combat situation, Airmen will feel prepared," said Senior Airman Ellie Fry, 931st Emergency Management Apprentice.

The CBRNE gear consists of a gas mask and carrier, a chemical protection suit, also known as "Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology" or "JLIST," protective overboots, and gloves. Those, along with chemical detection and decontamination paper make up the contents of the Air Force issued Chemical or "C" bag.

A recent innovation replaced the MCU-2P gas mask with the new M-50 for all services. According to Spain, the new mask is lighter and has numerous advantages over the old mask; it has an increased field of peripheral vision, an internal drinking tube that can be repositioned or shortened if needed, a harness that is more easily adjustable and stays in place when in motion, and dual filters that can be changed while the mask is being worn.

Another advantage is the lens insert for Airmen with glasses. Before, these Airmen had to don prescription goggles before putting on a gas mask. Now, after receiving proper lenses from an optometrist, the lenses can remain inside the Airmen's mask indefinitely. This reduces the time the Airman is exposed to the elements while putting on his gear, said Senior Airman William Fortier, 931st Emergency Management Apprentice.

"Compared to the older masks I feel like the new M-50 fits better to my face.  The new inserts make the mask more comfortable because I can't feel anything wrapped around my ears," said Fortier.

Fry said, combining respiratory protection from the M-50 and body protection from the JLIST provides Airman with full protection.

"With the new and improved CBRNE gear available, Airmen are more equipped to handle a possible attack, and CBRNE training gives them the knowledge and skills necessary to survive," said Spain.

The 931st CES readiness and emergency management teaches CBRNE classes every Unit Training Assembly weekend.  If you are scheduled for a deployment, you can schedule a class by contacting your squadron security manager.