Whiteman Airmen to receive new gas masks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Whiteman recently received sufficient supply of the new M-50 Joint Service General Purpose (gas) Mask to begin the replacement of the MCU-2 A/P mask to emergency responders.

Training at this Air Force Global Strike Command base is already ongoing at the 509th Security Forces Squadron.

At this time, only those who are required to maintain a personal gas mask will receive training and have one issued in December.

"We are currently drafting a training plan for the entire base populace that's integrated with a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosives survival skills training," said Staff Sgt. Aaron Morris, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of emergency management logistics and training. "The training will be implemented around the first of the year."

Currently, all branches of the Armed Forces are not using the same mask. The JSGPM will be used by all services and will ease difficulties down range by requiring only one type of mask and replacement parts to maintain.

"This mask is lighter and has better functionality than the current MCU-2 A/P," said Capt. Sandra Roley, 509th CES readiness and emergency management flight commander.

"This will make it easier for servicemembers to perform their duties while donning a gas mask."

According to Captain Roley, some of the superior functions of the M-50 JSGPM are: improved field of vision, drinking system, helmet and sighting systems and speech capability.

The mask has two filters which provide a 50 percent improvement in breathing resistance and more than 24-hour protection against chemical agents. Additionally, the filter system allows the capability to change filters in a CBRNE environment.

The gas masks were inspected upon receipt and will have to be returned to 509th LRS every two years to be retested.

Training on the new gas masks for Airmen who are not first and emergency responders will be performed at the CBRNE classroom.

For more information contact emergency management (660) 687-6222