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File: 082696_doc1_447.txt
LCpl. Laura B. Hicks Southwest Asia receives either a tested voice emitters. Then we take it into the
MC[3 Camp Pendleton mask or a brand new mask. van for the machine testing."
That testing is important to TEU Two tests are done on the masks inside
ows of gas masks lie in the 5U10 like Marines. "Every mask that we work on the mobile unit. The first is to test for
vacant-eyed insects. As Marines belongs to an individual Marine," leaks. A mask is placed on a test head
quickly pick up each one, an effi- Camblin said. "If a mask passes all of our where a seal is created. A hood covers the
cient flick of the wrist approves or disap- tests and just one of the test evaluators mask and a smoke made from corn oil is
proves the mask's ability to be used in feels that something is wrong, then that released. Each movable part of the mask
combat. mask fails -* no questions asked. We are is. bent in eight different ways. Should
The Nuclear, Biological and Chemical not willing to risk losing one Marine." there be a leak, it will register on the
Defense Testing and Evaluation Unit _____________________________________ meter, along with the leakage percentage.
(TEU), West, which is stationed at ~
MCLB, Barstow, Calif., is a mobile test `Every mask we test belongs The last test is on the outlet valve and
drink-tube system. This test ensures that
center. The 40-foot trailer and its crew to an individual...We are not there is enough firmness to keep a tight
travel from base to base conducting tests willing to risk losing one seal. It also shows the resistance of the
on gas masks for all deploying units. Marine." drink tube and any leaks around its seals.
TEU, which has only been in existence After passing the three tests, a gas
for five years and is comprised of NBC MSgt. Robin A. Camblin mask is considered combat ready.
specialists, recently tested masks aboard Altringer estimates that since Desert
Camp Pendleton for troops who will be Failed masks are sent to the Pine Bluff Storm began, his unit has tested approx-
deployed to Operation Desert Storm. Arsenal, an Army base in Arkansas, imately 13,000 masks, with the ability to
Since the beginning of the crisis in where major repairs are done. test 600 a day. While TEU was at Camp
Southwest Asia, a new emphasis has been CWO-3 Russell Altringer, TEU, West, Pendleton, Altringer said close to eight
placed on chemical protective gear. The officer in charge, explains that there are thousand masks would be tested.
unit's focus has changed slightly to meet three tests each mask receives before it "I think the best part about this job is
that mission. According to MSgt. Robin is considered combat ready: "The first test that we can go home and sleep with a
A. Camblin, TEU NCOIC, Marine Corps is a visual one, where we look for obvious good conscience knowing that we haven't
policy ensures that everyone in problems like busted eye lenses and bent short-changed anyone." E]
MSgt. Robert Atkins cuts off a Marine's MOPP gear during a recent decontamination exercise in Saudi Arabia. Everyone
in Southwest Asia receives either a tested or brand new mask. (Photo by Sgt. John T~ Dodd)
MARCH 1991 11
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