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   support the fit procedures of the M4~ Field Protective Mask.   This
   tnask contains a inner peripheral seal affording the wearer
   additional seal capability during normal field operations.   The M17
   series mask does not contain the peripheral seal and the pliability
   of the M17 series mask creates some problems with conformity of the
   mask to the face.   This problem was identified during the
   operational test with the Porta Count which was not correctable and
   may increase when operating in extreme cold environment.

           (5) The test team noted that the Porta Count improved the
   awareness of each individual in proper donning and adjustment of the
   mask.

           (6) Results of each days testing show that a large
   percentage of Marines cannot properly don the field protective mask.
   This conclusion is reached by the following observations.

                  a. Each Marine attained a proper fit when assisted by
   a team member.

                  b. When the Marine was required to don the mask on his
   own the reliability of mask fit become suspect.

                  c. As the individual Marine became familiar with the
   proper donning and adjustment procedures, fit validation results
~ improved dramatically.

           (7) The Procedures outlined in the operational test plan
   were proven to be excessive in duration and unrealistic for field
   application.   Feedback received from test subjects indicated that
   exercises described in paragraph S.d (6) above approximate movements
   associated with the normal field environment.

           (8) The present Porta Count kit is adequate in its current
   configuration.

           C9)     For operational tests and ease of testing, the test
   team developed a drink tube lever retaining device.   The device
   relieved the test subject of holding open the drink tube lever
   during the mask fit test.   This improved the overall mask fitting
   results and proved to be less cumbersome to the test subject.

           (1~) The insertion of a sampling tube into the mouth piece
   extended the sampling of mask concentrations to eye level and
   lessened the buildup of moisture in the Porta Count.   Extending
   the sampling of mask concentrations to eye level allowed the Porta
   Count to sample in the preferred region as outlined by U. .5.  Army
   doctrine.

           C~i) To expedite testing time and to bett~r aonfor~ to
   exercise intervals it is necessary to shorten current Porta Count
~ cycle times.    This will entail a minor reprogramming of the current

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