Trainees with 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery conduct gas chamber training on Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This is one Basic Combat Training moment no Soldier will forget. This training gives Soldiers confidence in their ability to operate and maintain their safety equipment.
Transcript
[Narrator] The gas chamber is an iconic part of basic combat training. That is not only a rite-of-passage, but is a necessary requirement of basic training that ensures you learn how to operate your protective gear.
[Sergeant] Get in!
[Narrator] Trainees walk in, receive some basic instruction.
[Sergeant] Hold your breath, all denied.
[Narrator] Take a breath and remove their mask and then putting back on, clear the mask of contaminants. From there, they take off the mask completely and begin the Soldier’s Creed before exiting the gas chamber. Now, it’s important for trainees to experience this because they not only need to understand the importance of their equipment, but how to properly operate and maintain it, which could very well save their life one day. If you look, you’ll notice the drill sergeant is looking at his watch, ensuring they have a specific amount of time in the chamber. Everything in basic training is regulated for your safety. From here, they walk it out. It’s not a pretty sight, but as you’ll see, the symptoms are visibly leaving the trainees after a couple of minutes of walkin’ around. CS gas has been used safely by the military and law enforcement for several decades now. So, don’t worry. While it might not be an immediately enjoyable experience, the drill sergeants will get you through safely and you’ll have one more memory to cherish for the rest of your life.