The Gas Chamber - Aug. 11

So for anyone who is curious, CS gas is not fun to breathe. Our platoon was second to enter the chamber, which was fortunate because they have a quota of capsules to burn, so the last platoon gets it worst, and we got to watch the first platoon exit the chamber, which was a beautiful sight, at least until we did the same.

Anyways, the gas chamber itself is a shack about 30' X 10' with at table in the middle where the NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) person burns the capsules and releases the smoke. While in the chamber, you enter with your mask on, as well as your helmet and carrying your weapon. Once positioned inside you place your weapon between your knees with your helmet on top. A DS would approach each person, have them break their mask seal, sound off with their the last name and last four of social, then reseal their masks. Let me say, the first breath of the gas is well, memorable. After everyone sounds off, the most infamous part of the exercise is done. Everyone breaks their mask seals, removes their mask, places it in their left hand, places their helmet on their head chinstrap fastened and hold their weapon in their right hand. No one leaves until everyone is ready, and it you drop something at any point while inside, it is taken and you go back a second time to retrieve it. Without your mask.

Needless to say, it took every ounce of self control I had to not panic, but I did it on the first try. For those wondering, breathing CS gas is like having the worst sunburn of your life, chugging bleach, an pouring lemon juice into your eyes all at the same time. Cleans your sinuses out nicely though. The photographers were there at the exit snapping pictures for our yearbook. Let me tell you, once that door opens, all concern for dignity goes out the window.

After our visit to the chamber we received a brief on how to identify NBC hazards, and react in the event one occurs.

Went the entire day without a major smoking which was nice.

Also learned how to disassemble our M4s and put them back together.

Spent our final hour before personal time just chilling in the bay, chilling with DS V while he told us stories, answered questions and joked with us.

That's all for now, it's lights out.