File: 970903_oct1_0048.txt
Page: 0048
Total Pages: 106

Du
all;% NBC Dcfense
d(-fachment from the hybrid fate ventilated protection systems installed in their
vehicles.

(S) Proper fit and serviceability of masks was a critical concern of all NBC
officers. Prior to deployment, many units had masks tested by the Marine Corps mobile
mask test van, from Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLS), Albany. The M14 mask
tester, in the mobile test van is required to rest for defects in the MI 7A2. Unit masks
tested by the M14 tester have typically demonstrated a 26-40% failure rate over the
years. After identification of defective masks by the tester they are returned to the
supply system for re-build. A major problem that surf@aced for deploying UrliES was the
inabilicy to get replacement masks for identified defective masks after testing. Masks in
the Saudi Arabian deser-t required daily preventive maintenance to assure fine sand
build-up didn't cause leakage around outtec valves. The Marine Corps did not have an
M14 mask testing capability in SWA and had to rely on mask fit and serviceability by
checking the seal on each individuals face or testing at an incountry Army faciliey.
MCP,DAC cried unsuccessfully to field the Protective Mask Field Validation System
(PMFVS) to I MFF. The PMFVS is a system designed to check for proper fit of a mask
on an individuals face, but does not identify defects in a mask. The I MEF NBC officers
believed that neiehe- the M14 or the PMFVS offered much advantage over simply
checking mask seal. Subsequently, dedicated incounrry mask testing capability was not
aggressively pursued by the MEF staff. The great concern over whether replacement
masks could be obtained if masks were determined defective in SWA may have also
played a role in this decision.

(S) Extensive field t-dining and the requirement for all Marines in SWA to have
their individual protective equipment with them at all times, led to a great deal of
tinancicipated wear and tear on protective masks and components. Simply wearing the
M17A2 protective mask in the mask carrier caused excessive rubbing and produced
holes in mask hoods. Duct tape and special glues were used as field expedients to
repair damaged hoods because of replacement shortages. Marines hitting and rolling
with gas mask strapped to their sides often bent valves and mask pieces. Canvas mask
carriers wore excessively in the desert from rough treatment, use as pillows, and use as
pistol belts. Tent canvas repair shops alnd parachute rigging shops were used to extend
the life of mask car.-iez-s. Even so, because of carrier shortages, some Marines crossed
the line of departure with their masks in plastic bags tied to their war belt.52In
general there was a critical shortage of all mask repair parts for the duration of the
war. 53

52N4CCLS Tape #338
5:@27 March 91, meeting with I MEF, General Account R/0, Capt Maygar