CBRN gas mask confident at CAFB

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - The new way ahead for chemical biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training at Columbus AFB began in late March. Seventeen airmen donned gas masks and stepped into Blaze Arena to build their gas mask confidence. CAFB is now one of two Air Education and Training Command bases with a gas chamber, which helps enhance squadron readiness. Among the base’s challenges was that it had to meet the regulations regarding gas because it’s considered munitions, and safety to others on base, says James Cross, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron’s installation emergency manager. They selected an old camp readiness site without structures to impede construction. Instructors had to be trained and go through a trial run. Mock classes were held. After those 2-hour classes, students would go to Blaze Arena for hands-on training. CBRN training for airmen is now every 18 months. Anyone deploying has to be up to date with the training, and throughout the deployment. In late March, CAFB made the gas mask confidence chamber live to every squadron on base to allow for scheduling. Classes were booked for months ahead, according to 2nd Lt. Riley Quinlan, 14th CES emergency management flight commander. It just speaks to CAFB’s “desire and warrior ethos we have inside of us.” (Source: 14th Flying Training Wing 04/04/19)