New gas mask vast improvement

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scotty Sweatt
  • 916th Public Affairs Offfice
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The M-50 is here!

Sure it sounds like a weapon of mass destruction, but don't let the name fool you. The M-50 is the much anticipated new gas mask. And for members of the 916th Air Refueling Wing who are preparing for an Operational Readiness Inspection, it came just in time.

In early April, Airmen of the 916th Logistics Readiness Squadron began issuing the new mask to reservists at the 916th.

Master Sgt. Chris Burket, inventory management craftsman with the 916th LRS, said that since the masks began being issued to members of the unit, the results have been positive.

"Once people see how well they can breathe, they haven't wanted to take it off." Sergeant Burket said.

The design of the mask addresses several key issues that its predecessors didn't.
"I believe that this mask was designed from the point of view of someone who has had to wear earlier masks," Sergeant Burket said.

Several features of the new mask include a more user friendly drinking tube, comfortable and light-weight wear ability, improved viewing lens and most of all, much easier breathability.

"One of the Security Forces guys that we issued the mask to last week said that he felt like he could perform PT while wearing it," said Sergeant Burket.

Once the new equipment is fully integrated into service, there will be one mask carried by all United States military services.

Sergeant Burket pointed out the value of this in deployed locations. "We'll have the same mask as all of the other services, so if you are deployed and something on the mask breaks, replacement parts and maintenance would be much more readily available."

916th and 911th Air Refueling Squadron Airmen who are deploying will receive their masks first, with full issue to all other members scheduled to be completed before January 2011.

"We have eight classes scheduled for the May unit training assembly, and the masks are only issued during the class," said Sergeant Burket.

New mask fit tests for all members and new gas mask eyewear inserts for those requiring eyeglasses will be required, but arrangements are being made to facilitate this as well through the unit deployment managers.

Anyone seeking further information on when they are scheduled to attend training and receive a new mask should contact their UDM for further details.