The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1918-05-11

that if the fabric of the faCepiece should be
pierced, the soldier would still be breathing en-
tirely through his mouth.
For every mask made there is at least one ex-
ira canister. These CanisterS are detachable from
the tube When a canister has lost It's efficiency.
it can be detached and canister put on.
About the first thing a soldier wants to know
about gas mask is how much protection it af-
fords him. The best answer to this question Is
that the present American mask affords more pro-
lection than any device in existence. The chem
cals in the canister will neutralize the heaviest
concentrations Of gases for period at least ten
times longer than the possible duration of any
gas attack.
In every knapsack is record card, on which
each soldier must enter the time that his mask
has been exposed to gas. This record combined
with subsequent examination makes it possible to
Judge accurately when there is any danger of the
chemical being worn out. Before that point is
reached mask IS issued.
While the main function Of the field supply sec
ton is to supply gas masks, it is also responsible
for the supply of all other gas-defense equipment.
This includes masks for horses, which consist of
several layers Of fabric which impregnated
with neutralizing chemicals. Trench or tapper
fans must also be supplied in considerable num-
ber Oxygen inhalers and oxygen bottles for use
= in field and base hospitals are also supplied in
large numbers. Instruments for the detection of
gas and the spreading OF gas alarms are necessary.
These consist of horns, ratles and special detect
ing devices.
There is perhaps feature of modern warfare
in which the psychological element is more lmpor-
tant than in connection with gas Gases are I'M
canny to the unframed man. Every soldier must
be made to understand that there is no protection
excapt the gas mask, and he must believe in the
value of his equipment. He must realize that the
eoupment itself will not do the work unless he Is
skful in adjusting it quickly and being accus-
toned to wear it without feeling hampered.
REPORTS of gas attacks show that the casualties
are caused, not much by defective masks as by
lack of training Here excerpts from official
reports from the western 'front.' giving reasons lor
gas casualties:
"Oficers and men sleeping in dugouts without
having their masks attached to them, or being
caught away from their dugouts without their
masks
MEN in support trenches not getting the warn
ing in time"
Helmets being worn under overcoats with con-
sequent difficulty in getting them out and putting
them on quickly"
MEN thinking that gas was gone ana taking
their masks off,
since casualties like these occur every time
gas attack is made 1t is obvious that simply to
provide troops with gas masks Is not enough.
They must be drilled until they feel their resplra-
tors are part of their dress-more necessary
than pair of shoes. tor they must never uepait
from them.
They must learn to give the alarm instinctively
and to have such confidence In their masks that
under no circumstances will they take them or
This means stiff military discipline 1t neces-
states training that Is different from anything
that was ever attempted, since it deals with
weapon that is noiseless and sometimes invisible
It Is the work Of the field training section OF
the gas-defense service to bring home to the Amer
lean soldiers the Importance of his gas mask, to
drill him In it's use and to inspire confidence In Its
efficacy.
The gas defense schools at all camps provide
training in the theory and practice Of gas de-
fense
AS in all other elements of warfare, the prin
ciples of defense can be comprehended only
through knowledge Of offensive tactics.
In training troops, conditions are created in the
field which resemble nearly as possible actual
conditions encountered at the front. The stu
dent learns to get his mask on in hurry, six sec
onds being the standard time when the knapsack