The Tomahawk. [volume] (White Earth, Becker County, Minn.) 1903-192?, 1918-04-18

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 its efficiency,
it can be detached and a new canister put on.
About the first thing soldier wants to know
about gas mask is how much protection 1t at
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
fcals in the canister will neutralize the heaviest
concentrations of gases for period Mt 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 1t possible to
Judge accurately when there L. any danger OF the
chemical being worn out. Before that point is
reached q new mask Is Issued.
While the main function of the field supply Sec
ton is to supply gas Masks 1t Is also responsible
for the supply of all other gas-defense equipment.
This includes masks for horses which consist or
several layers Of fabric which are impregnated
with neutralizing chemicals Trench or fapper
fans must also be supplied in considerable num-
Der. 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. rattles and special detect
ing devices.
in which the psychological element is more 1mpor-
tant than in connection with gas. Gases are un-
canny to the unframed man. Every soldier must
be made to understand that there is no protection
except the gas mask and he must believe In the
value of his equipment He must realize that the
equipment itself will not do the work unless he Is
skillful 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 so much by defective Masks as by
lack of training. Here are excerpts from ohdclai
reports from the western front, giving reasons for
gas casualties:
'OHacers 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 diniculty in getting them out and putting
them on quickly"
"Men thinking that gas was gone and taking
their masks of"
Since casualties like these occur every time
e,s attack is made it il obvious that simply to
provide troops with gas masks Is not enough
They must be drilled until they feel their respira
tors are q part of their dress-more necessary
than a pair Of shoes. for they must never depart
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 OF.
This means stiff military discipline. 1t neces-
states training that II 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 kasdefense service to bring home to the Amer
ican soldiers the importance Of his gas mask, to
tlrf him In its use and to inspire confidence IN ts
efficacy.
The gas defense schools at all camps provide
training in the theory and practice Of gas de-
tense.
As in all other elements Of warfare, the prin-
ciples OF defense can be comprehended only
through knowledge Of offensive tactics.
In trimming troops conditions are created In the
field which resemble as nearly as possible actual
conditions encountered at the 'front.' The stu
dent learns to get his mask In hurry, six SEC
onds being the standard time when the knapsaek