Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1918-04-25
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that if fabric the face-pece should be
pierced, the soldier would still be breathing
tirely through his mouth.
For every mask made there is at least
ira canister. These canisters detachable from
it can be detached and canister put
About the first thing 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
icals in the canister will neutraze 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, which
each soldier 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 out. Before that point is
reached mask is issued
While the main function of the field supply
ton is supply masks, it is also responsible
for the supply of all other gasdefense equipment
This includes masks for horses. which consist of
several layers of fabric which impregnated
with neutralizing chemicals. Trench fapper
fans must also be supplied in considerable
ber- Oxygen inhalers and oxygen bottles for use
in field and base hospitals 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
There is perhaps feature of modern warfare
in which the psychological element is more impor-
than in connection with gas. Gases
canny the unframed Every soldier must
be made to understand that there is protection
except the 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, much by defective masks. as by
lack of training Here are excerpts from official
reports from the western front giving reasons for
gas casualties:
"ofcers and men sleeping in dugouts without
having their masks attached to them. being
caught away from their dugouts without their
masks"
Men in support trenches not getting the
ing in time"
Helmets being under overcoats, with
sequent difficulty in getting them out and putting
them quickly"
Men thinking that gas gone and taking
their masks off"
Since casualties like these occur every time
gas attack is made it is obvious that simply to
provide troops with gas masks is not enough
They must drilled they feel their respira-
tors are part of their dress-more necessary
than pair of shoes. for they must never depart
from them.
They must learn to give the alarm instinctivey
and to have such confidence in their masks that
under no circumstances will they take them Off.
This means stiff military discipline 1t neces-
states training that is different from anything
that attempted, since it deals with
weapon that is noiseless and sometimes invisible
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 its 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-
tense.
ciples of defense be comprehended only
through knowledge of offensive tactics.
In training troops. conditions are created in the
field which resemble nearly possible actual
conditions encountered the front. The stu
dent learns to get his mask a hurry,
onds being the standard time when the knapsack