Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1918-05-03

that even 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 canister has lost its efficiency.
it can be detached and new canister put on.
About the first thing n soldier wants to know
about gas mask is how much protection 1t 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 neutralize the heaviest
concentrations Of gases for a period at least ten
times longer than the possible duration Of any
gas attack.
In every knapSack Is q 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 is any danger of the
chemical being worn out. Before that point Is
reached 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 OF
several layers of fabric which 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
t,rge 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 no feature Of modern warfare
in which the psychological element is more mpOr-
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
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 1t 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 are excerpts from official
reports from the western 'front.' giving reasons for
gas casualties:
"Offcers 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 quickly"
Men thinking that gas gone and 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 respira
tors are n part of their dress-more necessary
than 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 on.
This means stiff military discipline. 1t neces-
states training that is different from anything
that was ever attempted, since 1t deals with
weapon that Is noiseless and sometimes invisible.
II Is the work Of the field training section Of
the gasdefense 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
trimming in the theory and practice Of gas de-
tense.
As in all other elements of warfare. the prin-
cples of defense be comprehended only
through a knowledge of offensive tactics.
In training 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 on In hurry. six Sec
onds being the standard time when the knapsack