The Armored-Vehicle Protective-Mask 3 History - development of gas mask for use by military-tank personnel

CML Army Chemical Review, July, 2000 by Robert D. Walk

The XM51 is a technological leap forward, but it still has a long way to go. As of February 2000, a benchmark "cradle-to-grave" developmental, production, and sustainment request for quotation has been released. The JSGPM is in its final source selection, and the initial program-definition, risk-reduction phase will start later in FY00. Only with the continued dedication of an extensive, joint-service integrated-product team will the XM51 JSGPM be a success. If you have spent time eating tanker dust or have a good idea or a bad experience, don't hesitate to write the PM. You can contact the system manager for the JSGPM at his Web site (SBCCOMs). He wants to develop the best mask for the soldiers, so he will review all ideas submitted.

Conclusion

The search for the best protection for our armored vehicle continues. Choosing the mask that performs best while logistically supportable is difficult. During the years, the Army has examined and procured masks to protect soldiers while continuing the search for the best mask. The current standard mask, the M42A2, has an excellent protection factor. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing search for a better mask in the JSGPM program. In addition to masks, from no collective protection system available in World Wars I and II, the Army has procured systems that filter and heat the air as needed to reduce the stress to the soldier in the tank. Future ideas in collective protection include the possibility of using catalysts to destroy chemicals drawn into the tank--eliminating the need for carbon filters that must be replaced. What will be next? Only the PM knows for sure...

MAJ Robert D. Walk is currently assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve Command's DCSOPS in the weapons of Mass Destruction Division. He is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the Army Chemical School. He is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. degree in chemical engineering, an M.B.A. degree from Long Island University, and an M.S. degree in civil environmental engineering from the University of Oklahoma. MAJ Walk can be contacted through the Chemical Doctrine Net.

References:

1-A Form Data Sheet, CCTC, Item 2481, SUBJECT: Supplied Air Tank Protective Mask. 7 May 1952.

"Design and Development of a Collective Protector Unit for Main Battle Tanks." 8 Jun 64. Donaldson Company, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Disposition Form, Chief of R&D, Item 3662, SUBJECT: Type Classification & Designation of Filter Unit, Gas-Particulate, Tank, Three-Man, 12 CFM, M8A2, 27 Oct 1959.

"Edgewood Quarterly" Issue No. 6. US Army Edgewood RDE Center. Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. September 1995.

Memorandum, Army Material Command, AMCTC Item 2522, SUBJECT: Obsoletion of Mask, Protective, Tank, M14 & Reclassification of the ABC-M14A1 Mask to Standard-C Type, 6 July 1964.

Memorandum, Army Material Command, AMCTC Item 5390, SUBJECT: ABCA-ARMY-STD-158, Mask, Protective, Tank, M14A2; Carrier, Field Protective, Mask, Ml3A1 & Canister, NBCW Protective Mask, M14 (CIAI), 8 June 1967.