OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

File: 970815_sep96_decls54_0007.txt
Page: 0007
Total Pages: 44

Subject = OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

Parent Organization = ARCENT

Unit = VII CORPS

Folder Title = SUBORDINATE COMMAND HISTORICAL REPORTS-2D COSCOM-332D MED-341ST MED-912TH MED

Document Number = 3

Box ID = BX000308

primarily nerve agent, is our greatest concern. Mission Oriented
Protective Posture (MOPP) gear, our chemically treated shirt and
trousers which, when combined with mask, boots,and gloves, is
intended to save us from death or injury in the chemical
environment. we are observed as individuals and as a unit as we
put it on, take it off, wipe it down and clean it Up. The gas
mask had to be donned in just 9 seconds, and the entire suit put
on in just 8 minutes. in response to our question as to "Why this
time limit?" (which reservists seem to ask more than their regular
army counterparts) we are informed that this was how much notice
we would get of an approaching SCUD attack. That news is met with
nervous chuckles and quiet concern. The training is as tiring as
it is important, and knowing this, we apply ourselves all the more
diligently. As a result, the 807th passes the certification test
on the first try: the first medical unit passing through Ft.
Campbell to accomplish this feat, and we are justifiably proud of
this fact. At the time, we had no idea that in the very near
future our training would be tested in a real life laboratory very
far from the protective confines of Ft. Campbell.
The M17AI protective mask (or "gas mask" as the rest of the
world calls it) becomes as much a part of our uniform
part of our uniform as our blouse and trousers. It is like a
lumpy American Express Card: you don't leave home without it@