DESERT SHIELD STORM AAR 27 JUN 91

File: 971208_sep96_decls4_0020.txt
Page: 0020
Total Pages: 24
Subject = DESERT SHIELD STORM AAR  27 JUN 91                              

Box ID = BX001444

Folder Title = DESERT SHIELD STORM AAR                                                                         

Unit = 24TH ID     

Parent Org = XVIII CORPS 


                                    UNCLASSIFIED



              TSSUE:  False readings-on  the MMI
              61SCUSSIOk:  The'MM1 is not a  panacea for detecting chemical
  warfare ag6nts.' There-were timos,that vehicles in my platoon experienced
  false readings for chemical warfare agente; and after contemplating the
  'situation and circumstances there are logical conclusions that can be drawn.
  When the MMI runs for an extended period c)f time (normally more than 24hr
  straight), the likelyhood of experiencing a false reading is g'reatly
  increased. In.one instance my platoon sergeant's vehicle experienced numerous
  "spikes" for mass peaks associated with various chemical warfare agents. I on
  the other hand experienced true false.reading@j for VX and ET during the ground
   campaign. Both readings were of alarm level and had an intensity of between
  1 and 2. Our MMI was in air high mode with a.temperature of 180 Celsius.
  One would never pick up a reading for vx in this mode since this agent has no
  .significant vapor pressure.. Furthermore, when the'probe was touched to the
  ground for verification the results were negative. The ET reading was
  promptly followed by,a reading'for PC 77'c!alibration gas. Experimentation on
  our part concluded that small amounts of I'C 77 will trigger a false alarm for
  chemical warfare agents. AII'MMls'we'.re charged with new.calibration gas
  shortly after the air war commenced.
              RECOI@M14DATION: The experts @it Brueke'r-Fi@anzen must be notified
  of this phenomenon. We conclude that the calibration gas reservoir was
  overfilled and may have adversely affected the seal and leaks would occur
  after extended periods of operation. BruE!ker-F3@anzen must duplicate this
  experience ty attempting to overcharge thr:t calibration gas reservoir and then
  running the system for an extended.period of time. This will either prove or
  disprove our hypothesis. As an.American-(!hemical  Society accredited chemist I
  stand my ground,that these readings were false.











                                U'NCLASSIFIED