Gas Mask Issue

Airmen wearing new M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask run through a series of environmental tests to ensure that their new gas mask is functioning properly. The testing was being conducted by the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Aug. 8, 2012. The mask is being issued to all Air Force personnel, replacing an early version gas mask. The new mask improves air flow and visibility for the wearer. (Air National Guard photo by Brittani Baisden)

Gas Mask Issue

An instructor checks the fit of a new M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask on an Airman during a training session at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Aug. 8, 2012. The mask is being issued to all Air Force personnel, replacing an early version gas mask. The new mask improves air flow and visibility for the wearer. (Air National Guard photo by Brittani Baisden)

Gas Mask Issue

Instructor Mark Kaufmann, a civilian contractor who is also a member of the 127th Wing, demonstrates the proper wear and use of a M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask during a training session at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Aug. 8, 2012. The mask is being issued to all Air Force personnel, replacing an early version gas mask. The new mask improves air flow and visibility for the wearer. (Air National Guard photo by Brittani Baisden)

Airmen Train With New Gas Masks

Published Aug. 10, 2012
By TSgt. Dan Heaton
127th Wing Public Affairs

SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- New gas masks are being issued at Selfridge Air National Guard Base as Airmen from the 127th Wing work to enhance their readiness to respond to all sorts of possible contingencies. The new masks, the M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask, feature improved range of vision and a marked improvement in the air flow in the mask, making breathing easier for the wearer.

All of the roughly 1,700 Citizen-Airmen of the 127th Wing are being issued the mask, which started being introduced in the Air Force in late 2011. As part of the mask issue, Airmen attend a class on the proper wear and maintenance of the mask and related filters and other equipment. They also conduct a series of tests with specialists with the 127th Medical Group to ensure that the mask is functioning properly.