Can I use a civilian brand smoke bomb for training on the base for say Sergeants time CBRN training ?

2020-05-29T19:52:22-04:00

More in depth to the question.

Am I able to use a smoke bomb that doesn’t spread like crazy...for gas mask training day on Fort Stewart like on the dirt track/field on the base legally without MP’s or higher ups chewing my arse out? Or is it strictly in the field only? Does RC need to be let known of? Do I need to let anybody know god for bid I break a law?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 7:57 PM

2020-05-29T19:57:07-04:00

Another disclaimer, if your just gonna mock, insult, or disrespect me for asking the question, then Please don’t bother commenting
Or referring to “back in my day” because obviously that doesn’t apply to me in 2020..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 7:59 PM

2020-05-29T19:59:00-04:00

Since the smoke bomb (even a civilian made brand) could be seen as pyro, I would recommend you seek approval from your unit, the MPs and Range Control before using. And if any one of them say no....don't use it.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 7:59 PM

2020-05-29T19:59:57-04:00

Is it just smoke or is it CS?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 29 at 2020 10:12 PM

2020-05-29T22:12:41-04:00

Should you pop off a smoke grenade without telling anyone or getting approval? Heck no. Without prior approval and notification folks will either think something is up or at least notify the MPs/fire dept because it’s unexpected smoke.
You could risk putting the base into lock down over some shenanigans like this depending on where you set it off.
There is a reason that there are designated training areas and training offices that track this kind of thing

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 10:31 PM

2020-05-29T22:31:51-04:00

Are you talking about the same one where Helicopters land? Yeah... good luck with that. You should always just ask Range control to see what they're guidance is. Maybe they say yes, that's for FS to answer.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2020 12:41 AM

2020-05-30T00:41:51-04:00

Every base is has different policies and SOPs. Just to cover your backside it would be a good idea to check with range control. If they tell you no, they could give you ideas or alternatives to accomplish your mission without violating any policies

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2020 3:59 AM

2020-05-30T03:59:02-04:00

You will almost certainly not be allowed to use such training aids in garrison. Smoke devices fall under incendiary class and will be regulated in their use by RC and likely limited to specific ranges.

I get the desire to provide some amount of realism to the training in order to make things more interesting. There are other conditions that fall under automatic masking criteria that you may be able to use in garrison. The most basic is repeated triple bangs on metal or triple honks of a horn. I have printed out pictures of dead rodents and birds and used nails to pin them to the ground to simulate a patrol falling in on an area of suspected bio agents. I have used another Soldier in a mask and suit with some glasses and pans borrowed from DFAC to simulate a "terrorist field lab". Your CBRN NCO might have the M42 chemical agent alarm that you can trigger to evoke a response. If you really want to get dramatic, have one of your Soldiers put an alka seltzer tablet in his mouth and drink a bit of milk. Have him fall to the ground with convulsions and the foaming milk running out of his mouth.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 30 at 2020 6:08 PM

2020-05-30T18:08:28-04:00

No you are not. Speak with your unit S3, they will provide you with the appropriate training aids for a given situation.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 30 at 2020 7:45 PM

2020-05-30T19:45:54-04:00

So you want to use civilian fireworks, on a non-range, in the cantonment area without any approval process? I can't see that going wrong at all. Did you say this out loud to yourself before you posted this? What does smoke, have to do with the CBRNE tasks you are going to train? While obscurant is technically a CBrNE thing, ok...but it's a reach and I suspect it doesn't apply to what you are doing...if you are simply trying to replicate a chemical hazard, your mask doesn't do anything about smoke. Especially in a confined space.

Let me save you some grief. Each installation Has their own policy on where and when you can train, what ranges are allowed which munitions, and other constraints, like CBRNE training with a live or simulated agent.

Further, you have to have a land/range request in through S3. On it, you usually have to list the munitions, including CS, simulators, and pyro you want to use. That range has to be cleared for that. Use of obscurant is carefully controlled so it doesn't drift into a restricted area, Garrison, or an active public roadway. I can not see RC signing off on the use of a non-military munition or item.

I admire the initiative to make STT interesting. But this is going to end bad for you from what you posted. Especially if your non standard item causes a fire, injury, or accident. They will crawl up your 4th point of contact and bring friends. This is a bad idea.

Response by MAJ Jason Sierakowski made May 31 at 2020 1:48 PM

2020-05-31T13:48:42-04:00

Put a dillinerate risk assessment worksheet together and submit through your chain of command.... Your company command team may chuckle, but love your ability to resource for training! Hooah!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2020 9:12 PM

2020-06-04T21:12:42-04:00

talk to your master gunner. They'll set you straight.