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I got issued a mask the other day...needless to say it's dirty. I don't know who was in it last, idk if I want to. But it needs cleaning and I don't want to destroy it.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
The flippin manual wasn't in the carrier? Heck go on-line and look up the TM, which will cover maintenance.
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Use the TM that should be in the carrier, ask your CBRN rep for a TM, or Google the TM/cleaning procedures.
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CPT Joseph K Murdock
My bad. I expect too much from basic. Talk to your sections SGT. Report back if he doesn't know.
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Capt Tom Brown
SSG (Join to see) - Once you get a clean mask one way or the other remember to turn yours in clean when you ship out to yr next unit. Someone down the line will appreciate it.
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Warm water and mild soap will get the job done. But side note, do you have one of the old M80/82s, or one of the new ones? Either way, warm water with mild soap will do the trick, but more than that, you can also use Green Soap tincture, which I have noticed keeps your lenses cleaner, and doesn't dry out the rubber nearly as fast.
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This is what I love to see here on RallyPoint. A good question being answered by some great and knowledgeable people. And while I agree with 1SG (Join to see) that you should have never been issued a dirty mask, I think we can all agree that more often than not, you are issues your pro mask after it has sat in a dusty room in the basement of the company building which was a supply closet turned CBRN office. But thankfully we have the countless years of knowledge here in this community where SSG (Join to see) was able to come and ask, getting the answer quickly!
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1SG (Join to see)
I appreciate the kudos SGT Ben Keen, long forgotten dusty masks are expected.. especially in the part time units. However, dirty masks with visible and and debris, would be unacceptable and should not be issued. I don't know where this particular case falls
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SGT Ben Keen
1SG (Join to see) - I agree. There is a huge difference between a dusty mask and a truly dirty mask.
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That is a basic soldier task, refer to TM or CBRN NCO. I understand that you being in a NG unit the equipment only comes out once a month, so give it a good cleaning and PMCS, and hopefully they don't switch out your mask by next drill.
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Get with your CBRN NCO on if there is a unit SOP, but in general, you need to disassemble it, then wash each piece in warm, soapy water, then wipe dry. Do not get the filter wet. No need to use bleach unless it's contaminated..... ;o)
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1SG (Join to see)
Absolutely sir! It has become common place to end the cleaning process with a bleaching, and I would still recommend it if the mask has been stored for a long period of time while dirty. At least run a canteen of bleach water through the drinking system
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