Were US Forces gassed in the Gulf Wars- True or False?

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 22:36:48 -0400

There have been persistant rumors that US Troops were subjected to gas attacks in the Gulf Wars. Was this True or was it False?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2024 12:08 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:08:00 -0400

Let me.
There may have been unintended exposure to chemical agents.

My MP drill Sergeant in basic training was around some of those bunkers that were blown up that may have had chemical agents in them.

He has had night sweats and he was candid to us privates. You had unexpected skin rashes that broke out sometimes. I haven't talked to him since I went to basic in 1994. When I was lieutenant I knew a Idaho Army National Guard lieutenant who was a specialist during the gulf war and he was around those same bunkers being blown up. He feels there may have been some Chemical munitions in there.

I know this sounds anecdotal but I just wanted everyone to know.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Mar 26 at 2024 1:49 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:49:20 -0400

I believe there was exposure. Intentionally by Iraq? I don't know. Unintentionally, I believe we were. Theres absolutely no doubt in my mind.

Response by CPT David Tanner made Mar 26 at 2024 5:59 PM

CPT David Tanner — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 17:59:35 -0400

I cannot confirm or prove anything, but when I was in Desert Storm in northern Qatar, we went into Alarm Red (attack is imminent or in progress). We took cover and when attack was over, we went into Alarm Black (an attack has ended, but hazards may still be present, such as unexploded ordnance or contamination). There was a fog/smoke that was not there prior to the attack and I could smell ammonia through my pro mask. I didn't get violently sick or anything, but I have had many many medical and memory issues since Desert Storm.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Mar 27 at 2024 1:57 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:57:26 -0400

Considering the same people (ie: "The Gub'ment") who are saying no chemical weapons were used in the Gulf War(s) are the same people who told us Agent Orange was harmless to humans.....Anything is possible I'd say.

Deliberate use is anyone's guess. I'd say there is a very high likelihood of inadvertent exposure from destroyed bunkers, exploded munitions, etc though.

Response by BG Jim Drago made Mar 27 at 2024 10:43 PM

BG Jim Drago — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 22:43:09 -0400

Yes and no. We blew up a captured ammo dump containing various chemical agents and the winds spread the vapors over friendly positions and even out to ships close to Kuwait in the Gulf. Throw in the oil well fires, DU, what were experimental vaccines for Chemical warfare and you have a nasty cocktail

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 22 at 2024 8:53 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:53:07 -0400

There is a well documented (most notably by the VA) of chemical weapon exposure to most of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and other Corps troops due to an air strike on a chemical weapons target.