031-503-3002 (SL2) - Conduct Unmasking Procedures
Standards: Conducted unmasking procedures without incurring casualties.

Note.  Before conducting unmasking procedures, make every effort to confirm the absence of chemical contamination.  A CAM, an M256 chemical agent detector kit, and M8/M9 detector paper should be used along with a visual check of the area.

Note.  The senior person present selects one or two soldiers to unmask after permission is received from higher headquarters.

1.   Conduct unmasking procedures using an M256A1 detector kit.

a. Conduct unmasking procedures in the shade.

b. Use an M256A1 detector kit to test for chemical agents.  Use M8 detector paper to check for possible liquid contamination.  Continue unmasking procedures only if both tests are negative.

c. Direct the selected soldiers to unmask for 5 minutes and don, seal, and clear their masks.

d. Observe the soldiers for 10 minutes for chemical agent symptoms.

e. Direct all soldiers to unmask if no symptoms appear.

f.  Check the soldiers for delayed symptoms.  Have first aid treatment available.

g. Complete steps 1a through 1f in sequence.

2.   Conduct unmasking procedures without using an M256A1 detector kit.

a. Conduct unmasking procedures in the shade.

b. Use M8 detector paper to check for possible liquid contamination.  Continue unmasking procedures only if the test is negative.

c. Direct the selected soldiers to take a deep breath, break the seals of their masks (keeping their eyes open) for 15 seconds, and seal and clear their masks.

d. Observe the soldiers for 10 minutes for chemical agent symptoms.

e. Direct the soldiers to break the seals of their masks if no symptoms appear, take two or three breaths, and seal and clear their masks.

f.  Observe the soldiers for 10 minutes for symptoms.

g. If no symptoms appear, direct the soldiers to unmask for 5 minutes and don, seal, and clear their masks.

h. Observe the soldiers for 10 minutes for symptoms.

i.   If no symptoms appear, direct all soldiers to unmask.

j.   Check the soldiers for delayed symptoms.  Have first aid treatment available.

k. Complete steps 2a through 2j in sequence.

3.   Report the absence of contamination in your area and the successful completion of unmasking procedures to higher headquarters.

1.   Conducted unmasking procedures in sequence using an M256A1 detector kit.

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2.   Conducted unmasking procedures in sequence without using an M256A1 detector kit.

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3.   Reported the absence of contamination in the area and the completion of unmasking procedures to higher headquarters.

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FM 3-4

TM 3-6665-307-10