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To join the National Guard or for more info, call 562 900-0575 or visit my site at http://www.iguardcalifornia.com or my blog at http://www.howtosurvivebasictraining.blogspot.com The gas chamber training is designed to teach the trainees how to properly put on, clear and seal their masks. If they don't seal them properly, the CS Riot control agent burning in the chamber will leak through quickly. Before entering the chamber, Soldiers are tested on reacting to a chemical or biological attack, identifying a chemical agent using M8 detector paper, administering a nerve agent kit and drinking water from a canteen while wearing their masks. The trainees have only nine seconds to put on and clear their M40-series protective masks. They have six more seconds to pull their hood over their heads and hook all straps. There is no time limit for their additional Mission-Oriented Protective Posture suit, but considering they are training for a chemical attack, they are encouraged to move as fast as possible and use the buddy system to ensure all zippers are zipped and buttons are snapped. Though it seems much longer, the trainees are in the chamber only about 20 seconds without their masks. If they begin to panic, drill sergeants reinforce their training and help them work through their anxiety. Once resealed, the trainees are led into the the concrete-block chamber.It's dark and smoky. It doesn't take long for the stinging to start, sometimes on the back of the neck, or hands, just enough to give the trainees something to be edgy about. They line up against the four sides of the room. Eight privates tow the first line as the rest of the squad watch. The privates on line are required to unmask. They sound off with their name, Social Security number and the battery motto — enough information to make them exhale the good air they are holding and inhale the CS. That's when it hits them. When the drill sergeants are satisfied all the privates on the line have met the requirement, they give the trainees the command to "left, face," or turn to their left. Squinting, tearing, grimacing and choking, the Soldiers then grab the shoulders of the trainees in front of them and are led to the fresh air. This prevents a panic-driven break for the door, controlled also by a drill sergeant. Outside, the cool, fresh air slaps the trainees in the face, but the experience is far from over. They run and "flap" their arms like birds, working the agent from their respiratory system and uniform. Trainees are taught not to rub their eyes or skin, as this will enhance the gas' effect. Many times a trainee gets a second look at his breakfast or lunch. If their sinuses were clogged going in — not anymore. But after a few minutes of moving around and some fresh air, the experience is over and the trainees now have the makings of BCT lore. Please rate, comment or subscribe.