Breathe in, breathe out

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Staff Sgt. Kennethea Berry simulates chewing gum while performing an M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask fit test here May 19, 2010. The M-50 JSGPM is the new standard gas mask being issued across all military branches. Sergeant Berry, 4th Fighter Wing paralegal, hails from Nashville, Tenn. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)

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Breathe in, breathe out

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Staff Sgt. Christopher Hester explains how the M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask works May 19, 2010. The 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron received a shipment of the new masks a month ago which are now being issued to more than 3,200 Airmen here. Sergeant Hester, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management technician, hails from Montgomery, Ala. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)

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Breathe in, breathe out

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Airman Arnett Dickson determines a mask size for Senior Airman Ashley Harris here May 19, 2010. The new mask has better breathing capabilities and is made from a softer material. Airman Dickson, 567th RED HORSE Squadron supply troop, hails from Cleveland. Airman Harris, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator, is a native of Jacksonville. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)

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Photos: Breathe in, breathe out

Published May 20, 2010
By Senior Airman Gino Reyes
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Airmen from the 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron issued the M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask to approximately 3,200 Airmen here.

The M-50 JSGPM is the new standard gas mask for all military branches. The Air Force is in the process of systematically replacing all MCU-2A/P masks servicewide. Seymour Johnson received a shipment of the masks a month ago and has been performing mass unit issues and fit tests ever since. The M-50 JSGPM also has an improved head harness and a wider view than its 1980s predecessor. Compared to the MCU-2A/P, the new mask has better voice projection, softer material, an improved hydration system and dual filters that protect against more than chemical agents.

Each Airman completes a series of tests to ensure their mask has a good seal. The tests include normal breathing, deep breathing, side-to-side and up-and-down head movements, and jaw movements. Once an Airman passes a fit test with a mask, another one is not required unless a person gains or losses a substantial amount of weight, which prevents the mask from sealing properly. Airmen are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke 30 minutes prior to taking a mask fit test.