Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) shake their gas masks vigourously as a part of the Mask Confidence Exercise, an annual gas mask training, at the 33 Area Gas Chamber, June 28. The purpose of shaking the gas masks is to simulate intense physical movement and it ensures a tight seal to prevent contaminants in the environment from entering the mask. The 15th MEU is currently in its dwell period and uses this time to complete various annual training.

Photo by Lance Cpl. John Robbart III

Mask Confidence Exercise prepares Marines for the worst

29 Jun 2011 | Lance Cpl. John Robbart III 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is known to conduct a variety of different operations, some of which could include lethal toxins in the atmosphere. To prepare for these situations, the unit’s Marines participated in the Mask Confidence Exercise at the 33 Area Gas Chamber here, June 28.

The Mask Confidence Exercise is a part of every Marine’s annual training and involves suiting up in mission oriented proper posture (MOPP) gear along with their issued M50 gas masks.

The 15th MEU is comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors and is a forward deployed force of readiness capable of conducting numerous operations, such as Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, Humanitarian Assistance Operations, Disaster Relief Operations and a wide range of amphibious missions. The 15th MEU is currently in its dwell period after it completed a seven month Western Pacific deployment December 17, 2010.