Basic training is filled with plenty of firsts and exciting experiences. For some, it’s the first time they're away from home and a true transition into adulthood. For many, military life is a shock and provides a new lifestyle to a generally younger population experiencing the world for the very first time. Then there's the gas chamber. Yep, you read that right: the gas chamber. It’s a part of basic that's hell if you’re a part of it and downright hilarious if you aren’t. The gas chamber Army training is necessary to prepare Soldiers for chemical warfare scenarios, build mental toughness, and build technique and teamwork. Check out what you can expect and have a few laughs at the expense of heroes that have gone before you.

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What Is a Gas Chamber in the Army?

@bholley08 Before and after the gas chamber #army #military #miltokcommunity #miltok #rotc #cadet #gas #csgas #fyp #fypシ ♬ original sound - Brandon

The gas chamber Army training is an unfortunate part of basic where Soldiers will undergo chemical warfare training to better understand how to adapt and react to such situations on the battlefield. In total, the exercise lasts about five minutes. While learning how to deal with chemical warfare is a key component of the exercise, there’s more to it than that. You’ll be asked questions, and to answer them, you’ll need to keep your wits about you. Regardless of what you might think about the gas mask training, you’re going to have to maintain a positive mental fortitude to overcome the chamber. Because the substance used is controlled and the goal is to make Soldiers prepared without extracting actual harm, you’re going to have to understand that while it might suck, you’re going to be fine.

What Kind of Gas Is Used in Army Gas Chamber?

The gas chamber Army Soldiers will endure is filled with a controlled concentration of CS (orto-chlorobenzylidene-malononitrile) gas. You may better know it as tear gas. Because it’s controlled tear gas, it’s more irritating than it is life-threatening. Again, this is a standard procedure for Soldiers and all a part of the nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) training required by the service. Obviously, the goal is not to kill Soldiers; it’s not even to harm them. The Army CS gas chamber exercise may feel sadistic, but it’s used to help Soldiers better understand chemical warfare and hone mental toughness, including the ability to perform under pressure.

Time To Get Gross

If you're unfamiliar with what happens when you come in contact with tear gas, a hint is in the name. What it doesn’t mention is that with enough of it, you can expect other various bodily fluids, including spit, snot, and other gross oddities, to come pouring out of your body. Your eyes are going to burn, the air will be difficult to breathe, and the after-pictures will look anything but graceful. Oh, yes, count on pictures because, in true Army fashion, there will be pictures likely taken by a Field Historian. What a keepsake!

How To Breathe Again

When you look at how Army recruits train inside a tear gas chamber in basic training, staying calm is key. Any Army basic gas chamber experience is going to start with keeping your composure. Follow your training, take a deep breath beforehand, and put your mask on as soon as you can. A good note to keep in mind:

Don’t touch your face.

It may feel like a good idea, but you’re only making it worse. Once you’re out, be sure to keep calm, breathe, and flap your arms. You may feel silly, among other things, but flapping your arms is how you get the chemicals off of your clothing. Time in the fresh air and a solid composure is going to help you get back on track to recover for whatever heinous idea is next for your military training.

Army Gas Chamber Training Is All a Part of Basic, Embrace It

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G63uJgr92g Whether you like it or not, and you won’t, the gas chamber is an important part of becoming a Soldier. As you can see in the wonderful gas chamber video above, this is a standard process for all who go through with serving. Your gas chamber Army training experience may vary, but it’s just going to make you stronger. Enjoy the journey for all of the good and the bad that comes with it. Unfortunately, this is a prime example of some of the bad.

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The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Photo by Cpl. Austin Riel | Training Support Activity Europe