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Why Army Recruits Train Inside A Tear Gas Chamber In Boot Camp

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We got an inside look at how United States Army recruits are exposed to tear gas during basic combat training.

Senior video correspondent Graham Flanagan spent four days at the Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence inside the Fort Benning military base near Columbus, GA.

Recruits are exposed to CS gas, more commonly known as tear gas. Side effects include burning on the skin and in the eyes, and profuse discharge of mucus. While wearing a gas mask, the recruits spend approximately five minutes inside a gas chamber where CS tablets are burned to create the gas.

Why is exposure to tear gas an essential aspect of initial training for army recruits?

The initial training process for army recruits is rigorous and demanding, with physical and mental conditioning being the primary focus. Alongside the essential fitness and combat training, boot camp also includes a unique experience: exposure to tear gas.

Tear gas is a chemical compound that induces a tearful, painful reaction in the eyes, respiratory system, and skin. It has been a standard component of military training for several decades, with recruits undergoing live-fire and chemical warfare exercises that simulate real-life battlefield scenarios. However, the primary reason why the army recruits train inside a tear gas chamber in boot camp is to prepare them for the possibility of chemical attacks.

The practicality of the tear gas chamber is rooted in the fact that nowadays, hostile nations and terrorists have access to chemical weapons. These weapons can cause significant harm and devastation, making chemical attack preparedness a necessity. Therefore, to expose recruits to the effects of tear gas, the army requires them to undergo the “confidence chamber” exercise.

The confidence chamber exercise prepares the recruits for the worst-case scenario, in which they find themselves in an environment where they have to use a gas mask to get through a contaminated area. The exercise involves removing the recruits’ protective equipment, allowing them to feel the effects of tear gas on their bodies fully. It trains them to recognize the various symptoms and adapt to the unpleasant sensations associated with exposure to gas.

The confidence chamber exercise has unique objectives. It enhances the trust recruits place on military equipment, empowers them to counter emotional and physical adversity, and helps reinforce the values of teamwork and discipline. The chamber exercise also trains the recruits to respond promptly to contingencies that would require them to survive and counter chemical weapons.

It is essential to note that the training process occurs under strict supervision and control by trained professionals. Safety measures such as proper ventilation and medical staff are in place to avoid accidents.

In conclusion, the confidence chamber training exercise is an indispensable part of the initial army boot camp training process. It helps to prepare the recruits mentally and physically for the possibility of chemical attacks and enables them to counteract their effects in the field. By experiencing the effects of tear gas, recruits build confidence, trust, and teamwork and are better equipped to respond to dangerous situations.