Southwest Asia -- Gas! Gas! Gas!...is a common warning drilled into the minds of Airmen from the beginning of their enlistment. The unsettling alert prompts them to immediately dawn their individual protective equipment.
Airmen first employ IPE in basic military training when they are exposed to tear gas, also known as CS (orto-chlorobenzylidene-malononitrile) gas.
A burning sensation in the face along with fluid seeping from the eyes, nose and mouth are part of the gas chamber experience in BMT, and Airmen quickly realize the value of their protective equipment.
Staff Sgt. Tommy, military working dog handler, recalled his first time going through the chamber and how his gas mask came into play.
“Not having the mask on was completely terrible,” he said. “It was all in your pores, it took forever to get it out and my eyes were watering and nose was running. With the gas mask on, your eyes weren’t watering and your face didn’t feel like it was burning off. It was a better experience with the mask on and as soon as I got it on, it was complete relief.”
From the first encounter in BMT, to home station and eventually deployed, IPE is available and plays a significant role in shielding Airmen from various elements.
The IPE warehouse here contains 119,701 pieces of gear nearly filling the industrial like building, all of which is primarily issued to Airmen and at times to other government agencies.
“Our job is to ensure base personnel and forward deployers get the proper protective equipment they need for any incoming attacks as well as to perform their daily jobs,” said Staff Sgt. Nathiel, IPE non-commissioned officer in charge.
According to Senior Airman Yeudy, IPE journeyman, the clothing and equipment provided to Airmen defend them from several different types of threats.
“[The advanced combat helmet and body armor] offer protection against anything from ballistic attacks to explosions,” he said.
Naturally, after being utilized by numerous Airmen, equipment becomes degraded. Nathiel said after continuous use the gear begins deteriorating and it’s their responsibility to assess the items and ensure they’re functional.
“It’s important to do inventories frequently,” said Nathiel. “It allows us to inspect all assets and maintain 100 percent accountability, which is critical because in the event something happens we know exactly what we can provide.”
Each mobility bag distributed can contain a variety of items, which could include anything from individual body armor to cold weather gear.
The IPE team has a perpetual job of issuing and collecting gear from Airmen coming in and out of theatre. Over the last year an estimated 13,200 personnel have been assisted with pick-up or return of gear.
Shortly after showing up on base, the IPE warehouse is one of the first stops for new members.
“We issue required equipment to personnel upon their arrival, because if anyone doesn’t have it and is harmed, then we’ve failed to make sure their tour was as safe as possible,” said Yeudy.
When put in a situation to do so, Airmen are prepared to utilize their IPE; because of this, it boosts their prospect of returning home safely.
“These members look to this equipment to protect their lives, so it’s our mission to deliver serviceable gear to ensure that,” said Nathiel.
(Editor’s note: Due to safety and security reasons, last names and unit designators were removed.)