M-50 gas mask

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Senior Airman Sarah Cox, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron, conducts gas mask fit tests on Airmen who were just issued an M-50 gas mask May 15, 2009. Airmen at the 52nd Fighter wing are in the process of turning in their MCU-2A/P masks for the M-50 mask. The new mask offers the same level of protection against chemical, biological and radiological threats as the old style mask; however, has an improved head harness, a wider view, easier access to the drinking tube and dual filters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore)

M-50 gas mask

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Senior Airman Sarah Cox, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron, conducts a gas mask fit test on Senior Airman Efrain Huereque, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, May 15, 2009. Airmen at the 52nd Fighter wing are in the process of turning in their MCU-2A/P masks for the M-50 mask. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore)

M-50 gas mask

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Tech. Sgt. Corey Whitman, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, examines an M-50 gas mask he was just issued May 15, 2009. After receiving the mask Airmen were given a fit test and instruction on its proper wear. The M-50 mask offers the same level of protection against chemical, biological and radiological threats as the old style mask; however, has an improved head harness, a wider view, easier access to the drinking tube and dual filters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore)

M-50 gas mask

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Tech. Sgt. Jay Moreau, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron, demonstrates how to properly adjust the M-50 gas mask with the assistance of Senior Airman Efrain Huereque, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, May 15, 2009. The Air Force is systematically replacing the MCU-2A/P mask, created in the 1980’s, with the M-50 mask. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore)

Sabers receive M-50 gas masks

Published May 19, 2009
By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask may look like something Darth Vader wore in the movies to protect his battle ravaged body, but in reality it is the latest chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosive gear being issued to Sabers.

"The MCU-2A/P was 1980's technology and after 15 years of use, there were numerous improvements to be made," said Tech. Sgt. Jay Moreau, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management craftsman. The new mask features a number of improvements including dual filters, improved drinking system, improved head harness and better carrier.

When being issued a new mask Airmen who wear glasses are required to bring their clip-style gas mask insert, the goggle sport-style inserts will not suffice. After receiving their mask Airmen will be given a fit test to ensure a proper fit.

When turning in a MCU-2A/P, formally known as the Mask Canister Unit Personnel Type 2 Series mask, Airmen must also turn in their old mask carrier. A M-50 carrier will be issued to Airmen which can be attached into individual body armor with molle straps.

"As an Airman in today's Air Force, you could face an adversary who posses chemical or biological weapons in-garrison or deployed," Sergeant Moreau said. "You must know how to use this equipment so that we can remain superior in air, space and cyberspace."

While the M-50 mask offers the same level of protection from chemical and biological attacks protection as the MCU-2A/P, it is designed to provide a better fit.

"It's much more comfortable and less restrictive than the old mask," said Tech. Sgt. Corey Whitman, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive inspection craftsman. "The main difference is you can breathe much easier."

Airmen with less than three months left on station will not need to change out their old mask.

For more information about M-50 training, contact the Emergency Management Training Section at 452-6501.