FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023.

Cadet Clayton House from Texas A&M University (to the right) and Cadet Katie Mcmenamin from the University of South Carolina (to the left), 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, prepares to enter the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Confidence Chamber at Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023. The CBRN confidence chamber is filled with 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile and trains Cadets on how to properly use protective gear. | Photo by Thaliya Martinez, Olivet Nazarene University, CST Public Affairs Office

During the CBRN training, Cadets learned how to properly use their protective gear before entering the confidence chamber, which is filled with 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile.

The purpose of the training is to teach Cadets how to react whenever they are caught in a situation with CS gas and how to react to it.

Upon arrival there were classes set up for each squad to learn about CBRN.

This was Cadet Clayton House from Texas A&M University’s first experience with CBRN training and he mentioned what he learned during the class.

“We learned how to put on our mask in the standard time of nine seconds, as well as any potential contaminants that are in the masks,” House said.

During the class, Cadets had the opportunity to see gas paper.

“The gas paper was an identification method for different types of gas,” House said. “Based on what gas it is, the paper will turn a different color which lets you know what kind of contaminant you’re around.”

Cadet Clayton House from Texas A&M University, 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, takes off his mask inside during the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Confidence Chamber at Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023. The CBRN confidence chamber is filled with 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile and trains Cadets on how to properly use protective gear. | Photo by Thaliya Martinez, Olivet Nazarene University, CST Public Affairs Office

After the class, Cadets headed to the confidence chamber to experience the CS gas.

“There’s a decent chance that [the gas] doesn’t bother me that much,” House said, mentioning his thoughts prior to entering the chamber.

Cadets stand outside of the confidence chamber, they put on their protective gear in under nine seconds, and head inside. While inside, Cadre had Cadets run in place and sing the Army song in order to get their heart rates up before taking off their masks.

“Everything burned when I came out and I couldn’t really breathe without snot coming out,” House said, mentioning his thoughts inside of the confidence chamber.

Cadets exited the confidence chamber, by facing left toward the exit door and putting their right hand on top of their battle buddy’s shoulder. Then they walked out in a file as quickly as possible. 

“Trust the equipment that they give you and learn the proper techniques, otherwise it won’t burn as bad,” House said, mentioning what he learned while experiencing this.

 

Many Cadets would not want to experience being inside of the confidence chamber again but that is not the same for House. House mentioned why he would 100% do it again.

“Getting to see people who didn’t take off their mask properly, they were burning a lot quicker than everyone else. It’s definitely interesting to see if you do the technique right versus if you don’t do it correctly, how different your reaction is,” House said. “I enjoyed stuff like this, the misery sucks, but it’s fun in the end.”

Cadet Katie Mcmenamin from the University of South Carolina was standing right by House experiencing the confidence chamber.

“At first, I was super nervous and then I got really excited. Then as we were going into the chamber, I was super nervous again,” Mcmenamin said.

Mcmenamin mentioned what she learned during the CBRN training. 

 

“I learned to lean on my battle buddies more, being next to two of my best friends that I met 15 days ago,” Mcmenamin said. “It was awesome to follow them and lean on them to get through it.”

Cadet Katie Mcmenamin from University of South Carolina, 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, complete the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Confidence Chamber at Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023. The CBRN confidence chamber is filled with 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile and trains Cadets on how to properly use protective gear. | Photo by Thaliya Martinez, Olivet Nazarene University, CST Public Affairs Office

Next time you are facing your fears, make sure you have a battle buddy standing right by your side as Mcmenamin did. 

“I probably would go through it again with a good battle buddy,” Mcmenamin said.

About the Author: Thaliya Martinez
Thaliya Martinez
Thaliya Martinez is from Evanston, Illinois and attends Olivet Nazarene University. She majors in Multimedia Communications with a concentration in Film Studies along with a minor in Military Science and Military Affairs. Her passion for photography and videography started when she was young. Her passion for photography and videography grew stronger from capturing her soccer, cross country, and track and field team in high school. Also, working as a professional sports videographer and photojournalist for MileSplit Illinois. In college, she has some experience of being a Cadet Public Affairs Officer from her Rolling Thunder Battalion Army ROTC program. Her goal for the internship is to let God lead the way in her showing the world the 100% that the Cadets put in every day and that there’s more behind these Cadets then just them in uniform. Thaliya wants to strengthen her night photography, audio skills, and writing skills while interning for the Army ROTC Public Affairs CST team at Fort Knox.