The Chemical Corps is the branch of the United States Army tasked with defending against and using chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. The Chemical Warfare Service was established on 28 June 1918, combining activities that until then had been dispersed among five separate agencies of the United States federal government. It was made a permanent branch of the Regular Army by the National Defense Act of 1920. In 1945, it was redesignated the Chemical Corps.
Plaque at American University in Washington, D.C. commemorating the formation of the Army Chemical Corps
The CWS provided support for flame weapons, such as this flame thrower being employed during the Battle of Tarawa, during WWII.
A chemical mortar battalion in action at Utah Beach, 1944
The CB-H2 flamethrower seen here on Iwo Jima had a range of 150 yards
A gas mask is an item of personal protective equipment used to protect the wearer from inhaling airborne pollutants and toxic gases. The mask forms a sealed cover over the nose and mouth, but may also cover the eyes and other vulnerable soft tissues of the face. Most gas masks are also respirators, though the word gas mask is often used to refer to military equipment, the scope used in this article. The gas mask only protects the user from digesting, inhaling, and contact through the eyes. Most combined gas mask filters will last around 8 hours in a biological or chemical situation. Filters against specific chemical agents can last up to 20 hours.
A typical industrial-grade gas mask for hazardous chemicals and dust
A World War I British P Helmet c. 1915
Zelinsky–Kummant protivogaz, designed in 1915, was one of the first modern-type full-head protection gas masks with a detachable filter and eyelet glasses, shown here worn by U.S. Army soldier (USAWC photo)
Indian muleteers and mule wearing gas masks, France, February 21, 1940