-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a prelude to war! Story originally published on Nov 5, 99 'A protective measure':gas masks issued to families in S. Korea Ssgt. Karl Duckworth/armySharon Richwine and her son, Chance, don hte hard-to-fit protective ensemble. Defense officials are issuing gas masks to spouses and children of U.S. airmen and soldiers in South Korea. By Mike Glenn Times Staff Writer To counter the looming threat of chemical and biological warfare, defense officials are issuing gas masks to spouses and children of U.S. forces stationed in South Korea. Beginning in mid-November, thousands of U.S. troops and Defense Department civilians began drawing M17A2 protective masks for their family members. Officials expect to issue nearly 14,000 masks by Jan. 31. Most adults and children over the age of 10 will receive the M17A2 mask, officials said. Hard-to-fit adults and younger children will receive one of three commercially developed hood systems to ensure proper fit. Commanders were told to set up a training program including videos, brochures and unit training opportunities. In the past, U.S. forces in Korea have taken precautionary steps to improve the protection of noncombatants by installing barricades and improving installation security. This decision, however, marks the first time chemical or biological protective equipment has been issued to family members abroad. Regardless, defense officials downplayed the move. "It's just a protection measure," said Defense Department spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Terry Sutherland. "This is not a response to an increase in the local threat of chemical weapons," he said. "It is not related to any current or world event." But a recent South Korean government report indicates that North Korea has increased its chemical weapons stockpiles by up to five times in the past 12 years, The Associated Press reported. Officials denied any connection, however, saying the idea of issuing gas masks began a year ago. They described it as prudent force protection, given the high threat levels of South Korea. **COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for nonprofit research and educational purposes only.[Ref. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml ] DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
