Deployed Soldiers face the risk of being exposed to chemical warfare agents that can be incapacitating or life threatening. If a Soldier is exposed to a chemical agent, identifying the chemical hazard quickly is critical. The Army currently uses the M256A2 chemical detector system to test for chemical agents in the field. It takes approximately fifteen minutes to complete and requires multiple steps and verifications.
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center developed the Multi-agent Identification Kit and Equipment, or MIKE, Buttpack system, a low-cost test kit with components including draeger tubes, which are currently in the dismounted reconnaissance sets, kits and outfits used by non-chemical, biological and radiological personnel.
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Source: U.S. Army