TYPE: US Army M17A1/M17A2 Field Protective Gas Mask
DATE:c. 1966
FREQUENCY: Common
USAGE: United States
FUNCTION: Army
LMàG REFERENCE CODE: US-079

NOTES: In 1966, a drinking tube was added to the M17 gas mask, which resulted in the M17A1 Field Protective Gas Mask. In addition, the M17A1 was also issued with a resuscitation tube, which could be used to deliver CPR between two masked soldiers. In 1983, the M17A1 was changed to the M17A2, after an extra small size was introduced. Overall however, there is no difference between the M17A1 and M17A2. Like the earlier M17 series, the M17A1 and M17A2 was also issued with a protective butyl hood and eye lens outserts. The M17A2 is best known for it's heavy use in the Gulf War. When the struggle in the Middle-East broke out, the M17A2 was still the Army's standard mask. Here is where the M17A2 was really put to the test.