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Guardian Response 22
Spc. James Shoemaker, 409th Engineer Company, Windsor, Colorado, dawns a chemical protection suit while operating a chemical decontamination line at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, April 29. The unit was part of an urban search and rescue training exercise in which an explosion occurred in a multistory urban building. “We are basically the last line of defense before casualties get into the clean area,” said Shoemaker of his position in the decontamination line. “We have to make sure everybody is cleaned and free of contaminants they may have picked up in the hot zone.” The scenario challenged Soldiers with dark nighttime conditions, smoke and debris, which often concealed victims throughout the building. Soldiers remained in full chemical suits for up to two hours, which tested their ability to function, communicate and perform fine motor skills as they would in a real-world situation. (US Army photo by SFC Monte Swift, 204th PAD)

Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Monte Swift |  VIRIN: 220429-A-UQ307-525.JPG