I always wondered... it seems like the "special-forces", "elite units", "experienced commandos" in movies and especially in video games seem to always wear gas masks and sometimes a whole breathing apparatus. Even in situations, which is actually most of the time, where no tear gas or harmful airborne agents are used. I get the aesthetic purpose of it; gas masks are freighting and cold.

I know fiction is fiction, but wouldn't wearing a gas mask or something similar be actually a hindrance to your performance in intense combat? Especially in armed forces where performance matters? Or have gas masks these days developed to the point they don't prevent problems visual or breathing-wise? I can't imagine they provide any real facial protection, or do they?

Gas masks are handy because then the modelers don't have to texture a different face for all the enemy soldiers.

More often than a gas mask, soldiers wear a balaclava and "tactical goggles" during operations to prevent facial damage from spent shells/cartridges, dust, or other airborne debris, as well as providing a certain amount of anonymity and uniformity among operators.

In video games, however, it's usually because of what Kyle explained.

I've smoked weed out of a gas mask. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that this thread isn't what I expected.

Gas masks rip! Hard!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOPP

Now to count the number of hours US troops were in full MOPP gear during the Iraq invasion...

those aren't my lucky numbers


i thought it was interesting watching videos of the police at the RNC and seeing cops on bicycles with gas masks

they are a hinderance first of all all designs limit visibility... some are better about this than others and it is also a hinderance on breathing... again this varies with different designs of mask and filter

but breathing in something toxic is more of a hinderance than a mask is...

on a semi related note... i cut a really nasty fart, went straight to the forums, and the first thread i see is "gas masks"

In a situation like a swat team might be in, the masks would be useful in protecting them from their own tear gas...