[ptaipale]

I guess there are people who haven't heard of VX nerve agents, but over here, most males have got a basic training in the army (we have conscription here). I was in service 30 years ago and VX was listed as one of the threats where you would use your gas mask, though it is not necessarily nearly enough, obviously. In addition to gas mask, the rain poncho (also known as "magic cloak") is for protecting against radioactive fallout as well as chemical agents (the nickname is to highlight the rather strong optimism in the idea that the rain poncho helps much).

We would train the use of gas masks with CS gas.

This was during our basic infantry training at the beginning of service, and I think it wasn't particularly new back in 1986.

[Spoom]

I mean, VX was the subject of The Rock, a 90s-era thriller with Nick Cage and Sean Connery. Maybe people didn't realize it was real, but the knowledge was already out there.

[rl3]

It's worth noting that VX was depicted in the film as a blistering agent as well, presumably for dramatic effect.

[mercurysmessage]

CS gas is still in use for training. We didn't use ponchos, but full body suits and boots. Extremely hot and uncomfortable. I believe the suit was only good for 30 mins in harsh environments as well.