Marines look past the pain of the oleoresin capsicum spray

[thedrifter]

Marines look past the pain of the oleoresin capsicum spray
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 2004423192846
Story by Lance Cpl. Megan L. Stiner



MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay(April 23, 2004) -- Oleoresin: A naturally occurring mixture of oil and resin extracted from various plants.

Capsicum: A well-known pungently aromatic condiment served either whole or powdered.

The definitions of oleoresin and capsicum seem fairly harmless when you break them down. However, for Marines who have been sprayed with the O.C. mixture, just the sound of these words could make their eyes water.

Throughout the Marine Corps, one by one, service members are becoming more aware of the effects of O.C. spray. And in jobs such as the military police occupational field, Marines must receive training to be certified to use the spray. Still other Marines may get sprayed with O.C. to become qualified as greenbelt instructors.

When a Marine is sprayed with the O.C. mixture the experience is not soon forgotten. After classroom instruction designed to familiarize students with the mixture and its effects, the students are tested.

Anticipation then builds when Marines see the course of five stations they must maneuver once they have been sprayed.

"O.C. spray is equivalent to squeezing the juice from seven or eight Habanero peppers directly into a person's eyes," said 2nd Lt. Tito M. Jones, training officer in charge with the Provost Marshal's Office at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

Initially, the process is one of suspense and fear, but that quickly gives way to pure determination and guts. After one blow of a whistle, the Marine turns around to face an O.C. stream that lasts from three to five seconds directed straight into his or her eyes.

A few of the immediate reactions to the mixture include the involuntary closing of the eyes, mucous filling the mouth and nose, and burning of the eyes and skin.

Once the Marine can physically force his or her eyes open enough to see the correct number of fingers an instructor has raised in the air, a second whistle is blown and he or she heads off to the first of five stations.

An escort leads the way, yelling from the direction the fumbling Marine must run toward.
At the stations, each service member must demonstrate punching techniques learned in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program tan and gray belt training, as well as demonstrate baton skills. A follow-up whistle blow signifies when the devil dog has adequately performed each skill, and then he or she is free to move on, with the constant reminder to "strobe your eyes."
At the final station, the Marine collects his or her wits and gives commands to another Marine he or she is supposedly apprehending. Once finished with a time recorded, the Marine is escorted to a water hose to temporarily provide some relief to the burning sensation on his or her face. Afterwards, the Marine walks in a cool-down circle with the hope of relief in sight, but disappointment comes after 10 to 15 minutes when the pain is still quite prevalent.
The initial reactions of intense pain and burning can stay with the Marine for up to four hours after first contact. It may take up to two full days for the Marine to feel completely back to normal. Nothing during that period seems to alleviate the pain, although most who have experienced O.C. spray claim that No Tears Baby Shampoo is a not a bad investment.

Once a few days have passed and the pain is simply a memory, the Marine may then find pride in the experience. Yet none may be too quick to go through the training again.

Marines go through sustainment training on an annual basis, and further experiences with O.C. are probably never as dramatic as the first. Still, they are not a pleasant experience, explained Staff Sgt. Matthew J. McGee, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the pass house for PMO.



Lance Cpl. Megan L. Stiner, a combat correspondent with the Public Affairs Office, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, learns firsthand the effects of oleoresin capsicum spray for training purposes. Photo by: Pfc. Rich Mattingly

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...E?opendocument


Ellie