collateral damage

[revwardoc]

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articl...sdrill-ON.html

Air Force sorry over drill that tear gassed residents

TUCSON - The Air Force is apologizing for a training incident six months ago that allowed tear gas to drift into neighborhoods near Davis-Monthan.

The acrid smoke caused choking, hacking, teary eyes and breathing problems for more than two dozen people.

The Air Force has issued a statement saying it regrets the Feb. 25 incident, which it blames on human error and changing wind conditions.

"We're committed to making sure we never have a recurrence of an event like this," said Col. Michael Spencer, commander of D-M's 355th Wing, in a release Tuesday.

Three service members - a squadron commander, a lieutenant and a noncommissioned officer - involved in the training drill were reprimanded over the incident. Davis-Monthan officials said the release was the result of a failure to follow instructions, poor communication and conflicting guidance given to airmen.

The disciplined service members' names were not disclosed because the reprimands were administrative cases, said Davis-Monthan spokeswoman Maj. Laurel Tingley.

Mary Ann Cleveland, 63, a resident in the affected area, said the incident frightened many people who saw neighbors choking and gasping. Some feared it was a terrorist attack.

"That was a very scary night for us," said Cleveland. "I'm glad they provided an explanation, but it never should have taken them six months."

Base officials also say training commanders have been reminded to pay close attention to factors such as staff experience levels, choice of training sites and other risk elements when conducting drills that could affect the public.