The Gas Chamber

If you took "the sauce" from Burrito Bandito, the one that can cause a nosebleed, and rubbed it all over your skin, into your eyes, and then poured it into your lungs so you breathed fire, it wouldn't compare to the way tear gas burns. Your flesh feels as though it is slowly being peeled away by the flames of hell, your lungs refuse to hold anything but the searing smoke. As if you're oxygen supply has run out and you're fighting to make it to the top of the pool, but it's really the ocean. After a mere two seconds of exposure everyone is doubled over, hacking like a fifty-year smoker, fighting hopelessly against unconsciousness. That was the longest sixty seconds I've ever experienced. If they left us in there for an additional ten seconds we would have begun dropping like flies.

The most difficult thing to do was not panic. Having your lungs struggling for air automatically induces panicking. I had to repeat in my head "Do NOT panic, do not panic. It's only an exercise. Don't panic." I took the soldiers oath that I would leave my eyes open and not hold my breath. I honored it and without question this was the most intense pain I have ever felt. The tear gas blanketed all five of my senses with an unquenchable fire. I feel horrible for those who are exposed by force. I realize it was necessary but I never want to experience that again.