OC Spray: You must feel it before you can carry (38 HQ photos)

OC Spray: You must feel it before you can carry (38 HQ photos)

 

OC spray (from “oleoresin capsicum”) is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and temporary blindness). Its inflammatory effects cause the eyes to close, taking away vision. This temporary blindness allows officers to more easily restrain subjects and permits people using OC spray for self-defense an opportunity to escape. Although considered a less-than-lethal agent, it has been deadly in rare cases.

This USMC Cpl. is an administrative clerk, Headquarters Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group. She performs Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques after being sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum during a training session at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

This Lcpl is a field artilleryman with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, Kilo company, from Los Angeles. He runs Oleoresin Capsicum spray course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif.

After being sprayed, the Marines run a detaining course to ensure they can complete their mission while being contaminated.

This Lcpl. is with the Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group. He has Oleoresin Capsicum spray applied to his face using a sponge during a training session focusing on familiarizing Marines with OC spray.

If you have been sprayed, and I have, the sponge dab just doesn’t cut it. The Marine in photo #1 gets the same certification, and I’m sure he was in a world of hurt. There should be a picture of Sponge Bob on your certification if your unit decides to go the sponge route.

Some Marine Corps bases have gone with civilian and military police. The civilians must have the same standard for certification.