[King_of_Hindsight]

Cav, thanks much...but I'm in an environment where the masks were given to me "as is" with the provider not expecting too much fuss. It's a PC move for them to say they issued masks...gives them the warm and fuzzies. I say they are worthless and need something in writing. You know, and I know, as well as many that will post here, that if in doubt, a replacement is needed. However, those providing the mask have to be forced in that direction. All the manuals included with the masks are either gone, or don't refer to filter shelf life at all (believe it or not).

[cavtrooper21]

Yahoo search : m40a1 protective mask - you'll find several suppliers for afermarket filters that will fit. Not too expensive either....
M14s I'm not sure about, but try that same route.
Training and other info can be found at various DoD sites, I tried using Yahoo: Military Protective Mask Training and it looks like there are several sites that have info that can be printed off as booklets...
The mask filters that I use here at work have a unsealed life of 30 days (non-use) and 8 hours (use), sealed they are good for up to 3 years -we replace them at 30 months. Filters that have been used (even for a couple of hours) are also piched or marked "for training use only"
Best of luck, and I would talk to other people in the same position you are in and see if there is a way you can "express concern" about this as a group. Some times alot of low key pressure works better than one person raising a stink...

[cavtrooper21]

Looks like Freebird hit 2 good ones. Hey, this is the internet, you can find anything if you look long enough...