[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...

[King_of_Hindsight]

First, thanks for all the wonderful info...second, you are right...I am trying to put some pressure on my local area, but I would gladley jump in with others.