Eye-watering scenes as sailors get pepper-sprayed during training

By Dean Murray via SWNS

These are the eye-watering scenes as U.S. sailors are pepper sprayed during training to prepare them for possible personal attacks.

It formed part of the non-lethal weapons portion of Auxiliary Security Forces (ASF) training at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), a United States Navy base in Sasebo, Japan.

Chief Master-at-Arms Ezra Payton is seen spraying the ASF personnel attending a four-week training course with Oleoresin capsicum (OC).

Chief Master-at-Arms Ezra Payton sprays Hospitalman Devin Avila with Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray. (MSC1C Jeremy Graham/U.S. Navy via SWNS)

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They are there to qualify as augmentees of an installation’s Naval Security Forces during increased Force Protection Conditions or when directed by the installation commander.

Oleoresin capsicum (OC) is an oily extract of pepper plants of the genus Capsicum, and the active ingredient in what is known as pepper spray.

It is used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears.

Its inflammatory effects cause the eyes to close, temporarily taking away vision. This temporary blindness allows officers to more easily restrain subjects and permits people in danger to use pepper spray in self-defense for an opportunity to escape.

It also causes temporary discomfort and burning of the lungs which causes shortness of breath.