Pass the gas-mask

A college-acquaintance came down to DC to become yet another warm body among the hordes of interns. Monday was his orientation at a large, non-Defense or Homeland Security, government department included the handing out of gas-masks to every new employee. Are we really that afraid of terror attacks that the government is handing out masks to its employees? Then why didn't I get one? Yes, some departments have more money than sense, but come on now. They weren't even personally fitted for their masks, meaning that the likelihood of their actually protecting the wearer is close to nil. Good job.