COL Goldstein (CH) had to demonstrate that he could put on a gas mask in eight seconds, like the other soldiers, and he did so without a problem.
COL Goldstein has said "The mask issue is a bogus issue". He speculats that the larger reason for the rule is the military’s desire for uniformity in appearance.
No disrespect to COL Goldstein, a sample size of one doesn't prove anything and putting on a gas mask is different from having a gas mask with a proper seal.