Which of the following is a mandatory ALSE item?

• A. Extraction device
• B. Divinest soap
• C. Night vision goggles
• D. Water purification tablets

Answer: (A)

In ALSE, some gear is considered mandatory because it directly enables rescue and safe egress in emergencies. An extraction device fits this role because it provides a practical, ready-to-use method to pull you free from a damaged aircraft or other entrapment during a rescue scenario. That capability is universally valuable across different missions and accident situations, so it’s kept as a baseline requirement for aircrew life support.

Other items are not automatically required on every flight. Night vision goggles are helpful in low-light operations but aren’t needed for all missions. Water purification tablets are essential for extended survival in certain scenarios but aren’t mandatory for standard, shorter flights. And one option listed isn’t a standard ALSE item, so it wouldn’t be considered mandatory.