This work is focused on developing a fast gas chromatograph, time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC/TOFMS) for man-portable field use. The goal is to achieve a total system solution for meeting performance, size, weight, power, cost, and ruggedness requirements for a laboratory in the field. The core technology will also be adaptable to specific applications including real-time point detection for hazardous chemical releases (e.g., chemical weapons), for biological agent signature identification, and for mobile monitoring platforms (e.g., air, ship, truck). Previously we presented results of a feasibility demonstration for a 30-lb field-portable TOFMS system. In this work we present recent progress in integrating a low-power, high-speed GC and show the capability for accurately recording fast GC transients for targeted compound detection using a quadrupole ion trap, time-of-flight instrument (QitTof). n this paper we review our progress toward developing a field-portable, high performance mass spectrometer (MS) system with applications to a variety of fast screening requirements. Previously we reported on a 30-lb class photoionization, quadrupole ion trap, time-of-flight system (PI/QitTof) [1]. More recently we have been developing a low-power, high-speed gas chromatography (GC) sampling system for the QitTof mass analyzer. The intent is to develop a compact system that can perform direct, real-time air and liquid sampling of targeted compounds in complex mixtures in a GC-bypass mode. If a targeted compound is detected during fast screening, the sample can then be subjected to GC/MS analysis for confirmation. This mode of operation achieves high-throughput molecular detection, while affording the option of confirming the results by GC/MS. We present here an overview of our field-portable MS program and then discuss future plans and directions.The focus of this instrumentation development is to develop a "laboratory-in-the-field" capability to conduct general environmental assessments [2] and a "rapid-response monitor" to quickly and accurately detect toxic compounds, such as chemical agents, resulting from leaks or releases. Other military applications include military force protection and chemical demilitarization. Civilian applications include high-profile event security, emergency first responder protection, and hazardous materials investigations. These applications require systems that can detect in real-time (1-10 s) a host of target compounds at ultralow concentrations (e.g., 1-100 ppb air sampling, 10 -100 pg residue) in the presence of a complex matrix that would otherwise obscure signals of interest due to overlapping signal.Several manufacturers have developed products for field applications with GC capabilities (e.g., Bruker's MEM line [3], Varian's Saturn Air); however, these are not man-portable. Viking Instruments, recently acquired by Bruker, offers a portable GC/MS (SpectraTrak) billed as a "real-time" monitor for toxic air, water, and soil pollutants; however, its portability is limited by weight...

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