Abstract: Included in the communication apparatus are a face mask covering the eyes, the nose, and mouth of the user and which has a frame holding a transparent viewing shield with a peripheral resilient seal on the frame bearing against the user's face. A relatively low power transmitter is positioned inside the mask adjacent to the air inlet for transmitting a short range signal carrying a communication from the user. A relatively high powered transceiver is carried on the user's person. The communication apparatus also includes a receiver also carried on the user's person tuned to receive the signal of the low powered transmitter and providing an audio output. A voice actuated switch is responsive to the output of the receiver to switch the transceiver from its receiving mode to its transmitting mode.