From explosives identification to the risks of new synthetic opioid testing, the role of field testing devices is becoming ever more important to first responders, law enforcement, health care agencies, crime labs, and the courts. Miniaturization of analytical technology is extending the application of lab testing and new methods to the field. A miniature person portable GC-MS system is a powerful analysis method in the hands of the first responder, enabling real-time actionable results. However for these systems, ease of use in the field, operational time, minimal sample preparation, ruggedness, serviceability, accuracy of results, database quality, and data reach-back are present issues. Additionally, miniature GC-MS technology is advancing toward chip-based platforms, enabling smaller instruments at lower cost. Significant research is being done on new sensors for chemical collection and identification. Very small molecular imprint polymer sensor technology promises to offer a "lock and key" level of chemical identification that could revolutionize chemical sensing in the field, enabling smaller hand-held, or remote, and drone operated instruments for new stand-alone “internet of things” IOT and robotic applications. As electronic sensors and packaging advances enable high density IOT devices and instruments, the new 6G communication network promises increased device communications, potentially enabling real-time data reach-back applications. Present and future field testing portable GC-MS and sensor technology developments and their potential impacts on the forensics ecosystem will be presented. As field testing technology advances, smaller rugged instrumentation, test procedures, reliable data, improved databases, and reach-back communication are all needed to provide the testing protocols to support and develop field testing policy to address ever-changing societal needs.