MOPP

For the four-drug treatment for Hodgkin's disease, see MOPP (medicine).

Marines in MOPP 4 gear during Operation Iraqi Freedom

MOPP (Mission Oriented Protective Posture) (acronym pronounced as "mop") is a military term used to describe protective gear to be used in a toxic environment, i.e., during a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) strike:

• Protective mask — Commonly referred to as a gas mask or pro mask. It is designed to filter harmful chemical and biological agents, as well as irradiated particles from the air to allow the wearer to breathe safely. No protective masks filter out gasses such as carbon monoxide, and in situations requiring that level of protection, external breathing apparatus is employed.
• Mask carrier — Protects the mask from damage. It is usually worn as part of battle gear for easy access and usually contains a technical manual, extra filter, spare parts, chemical detection papers, and nerve agent antidote kits (NAAK).
• Over garments — Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) Specially designed clothing to be worn over the normal uniform. These garments are designed to allow maximum airflow for cooling while keeping chemical and biological agents from reaching the skin of the wearer. Some are equipped with a charcoal lining to neutralize some agents. Military personnel often equip over garments with strips of M9 Detector Paper to identify chemical agents on the battlefield they might come in contact with.
• Gloves and overboots — (JSLIST) Highly durable rubber, designed with combat operations in mind. Used to prevent contact with agents.

MOPP protection levels

Each MOPP level corresponds to an increasing level of protection. The readiness level will usually be dictated by the in-theatre commander. ^[1][2]

• MOPP Ready — Protective mask worn in carrier, at side. Overgarments, gloves, and overboots stored at a nearby location.
• MOPP Level 0 — Protective mask worn in carrier, at side. Overgarments, gloves, and overboots accessible.
• MOPP Level 1 — Overgarments worn, chemical agent detectors worn, mask worn in carrier at side. Gloves and overboots readily accessible.
• MOPP Level 2 — Overgarments and overboots worn. Gloves and mask readily accessible.
• MOPP Level 3 — Mask, overgarments, and overboots worn. Gloves kept ready.
• MOPP Level 4 — All protection worn.

See also

• NBC suit
• Fallout shelter

References

1. ^ http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/khamisiyah_ii/khamisiyah_ii_refs/n15en246/Ch2.htm
2. ^ http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/cbrn/5-levels-of-mopp.shtml

External links

• Mission-Oriented Protective Postures (MOPP)