MOPP

For the chemotherapy regimen, see MOPP (chemotherapy).

Marines in MOPP 4 gear during Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

• 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).
• 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 gases such as carbon monoxide, and in situations requiring that level of protection, external breathing apparatus is employed.
• 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.
• M9 Detector paper is worn to detect chemical liquid agents that a service member may brush against while in MOPP gear. It is worn in three different area of the suit. It is worn on your dominant arm, bicep area, on the wrist of your opposite arm, and on your dominant leg, shin area. It is also placed on lower levels of your vehicles for detection purposes.
• 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.

• MOPP Ready — Protective mask is carried. First set of suit, gloves, and boots are available within two hours, second set within six hours.
• MOPP Level 0 — Protective mask carried. Suit, gloves, and boots accessible/available.
• MOPP Level 1 — Suit worn. Mask, gloves and boots carried.
• MOPP Level 2 — Suit and boots worn. Gloves and mask carried.
• MOPP Level 3 — Suit, boots and mask worn. Gloves carried.
• MOPP Level 4 — All protection worn.

See also

• NBC suit
• Fallout shelter

External links

• Mission-Oriented Protective Postures (MOPP)