MOPP overgarments in the past have been manufactured with layers of activated charcoal which provides the protective aspect of the garment. Modern manufacturers have trended toward more lightweight carbon beads and more efficient garment design as a replacement for the old activated charcoal suits, which leave a distinctive black and powdery residue after wearing.
MOPP levels are assigned in a fashion reminiscent of the post 9/11 threat condition levels you might remember being applied in the early months following the 9/11 attacks. MOPP levels correspond both to the direct threat (or lack thereof) for an NBC attack as well as the level of protection troops need to employ to be safe from those threats.
During conflicts with terrorists, rogue states, and similar scenarios, it’s never safe to assume your enemy will abide by the Geneva Conventions, international law, etc. Chemical warfare is expressly forbidden by the Geneva Protocol which bans the deployment of “”asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases, and of all analogous liquids, materials or devices” as well as “bacteriological methods of warfare.”
An excellent example of this can be found in the civil war in Syria. An article published by National Public Radio (NPR) in 2019 reminds us, “Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime carried out 98 percent” of all chemical attacks during the civil war, “…dropping chlorine gas, sarin and sulfur mustard gas on Syrian civilians.”
This is basically worn in a “yellow alert” situation (“alarm yellow” is a common identifier) where the overgarment and overboots are worn–a protective posture that assumes the rest of the protective gear will be needed without warning. MOPP 2 doesn’t necessarily indicate that an attack is imminent, but those in MOPP 2 have a much easier time getting the rest of their equipment properly donned and worn should things escalate.
What is MOPP gear in the military?
MOPP (a phrase for “Mission Oriented Protective Posture” pronounced “mop”) is protective equipment utilized by U.S. military personnel inside a toxic atmosphere, e.g., throughout a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) strike: Protective mask – Generally known as gas mask or pro mask.
Airmen practice consuming from the canteen putting on Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear throughout a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training class on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., 12 ,.
What MOPP level affords the most protection?
MOPP 4 provides the greatest degree of protection to personnel. However, additionally, it degrades performance probably the most. In MOPP 4, the overgarment, overboots, protective mask and mitts are worn.
FAQ
What are the 6 MOPP levels?
How long do you have to get into MOPP 4?
- Mask Only – Protective mask is carried.
- MOPP Ready – Protective mask is carried. …
- MOPP Level 0 – Worn: nothing. …
- MOPP Level 1 – Worn: suit. …
- MOPP Level 2 – Worn: suit and boots. …
- MOPP Level 3 – Worn: suit, boots and mask. …
- MOPP Level 4 – All protection worn.
