Many occupations require personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep workers safe, but the hazards troops face on the battlefield may lead to some exceptionally nasty conditions. Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear is used to protect warfighters in contaminated environments dealing with biological, chemical, or radioactive attacks. They’re also popular in the civilian world among doomsday preppers who would rather be safe than sorry in the event of a mass casualty event that would require such PPE in the aftermath.
MOPP Gear Levels
Depending on the contamination levels you’re facing, there are different MOPP gear levels in place.
Though all MOPP gear is used to protect against similar attacks, how you wear it and what you wear depends on the conditions.
Keep in mind that the gear has plenty of factors that can determine how long you can wear the equipment, including your own body heat.
Therefore, it’s not going to last forever. However, knowing what is appropriate gear and what isn’t not only helps save your life, but can assist in the PPE’s lifespan.
Level 0
Starting with MOPP 0, this is the baseline of PPE in the military. It is used anytime an enemy has chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) capability.
If you have long hair, you’ll need to tuck it into the back of the OG removing hair clips and other accessories.
For those who wear contacts, remove them and instead rely on the gear’s protective mask spectacles.
Level 1
MOPP 1 and higher is when individuals with long hair will need to tuck it into their CPO jacket while wearing PPE.
You’ll need to put on your overgarment while carrying gloves, your protective mask, and overboots.
An example of when MOPP gear level 1 is worn would be a situation in which an attack may happen without much of a warning, or if there is a small amount of contamination in the area but it’s not threatening.
Level 2
MOPP gear 2 is the most common level. It is used during an Alarm Yellow involving toxic chemicals.
You’ll be wearing the OG and overboots while carrying your protective mask and gloves.
Using MOPP 2 saves time and provides a higher protective posture in many situations.
Level 3
The key to remember for MOPP gear 3 is that it comes into play when you’re expected to come into contact with a potential hazard or if there is a vapor absorption hazard in the area.
You’re going to need to put on your OG, overboots, and protective mask while carrying your gloves.
Level 4
Last but not least is MOPP gear 4, providing you with the best protection against CBRN threats; however, the trade-off is a lack of performance.
Everything is on here, including the gloves, and you’ll use full MOPP gear during an Alarm Red.
In this situation, you’ll either be under attack already or facing a severe CBRN-related attack in the near future.
How to Put on MOPP Gear
When using PPE of any kind, how you wear it matters. Proper application for military MOPP gear can be the difference between life and death for you and others in toxic situations.
In the military, field gear and body armor remain on. When using MOPP gear, outside wear is typically the standard, along with wearing the PPE in applicable situations indoors.
You’re going to need to make sure all of the snaps, zippers, Velcro, and any other type of closure are properly closed and attached when wearing your overgarment.
When possible, it’s a good idea to use teamwork and check each other’s PPE to look for errors and ensure everyone remains safe.
Finally, the M9 tape goes on the OG and M8. You’ll need to have your decontamination kits and nerve agent antidotes ready for carry.
If you’d like to get a better visual demonstration, be sure to check out the video below on how to wear MOPP gear properly. In worst-case scenarios, it may just save your life:
Sources:
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Threats, NPSA. Accessed September 2024. https://www.npsa.gov.uk/chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-cbrn-threats
Alarm what?, Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Accessed September 2024. https://www.mcchord.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/247517/alarm-what/
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