MOPP garments

Mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP)-level TTPs are, in the committee s view, insufficiently flexible to permit continued operations in a dirty environment. Commanders should be provided with a wider array of protective equipment materiel and operational options. It is recommended that NWDC undertake a review of MOPP-level standards and definitions specifically to establish a mask-only condition (currently the mask is donned only at MOPP levels three and four (after the outer garment and boots)). It is equally important to provide local commanders with guidance on when to select one protection option rather than the others. It is noted that both Army and CBIRF doctrine allow employment of a mask-only posture in certain circumstances. 

Sustained military operations at MOPP-4 are unlikely owing to heat and respiratory loads and the inability to perform fine-motor functions at this level. This will remain the case for some time. Efforts to develop improved, semiper-meable breathable fabrics are unlikely to yield new, widely fielded garments for a number of years. 

Casualties with minor wounds might be treated here if they can be returned to duty. However, most will need to have their protective garments replaced and will (1) go through decontamination, or (2) go through a MOPP exchange procedure if they have a second set of garments, or (3) be returned to their own units for resupply. These latter casualties may... 

The MOPP level must be coordinated with the work load if troops are to remain effective. The over-garments in present use must be redesigned to reduce heat stress, reduce weight and bulk, and provide increased comfort as well as reduce the logistical burden. The present clothing will be described in detail except for the special-purpose equipment used by demilitarization personnel or special-purpose forces. 

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