EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS

MOPP gear provides protection from chemical and biological agent attacks, but some limitations can reduce its effectiveness. Agents can gradually penetrate the mask hood. However, the protective qualities of the hood can be extended many hours if the chemical agent is removed or decontaminated quickly before it penetrates the hood.

Two primary types of chemical protective overgarments are in use at this time with different protection. The first is the chemical protective overgarment (CPO) that is currently in the TOA of each battalion. In an uncontaminated environment, the CPO is good for 140 hours within 30 days after the initial opening of the original protective package and subject to the following conditions:

When not worn, store in a sealed plastic bag. The 140 hours is only applicable to wear time. The clock stops while the overgarment is stored in a plastic bag.

Overgarments that have come into contact with POLs must be replaced.

In a contaminated environment, 6 hours of protection is provided and the CPO is subject to the following:

1. Once in a contaminated environment, the 6-hour criteria vice 140-hour criteria becomes the controlling parameter. If chemical liquid contamination remains after 6 hours, MOPP gear exchange must be conducted as soon as possible. "MOPP Gear Exchange" will be discussed further on in this chapter.

2. If cumulative wear time is 138 hours and the environment becomes contaminated, the suit may be worn an additional 6 hours for a maximum cumulative wear time of 144 hours.

The second type of overgarment that is currently not in the TOA is the battle dress overgarment (BDO). It provides protection for 24 hours after becoming contaminated with liquid chemical agents.

Troop performance will decrease over time while they are in full MOPP; therefore, risk assessment must be conducted before executing a task or mission. For example, you should know that the following critical areas or tasks are degraded:

Navigation and terrain orientation Target acquisition The decision-making process (leader fatigue) Communications Fire support coordination Maneuver formations/ convoy operations

Unit commanders, conducting extended operations in full MOPP gear, weigh the risk of whether or not to conduct decon. The unit commander must consider the capabilities and limitations of the unit while performing in MOPP during different types of conditions. Refer to the Seabee Combat Handbook, volume 1, chapter 19.

A contamination hazard will be reduced by conducting hasty decon and exchange of the MOPP gear. This action also provides temporary relief from MOPP and the reduction of risk during combat operations. The commander considers the time and the resources needed to conduct decon versus the degradation caused by operating in full MOPP gear. The commander also understands that before ordering the removal of protective masks, they must move their unit to a clean area and conduct unmasking procedures. After hasty decon (MOPP gear exchange and vehicle wash down), the Seabee's risk is reduced by the following:

1. Decreasing the time personnel are exposed to chemical agents.

2. Providing temporary relief from full MOPP. This aids in increasing survivability of the unit on the battlefield because the MOPP encapsulation causes limitations that may result in conventional casualties (for example, heat stress in combat).

3. Decreasing the risk of transfer and spreading of contamination.

MOPP gear provides little direct protection from the hazards of radiological (rad) contamination, such as the radiation from fallout. But commanders may often decide to use MOPP gear for its indirect advantages. MOPP 4 can prevent the inhalation of radioactive particles, keep contamination off the skin, and greatly simplify decon. Although the danger from fallout is not immediate, the radiation may gradually build up to a dangerous level. Therefore, the contamination must be removed when the mission allows. The protective mask filter elements will need to be replaced because of radioactive particle buildup.

TRANSFER AND SPREAD

You must avoid contamination as much as possible. Once a unit becomes contaminated with a chemical agent, quick or rapid decon is critical to prevent further spread or transfer of contamination onto a clean area or surface. Rapid decon may allow the unit to be in the lowest MOPP level possible and preserve its combat power.

PRINCIPLES OF DECONTAMINATION 

The resources of manpower, time, and material are critical for your decision on how to sustain combat operations. Two concepts must be considered: the use of these resources and the ability to sustain combat operations. You must know when, where, what, and how to perform decon by following the four principles discussed in the following paragraphs.

First, decontaminate as soon as possible. This is the most important principle of the four. Consider this principle before you consider any other. Contamination hazards force you into higher levels of MOPP and immediately begin to degrade the ability to perform your mission. The sooner the contamination is removed, the sooner you can reduce MOPP levels.

Second, decontaminate only what is necessary. You cannot waste precious resources decontaminating everything. Decontaminate only what is necessary to continue your mission. Consider the following factors when you decide whether decon will interfere with the mission:

Mission-" tempo of battle" Time available Degree of contamination Length of time you have been in MOPP 4 Decon assets available

Third, decontaminate as far forward as possible (limit spread). Do not transport contaminated personnel and equipment away from your operational area if you can bring decon assets forward safely. This will keep your equipment on location where it is needed, allow decon to begin earlier, and limit the spread of contamination to other areas.

Fourth, decontaminate by priority. Clean important items of equipment first and the least important items last. The COC will prioritize the equipment for decontamination.

LEVELS OF DECONTAMINATION Three levels of decon are used today: immediate, operational, and thorough. All three levels (fig. 6-1) are discussed in this chapter.

IMMEDIATE DECON 

The aim of immediate decon is to minimize casualties, save lives, and limit the spread of contamination. Immediate decon is carried out by individuals upon becoming contaminated. Three immediate decon techniques are used today:

. Skin decon l Personal wipe down . Operator's spray down