This two-piece overgarment consists of one coat and one pair of trousers. It is packaged in a sealed vapor barrier bag to provide protection while not in use against rain, moisture, and sunlight. Refer to the bag for detailed instructions for using the protective clothing. The coat and trousers are made of material having an outer layer of nylon and cotton and an inner layer of charcoal-impregnated polyurethane foam that gives protection against vapors, aerosols, and small droplets of nerve and blister agents. The overgarment is intended to be worn over the duty uniform; however, in high temperatures, it may be worn directly over the underwear. The overgarment is not designed to be decontaminated and reimpregnated for reuse. It is discarded within 6 hours after being contaminated with liquid chemical agents or after 14 days of wear.

Chemical Protective Footwear Covers (Overboots)

Overboots (fig. 9-5) are worn over standard combat boots. They protect the feet from contamination by all known chemical agents, vectors, and radiological dust particles.

The overboots are impermeable and have unsupported butyl-rubber soles and butyl sheet-rubber uppers. When insulated boots (cold weather "Mickey Mouse" boots) are worn with the overgarment, the overboots are not necessary. The insulated boots provide adequate protection in a chemical environment.

Chemical Field Protective Masks

These masks, when properly fitted and worn with the hood, give protection against field concentrations of all known enemy chemical agents in vapor or aerosol form. They do so by filtering contaminated air to remove the agents, not by producing oxygen. When the air has a low-oxygen content or when individuals are in tunnels or caves with a heavy concentration of aerosolized particles, such as burning smoke mixtures, the protective mask does not provide breathable air. These masks also do not protect against ammonia vapors or carbon monoxide.

The MCU-2/P, MCU-2A/P mask is the standard field protective mask. Masks are shipped from the manufacturer with the following components:

1. MCU-2/P mask

Figure 9-5.-Chemical protective footwear covers (overbooks).

2. Ml waterproof bag

3. Mask carrier

4. Clear facepiece outsert

5. Cz canister

The following are accessories for the mask:

1. Protective hood

2. Optical inserts

3. M4 winterization kit

The MCU-2/P has one Cz canister that is designed for protection against normal field concentrations of all known toxic chemical agents and is considered adequate for all foreseeable field use. Canisters must be replaced carefully under the following circumstances: when directed by higher headquarters; after prolonged usage; once every 15 days after initiation of chemical warfare; when they impose severe impedance to breathing; after immersion in water; upon visual examination, when they are found to be damaged or unserviceable; or when the lot numbers do not match.