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5 Levels of MOPP

 
MOPP Level: Available for Immediate Donning Available When used:

MOPP 0
  • IPE
  • Field Gear
  • IPE issued and serviceable
  • Protective mask filter/hood installed
  • CB threat
  • Preattack
 
MOPP Level: Worn: Carried: When used:

MOPP 1
  • Overgarment
  • Field gear
  • Footwear covers
  • Mask
  • Gloves
  • CB threat
  • Preattack
MOPP1 is generally used when a chemical, and/or biological attack in theater is possible.

MOPP 2
  • Overgarment
  • Field gear
  • Footwear covers
  • Mask
  • Gloves
  • CB threat
  • Preattack
MOPP2 is generally used when a chemical, and/or biological attack in theater is likely.

MOPP 3
  • Overgarment
  • Mask and hood
  • Field gear
    •
  • Overboots
  • Gloves
  • CB threat
  • Postattack
MOPP3 is generally used in areas with no contact hazard or operationally significant percutaneous vapor hazard.

MOPP 4
  • Overgarment
  • Mask and hood
  • Field Gear
  • Footwear covers
    •
  • Gloves
  
  • CB threat
  • During-attack
  • During and postattack
MOPP4 is used when the highest degree of CB protection is required, or when CB agents are present; but the actual hazard has not been determined.
 

    Reference FM 3-11.4 CHAPTER IV

ArmyStudyGuide.com would like to thank Jerry Freeman, Training Developer at Fort Knox and Mr. Dale Chapman of the Training Development Division at Fort Leonard Wood for pointing this site in the right direction by submitting the proper levels of MOPP..

 
MOPP0. IPE is issued to and inspected by the individual and prepared for use. Personnel carry their protective masks with their LCE. The standard issue overgarment and other IPE are carried or are readily available. To be considered readily available, equipment must be carried by each individual, stored within arm's reach, or be available within 5 minutes; for example, within the work area, vehicle, or fighting position. Units in MOPP0 are highly vulnerable to persistent agent attacks and will automatically upgrade to MOPP1 when they determine or are notified that persistent NBC weapons have been used or that the threat exists for NBC weapons use. The primary use for MOPP0 is during periods of increased alert when an enemy has a CB employment capability, but there is no indication of use in the immediate future. MOPP0 is not applicable to forces afloat.

MOPP1. When directed to MOPP1, personnel immediately don the overgarment. In hot weather, the overgarment jacket can be left open and the overgarment can be worn directly over underwear and other IPE making up the individual MOPP gear (e.g., footwear covers, mask, and gloves are readily available or carried). M8 or M9 paper is attached to the overgarment, (carry the NAAK and decontamination kit or keep them at hand). MOPP1 provides a great deal of protection against persistent agents. The primary use for MOPP1 is when a CB attack in theater is possible. Personnel must remove contact lenses and wear protective mask optical inserts. Leaders also monitor hydration levels. For forces afloat, MOPP1 means IPE is available

MOPP2. Personnel wear and/or put on their footwear covers, overgarment, and the protective helmet cover. As with MOPP1, the overgarment jacket may be left open, but trousers remain closed. The mask with mask carrier and gloves are carried. The primary use for MOPP2 is when a CB attack in theater is possible. Personnel carry M8 and M9 paper, nerve agent antidotes, and decontamination kits or keep them at hand. Personnel wear the protective mask optical inserts and maintain hydration levels. For forces afloat, MOPP2 means that personnel begin carrying masks.

MOPP3. Personnel wear the overgarment, footwear covers, protective mask, and protective helmet cover. Again, flexibility is built into the system to allow for personnel relief at MOPP3, particularly in hot weather. Personnel can open the overgarment jacket and roll the protective mask hood for ventilation, but the trousers remain closed. The protective gloves are carried. The primary use of MOPP3 is for personnel operating inside areas where a chemical-agent contact hazard does not exist. MOPP3 is not appropriate if a contact hazard is present. At MOPP3, forces afloat don protective suits and boots and activate intermittent countermeasure washdown.

MOPP4. Personnel completely encapsulate themselves by closing their overgarments, adjusting all drawstrings to minimize the likelihood of any openings, and putting on their protective gloves. MOPP4 is used when the highest degree of protection is required, or if CB agents are present but the actual hazard is not determined. As with every other MOPP level, flexibility is built into the system to provide relief to the individual. Once the hazard is identified and risk assessment measures are employed, the overgarment may be left open.

Note: During coalition operations, US forces familiarize themselves with the protection levels used by personnel from other nations.