inadvertant exposure or failure of protection. Combat power drops as soon as personnel put on MOPP
Gear. The mask restricts the field of vision and reduces observation and target acquisition ability.
Communication is more difficult. Mobility is reduced because personnel reduce their physical work rate
to avoid heat stress.
The longer a unit remains contaminated, the greater the chance of NBC casualties. Conventional
casualties may also increase because combat efficiency is reduced. Timely and correct decon avoids
problems, such as protective gear failure and heat stress. Thus, decontamination reduces the number of
casualties that may result from an NBC attack.
2.
Reasons for Decontamination.
When you are contaminated, there are practical reasons why at least some decon must occur as soon as
possible.
■ Contamination can be lethal.
■ MOPP Gear degrades performance.
■ MOPP Gear has limitations.
■ Contamination can be spread.
a. Lethality.
Some kinds of contamination are so toxic they can kill or incapacitate an individual if they are inhaled or
come into contact with exposed skin for only a few minutes. If your skin becomes contaminated, you
must stop what you are doing and decontaminate immediately.
b. Performance Degradation.
MOPP Gear provides protection but also reduces efficiency. The longer you are in MOPP 4, the lower
your efficiency. Using tools and weapons while wearing protective gloves is awkward. The mask
reduces your field of view, making it difficult to use some optical sights and night-vision devices.
Extended operations in MOPP Gear tires and discourages soldiers. Troops cannot eat while wearing a
protective mask. Attending to bodily functions is difficult at best and can be potentially dangerous in a
contaminated area. Resting and sleeping are difficult because of the discomfort experienced due to the
heat build-up factor and because it is hard to breathe.
CM 2506
1-12
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