partially penetrated by all but the smallest droplets of
liquid agents, especially in relatively high winds.
Moreover, the impregnated/protective clothing is not
equally efficient in neutralizing all liquid CW agents.
On the other hand, wet-weather clothing is resistant to
all liquid CW agents for a limited amount of time,
provided that the closures at the neck, wrists, and
protective mask are well adjusted or taped.
Wet-weather clothing provides a measure of
protection against CBR contaminants when worn over
ordinary clothing; but it provides the most complete
protection when worn over impregnated or protective
clothing. Gradual penetration of the synthetic rubber
layer of the wet-weather clothing will eventually occur
unless CW agent contaminants are promptly removed.
The contaminants are removed by frequent and
thorough flushing of the surface with a seawater
washdown or an equivalent, such as jury-rigged topside
seawater showers, or by swabbing with liquid
hypochlorite.
In warm weather or during periods of increased
physical activity, wet-weather clothing has a major
disadvantage in that it can only be tolerated for
relatively short periods of time. Tolerance is limited
because no air can pass through the clothing to cool the
wearer’s body by the evaporation of perspiration.
Perspiration is normally accumulated inside an
impermeable suit. Underclothing, gloves, socks, and
shoes may become saturated. Sweating can be reduced
and tolerance times lengthened by reducing the exercise
rate, by using water-spray cooling, and by reducing
exposure to direct sunlight.
Ordinary Work Clothing
Special protective clothing is not required for all
personnel. Ordinarily, only the personnel of monitoring
and decontamination teams who must work in or near
hazardous areas wear it. All other personnel working
near these areas should wear two layers of ordinary
clothing, which provide partial protection against
agents and radioactive particles.
REVIEW 5 QUESTIONS
Q1. True or false. Eating food after a CBR attack is
okay as long as the food was in a sealed container
before the attack.
Q2. Aboard ship, the safest place to be during a
nuclear attack is ____________________.
Q3. What are the two functions of an MCU-2/P
mask?
a.
b.
Q4. How long should it take you to don and adjust an
MCU-2/P mask?
Q5. List the types of clothing that are useful for CBR
defense.
a.
b.
MISSION ORIENTED PROTECTIVE
POSTURE (MOPP)
Learning Objective: When you finish this chapter,
you will be able to—
Recall the procedures for protection at each level
of mission oriented protective posture (MOPP).
Mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) is a
means of establishing levels of readiness. MOPP is a
flexible system of protection against chemical agents
13-21
Student Notes:
