CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND RADIOLOGICAL (CBR) DEFENSE Learning   Objectives:   Recall the types of risk assessments used to evaluate the appropriate levels of Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP). Recall the  four  levels  of  MOPP  and  the  associated countermeasures. Identify the use of chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) protective clothing and equipment for each level of MOPP. Recall how to instruct personnel on entering, exiting, and personal cleaning in the collective protective system (CPS) decontamination station. This   topic   will   present   the   use   of   chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) protective clothing and  equipment  for  each  level  of  Mission  Oriented Protective   Posture   (MOPP)   and   the   types   of   risk assessments used to evaluate the appropriate levels of MOPP.  For  basic  information  on  CBR  you  should study the Basic Military Requirements, NAVEDTRA 14277. MISSION ORIENTED PROTECTIVE POSTURE MOPP  procedures  are  used  to  establish  levels  of readiness for a chemical agent attack. The procedures are flexible. They allow the commanding officer (CO) to  adapt  the  requirements  for  protective  clothing  and equipment  to  the  degree  of  the  threat  and  working conditions at any given time. As an example, personnel doing  heavy  work  in  hot  weather  may  suffer  heat exhaustion in heavy protective clothing and gas masks. Therefore, unless an attack is actually under way, the CO may relax the protective clothing requirements to prevent  certain  injury  or  sickness  from  heat.  Other examples include personnel who cannot do their work wearing  protective  gear,  those  who  need  to  eat  or attend  to  body  functions,  and  those  who  must  meet other requirements not possible in protective clothing. The  command  decision  to  implement  each  level  of MOPP must be the result of a risk assessment. RISK ASSESSMENT Risk is defined as the assessed difference between the threat level and the activation of appropriate levels of  shipboard  countermeasures.  The  risk  of  casualties and  contamination  must  be  evaluated  and  weighed against the ability of personnel to perform their duties while   being   hindered   by   individual   protective equipment and the effects of heat stress. CBR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING Personnel  protective  equipment  used  in  chemical warfare   (CW)/biological   warfare   (BW)   defense includes  masks,  clothing,  decontamination  kits,  and antidotes  for  certain  chemical  agents.  Depending  on your  duty  station  and  actual  combat  assignment,  you may be issued certain items of this equipment. Knowing the correct procedures for the use of the equipment is vital. Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense, Handbook for Training,  S-5080-AA-HKB-010,  and NSTM, chapter 470, list detailed procedures for the use and  maintenance  of  CW/BW  protective  equipment. However, only practice can assure that you execute the procedures properly. MOPP LEVELS AND ASSOCIATED COUNTERMEASURES The  risk  of  a  CBR  threat  can  be  categorized  into four levels of probability: 1.   SUSPECTED.   An   adversary   who   has CBR-capable delivery systems within the operations area (OPAREA) presents a suspected threat. Implementation of MOPP-1 countermeasures is indicated. 2.   POSSIBLE.   The   expressed   affirmation   or assessed  political  will  of  an  adversary  to  use  CBR warfare  increases  the  threat  potential  to  a  possible involvement in a CBR environment. Implementation of MOPP-2 countermeasures is indicated. 6-11 Q12. MOPP procedures used to establish levels of readiness for a chemical agent attack are flexible. 1. True 2. False Q13. The command decision to implement each level of MOPP must be the result of a risk assessment. 1. True 2. False REVIEW QUESTIONS