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
