among individuals or elements within the unit according to evaluation
of the current situation and operational limitations.
Leaders must observe personnel who have been in MOPP Gear for several
hours for signs of psychological stress. Commanders must provide an
area where personnel can reduce their MOPP level for short periods to
relieve this stress. The wearing of protective clothing and equipment
creates unique problems in these areas.
The commander and staff must consider that as the temperature and work
rate increase, the level of individual protection may be reduced,
work-pacing options may be taken, or greater numbers of heat
casualties must be accepted. Options for reducing stress due to MOPP
are contingent on the hazards of contamination present.
In a contaminated area, the commander must do one or more of the
following:
Rotate jobs requiring a heavy work rate among subordinate
units, elements, or individuals.
Authorize long and frequent rest periods. These rest periods
are necessary to allow for the dissipation of built-up body
heat.
Provide adequate water supply so that personnel can increase
their water intake by frequent drinking of small amounts.
Use vehicular transportation whenever possible.
b. Reduced Protection.
One of the options is to reduce the chemical protection according to
the temperature and work rate. When there is no immediate hazard from
chemical agents, a commander may rotate personnel to various
combinations of reduced chemical protection to provide relief from
buildup of body heat. The commander may also allow a small percentage
of troops to be out of their chemical protective clothing at one time.
The number of personnel in reduced protection is determined by the
commander according to an evaluation of the local situation.
Reduced protection also is permitted on a selective basis for
personnel performing certain tasks requiring use of the hands to
perform tedious tasks, good vision, and voice communication. It may
also be necessary after considering the long-term psychological
effects on personnel in full chemical protective clothing and
equipment for extended periods.
IS0345
2-14
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