Threat

Ordering MOPP 2 through MOPP 4 is the responsibility of division and

lower commanders. The ultimate responsibility, however, is that of

the company commander, platoon leader, or squad leader. These leaders

have a better appreciation for what the unit can and cannot do. The

leader increases or decreases the unit's protective posture based on

an analysis of the situation and guidance from higher command. Final

responsibility at this level retains flexibility of the system.

MOPP is not a fixed or rigid system. Flexibility is the key to

providing maximum protection with the lowest risk possible while still

allowing mission accomplishment. Flexibility allows division and

lower-level commanders the option to adjust the amount of MOPP

protection required in their particular situations and still maintain

combat effectiveness. A commander may also place the entire unit or

part of the unit in different MOPP levels or authorize variations

within a given level.

All combat operations are conducted under the MOPP System. If there

is no threat, there is no protection requirement; this is MOPP Zero.

At the other extreme, when there is a continuing, immediate threat and

the Threat Force has a capability to produce an unacceptable casualty

level among unprotected troops, these troops may be required to wear

protective clothing and equipment for extended periods. Soldiers may

wear the overgarment over the battledress uniform (BDU) or directly

over their underwear. The determining factors are the temperature and

the work rate of personnel.

When discussing MOPP you must be familiar with certain terms to gain a

full understanding of factors that must be considered with MOPP.

These factors are:



Threat



MOPP Levels



Protective Clothing and Equipment



Work Rate



Cyclic Work/Rest Values



Mission Urgency



Personal Needs

1.

Threat.

The threat is the actual or probable use of chemical agents by Threat

Forces. The threat imposed is normally determined by receipt of NBC

reports of actual attacks or through intelligence sources outlining

the enemy's capability and probable use.

IS0345

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