MOPP (protective gear)

For the chemotherapy regimen, see MOPP (chemotherapy).
For the medical concept, see MOPP (electrical safety).
U.S. Marines in MOPP 4 gear during the 2003 invasion of Iraq
U.S. Army soldiers test MOPP 4 gear at the Yuma Proving Ground's Tropic Regions Test Center in Hawaii

MOPP (an acronym for "Mission Oriented Protective Posture"; pronounced "mop") is protective gear used by U.S. military personnel in a toxic environment, e.g., during a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) strike:

  • Protective mask – Commonly referred to as a gas mask or pro mask. It is designed to filter harmful chemical and biological agents, as well as irradiated particles from the air to allow the wearer to breathe safely. No protective masks filter out gases such as carbon monoxide, and in situations requiring that level of protection, external breathing apparatus is employed.
  • Mask carrier – Protects the mask from damage. It is usually worn as part of battle gear for easy access and usually contains a technical manual, extra filter, spare parts, chemical detection papers, and nerve agent antidote kits (NAAK).
  • Over garments – Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) Specially designed clothing to be worn over the normal uniform. These garments are designed to allow maximum airflow for cooling while keeping chemical and biological agents from reaching the skin of the wearer. Some are equipped with a charcoal lining to neutralize some agents. Military personnel often equip over garments with strips of M9 Detector Paper to identify chemical agents on the battlefield they might come in contact with.
  • M9 Detector paper is worn to detect chemical liquid agents that a service member may brush against while in MOPP gear. It is worn in three different areas of the suit: the bicep of the dominant arm, the wrist of the opposite arm, and the shin of the dominant leg. It is also placed on lower levels of vehicles for detection purposes.[citation needed]
  • Gloves and overboots – (JSLIST) Highly durable rubber, designed with combat operations in mind. Used to prevent contact with agents.