WHITEMAN AFB, MO -- From the inception of the first gas-mask, military members have been wearing protective equipment in high-threat areas.

Initial gas-masks were nothing more than a hood with wet-cloth to filter out chlorine, and can't even compare to the technology used today to protect the modern military war-fighter.

Mission oriented protective posture levels, protect personnel against shemical, biological, radiological and Nuclear threats, while still allowing mission accomplishment.

MOPP levels are used in conjunction with alarm conditions and FPCON levels to direct personnel actions pre-attack, trans-attack, as well as post-attack.

There are five MOPP levels: MOPP 0, MOPP 1, MOPP 2, MOPP 3 and MOPP 4.

In all MOPP levels, field gear and body armor, when issued, will be worn outdoors or when otherwise directed.

Additionally, when wearing the overgarment ensure all zippers, snaps, Velcro® and other closures are fastened.

Individuals need to mark name, rank and USAF with a permanent marker on the front and back of their helmet and hood and jacket.

Personnel need to perform "buddy checks" to make sure gear is being worn properly. M9 tape needs to be placed on the OG and M8, decontamination kits and nerve agent antidotes will be carried.

MOPP 0 is considered the normal operating wartime MOPP level when the enemy has a CBRN capability. When assuming this level, contact lenses should be removed and ensure protective mask spectacles are available for immediate donning. Females will tuck hair into the back of the OG.

When in MOPP 0, personnel should inspect Individual Protective Equipment and be prepared to use it. If directed to assume a higher MOPP, female members should remove hair clips, pins, et cetera, and let their hair and freely before donning their
mask.

While in MOPP 1 or higher, female members should tuck their hair into the back of their
CPO jacket.

When in MOPP 1 the overgarment will be worn. The protective mask, overboots and
gloves will be carried. MOPP 1 is commonly used when attacks could occur with little notice or when contamination is present but does not pose a threat to personnel.

In MOPP 2, individuals will wear the OG and overboots. Protective mask and gloves will
be carried. MOPP 2 will be assumed in Alarm Yellow, unless directed otherwise. This is the most commonly used MOPP Level, as it affords the wearer a higher protective posture and a shorter response time to MOPP 4 when directed.

MOPP 3 is used when a contact hazard or a vapor absorption hazard is present. Personnel will wear the OG, overboots and protective mask, with hood, at this time.
Gloves will be carried and ready for immediate donning. MOPP 3 is rarely ever used by Air Force personnel.

MOPP 4 offers the highest level of protection to personnel. However, it also degrades performance the most. In MOPP 4, the overgarment, overboots, protective mask and gloves are worn. MOPP 4 is assumed when Alarm Red is declared unless directed otherwise. MOPP 4 can be used when attacks are imminent or in progress and also when contamination is present, or suspected to be present.

For further information, see pages 27-33 in AFMAN 10-100 Airman's Manual.