Last Update 12/15/03
NBC Chemical Suits (MOPP Gear)
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Last Update 12/15/03
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A soldier's mission-oriented protection posture (MOPP) gear protects against NBC contamination. It consists of the overgarment, mask, hood, overboots, protective gloves, individual decon kits, detection equipment, and antidotes. Before soldiers can protect themselves against NBC hazards, they must first know what individual protective equipment is available and its capabilities. Various armies of the world use different types of chemical protective clothing for individual protection. Several types are available in the US Army. The type depends on the protection required, but all fall within two major divisions: permeable and impermeable.
Permeable clothing allows air and moisture to pass through the fabric.
Impermeable clothing does not. An example of impermeable clothing is the special butyl rubber suits worn by some explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) soldiers and decon soldiers. Most troops use permeable suits. These are known as battledress overgarments (BDOs).
The
BDO is a camouflage colored, woodland or desert, expendable two-piece overgarment
consisting of one coat and one pair of trousers (figure 1-1). The overgarment
material consists of an outer layer of nylon cotton and an inner layer of charcoal
impregnated polyurethane foam.
Jacket has full length brass zipper with 1-1/2 inch storm flap, two 5" x 6" chest pockets, elastic wrist cuffs and drawstring waist.
The trousers have two 7" x 9" cargo pockets with hook loop closures, brass zipper with snap flap, each leg has a larger zipper opening for easy on and off plus drawstring at the ankles, 1-1/2" belt loops, suspender loop, and waist adjust tabs.
Due to heavy impregnation of charcoal, some charcoal may be deposited on skin and clothing under the BDO; however, this will not detract from the BDOs chemical protective characteristics nor harm the wearer. The BDO presently comes sealed in a vapor-barrier bag that protects against rain, moisture, and sunlight. The BDO is water resistant, but not water proof and is normally worn as an outer garment. The BDO is normally worn over the duty uniform; however, in high temperatures it may be worn over underwear.
In extreme cold weather environments, the BDO should be worn between layer 2 (bib overall, cold weather shirt, and trouser liner) and layer 3 (coat liner and field trousers) of the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS). In extreme cold weather environments, the BDO is sized to wear over artic/extreme cold weedier environmental clothing; however, mission requirements may dictate that the BDO be worn under artic clothing. For example, soldiers may need to wear a white artic outergarment to help ensure needed cover and concealment.
Protection Capabilities.
The
BDO provides protection against chemical agent vapors, liquid droplets; biological
agents; toxins; and radioactive alpha and beta particles. When the BDO is removed
from its vapor-barrier bag and worn, its protective qualities last for a minimum
of 30 days. It is recommended that the BDO be replaced after 30 clays; however,
the weartime may be extended by the commander when operationally necessary.
BDOs worn longer than 30 days presents a slightly increased risk to the wearer; however, the key to BDO effectiveness at anytime during wear, is its serviceability. The slightly increased risk that is incurred by wearing the BDO past 30 days is discussed in chapter 3, Chemical Overgarment Risk Assessment.
Weartime for the BDO begins when it is removed from its sealed vapor-barrier bag, and stops when the BDO is sealed back in its vapor-barrier bag. If the original vapor-barrier bag is not available, return the BDO to a similar material bag and seal with common duct tape,
Donning of the BDO regardless of the time, equates to a day of wear. Extending the weartime for the BDO affords additional flexibility operational and logistical support planning. The BDO provides a minimum of 24 hours of protection against exposure to liquid or vapor chemical agent. Exchange the BDO within 24 hours of exposure to a liquid chemical agent. The BDO is not designed to be decontaminated or reimpregnated for reuse.
Serviceability.
The BDO becomes unserviceable if it is ripped, torn, fastener broken or missing, or petroleum, oils, or lubricants are spilled or splashed on the garment. For example, if a POL spill on a BDO sleeve or trouser leg soaks through the BDO material, replace the BDO. Further, the BDO remains serviceable if the vapor-barrier bag suffers damage (i.e., pinholes, rips, tears), provided the overgarment has not been physically damaged or exposed to water, POL spills, or chemical agents.
When any packaging leaks are discovered, seal/repair them as soon as possible. Common duct tape provides an appropriate and expedient way to repair the vapor-barrier bag. Sealing the bag, protects the BDO from direct exposure to moisture, smoke, and fuel solvent vapors which can jeopardize the BDO protective qualities; however, if the original vapor-barrier bag is no longer available to the soldier for overgarment storage, use a replacement storage bag that, as a minimum, is water resistant or water repellent.
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Equipment Bag.
The NBC equipment bag is designed to consolidate and transport the CPOG, chemical protective gloves, and chemical protective boots. The bag is constructed of an abrasion-resistant nylon and incorporates a unique closure system, using velcro, two compression straps, and quick release buckles for protection from the outside cargo tie-down straps for attachment to the current developmental load-carrying equipment (LCE).
The
CPOG is a plain OD green expendable two-piece overgarment consisting of one
coat and a pair of trousers (figure 1-2). The jacket has a full length zipper
opening covered by a protective flap. The trousers have a fly front, and zipper
closure on the lower outside section of each leg. The CPOG is made of material
having an outer layer of nylon cotton and an inner layer of charcoal impregnated
polyurethane foam.
Due to the heavy impregnation of charcoal, some charcoal will be deposited on the skin and clothing under the overgarment; however, this will not detract from the chemical protective characteristics of the suit nor harm the wearer. The CPOG comes sealed in a vapor-barrier bag that protects against rain, moisture, and sunlight. To protect the protective qualities of the CPOG against rain, wet weather gear should be worn over the overgarment.
The CPOG is normally worn over the duty uniform; however, in high temperature it may be worn over underwear. In extreme cold weather, the CPOG is sized to wear over arctic extreme cold weather environmental clothing; however, mission requirements may dictate that the CPOG can be worn under arctic clothing. For example, soldiers may need to wear a white arctic outergarment to help ensure needed cover and concealment.
Protection
Capabilities.
The CPOG provides protection against chemical agent vapors, liquid droplets; biological agents; toxins; and radioactive alpha and beta particles. When the CPOG is removed from its vapor-barrier bag, its protective qualities last for a minimum of 14 days.
It is recommended that the CPOG be replaced after 14 days; however, the weartimes may be extended by the commander when operationally necessary. CPOG worn longer than 14 days present a slightly increased risk to the wearer; however, the key to CPOG effectiveness at anytime during its wear, is its serviceability. The slightly increased risk that is incurred by wearing the CPOG past 14 days is discussed in chapter 3, Chemical Overgarment Risk Assessment.
Weartime for the CPOG begins when it is removed from its sealed vapor-barrier bag, and stops when the CPOG is sealed back in its vapor-barrier bag. If the original vapor-barrier bag is not available, return the CPOG to a similar material (i.e. water proof) bag and seal with common duct tape (for example, double plastic trash bags are a possibility). Donning of the CPOG, regardless of time, equates to a day of wear. Extending the weartime for the CPOG affords additional flexibility in operational and logistical support planning. The CPOG provides a minimum of 6 hours of protection against exposure to liquid or vapor chemical agents. Exchange the CPOG within 6 hours of exposure to a liquid chemical agent. The CPOG is not designed to be decontaminated or reimpregnated for reuse.
Serviceability.
The CPOG becomes unserviceable if it is ripped, tom, fasteners broken or missing, or petroleum, oils, or lubricants are spilled or splashed on the garment. For example, if a POL spill on a CPOG sleeve or trouser leg soaks through the CPOG material, replace the CPOG. Further, the overgarment remains serviceable if the CPOG vapor-barrier bag suffers damage (i.e., pinholes, rips, tears), provided the overgarment has not been physically damaged or exposed to water, POL spills, or chemical agents.
When any packaging leaks are discovered, seal/repair them as soon as possible. Common duct tape provides an appropriate and expedient way to repair the vapor-barrier bag. Sealing the bag protects the CPOG from direct exposure to moisture, smoke, and fuel solvent vapor which can jeopardize the CPOGs protective qualities; however, if the original vapor-barrier bag is no longer available to the soldier for overgarment storage, use a replacement bag that, as a minimum, is water resistant or water repellent. For example, the water proof bag can be used for storage.
Description.
The GVO is a plain Olive Drab (OD) Vinyl green overshoe with elastic fasteners. The GVO can be used to protect the wearer against NBC agents or rain, mud, or snow (environmental effects). The black vinyl overshoe (BVO) has been recently typed classified, and can also be used for NBC protection. The BVO is very similar to the GVO, except for the change in color and black enlarged tabs on each elastic fastener.
Protection Capability.
Soldiers wear the green or black vinyl overshoe (GVO/BVO) over their combat boots (figure 1-4) to protect feet from contamination by all known agents, vectors, and radiological particles for a minimum of 14 days. Protection continues past 14 days provided the GVO/BVO remains serviceable. Wearing the GVO/BVO with combat boots provides 24 hours of protection against all known agents, following contamination. Decontaminate the GVO/BVO with a 5 % bleach and water solution or a 5 % HTH and water solution. If the GVO/BVO shows signs of deterioration following decontamination (e.g., cracks, tears, punctures, rubber becomes sticky), replace the boots. See FM 3-5 for information on decontamination of the GVO during the deliberate decontamination process.
Serviceability.
Inspect GVOs regularly to ensure their integrity is maintained, and replace if cracks, tears, or punctures are found. Continuous contact with DS2 will, over time, degrade the GVO/BVO. If DS2 gets on the GVO/BVO, rinse it with bleach and water at the earliest possible time.
Description.
These boots are called "Elf Boots" for obvious reasons. The CPFCs are impermeable and have unsupported butyl rubber soles and butyl uppers. Two variations are in the field. One has a single heal flap, and the other has the newer fishtail double heel flap. Donning instructions vary for each type. Check instructions before donning.
Soldiers wear the chemical protective footwear cover (overboots) (figure 1-1) over their combat boots. The CPFC are being replaced by the GVO/BVOs as stocks become available.
Protection Capabilities.
The overboots protect feet from contamination by all known chemical agents, vectors, and radiological dust particles for a minimum of 24 hours as long as they remain serviceable. The overboot can be decontaminated using a 5% bleach and water solution or a 5% HTH and water solution. If the CPFC shows signs of deterioration following decontamination (e. g., rips, tears, torn laces, rubber becomes sticky), replace the footwear covers. See FM 3-5 for information on decontamination of the footwear cover during the deliberate decontamination process.
Serviceability.
When wearing the overboot, avoid tearing or puncturing them. Tears and punctures can happen when soldiers traverse rough terrain. The laces may catch on protrusions, such as are found on tanks, causing the boots to rip. Replace the overboot if it is punctured or torn.
Description.
A glove set consists of an outer glove for protection and an inner glove for perspiration absorption. The outer gloves are made of an impermeable, black, butyl rubber. The inner gloves are made of thin, white cotton. These inner gloves can be worn on either hand. If either outer glove is punctured or torn, replace the pair of gloves. When engaged in heavy work or during cold weather, soldiers should wear standard work gloves or black shells over the butyl rubber gloves to protect them from damage. The gloves comes in three thickness; 7, 14, and 25 mil. The 7 mil glove set is used by soldiers such as medical, teletypist, and electronic repair personnel whose tasks require extreme tactility and/or sensitivity and will not expose the gloves to harsh treatment. The 14 mil glove set is used by soldiers such as aviators, vehicle mechanics and weapon crews whose task require tactility and sensitivity and will not expose the gloves to harsh treatment. Use of more durable 25 mil glove set is for soldiers who perform close combat tasks and other types of heavy labor.
Protection Capabilities.
The glove protects against liquid chemical agents and vapor hazards as long as they remain serviceable. If the 14 and 25 mil glove set becomes contaminated with liquid chemical agent, decontaminate or replace them, within 24 hours after exposure. If the 7 mil glove set becomes contaminated, replace or decontaminate within 6 hours after exposure. The contaminated gloves may be decontaminated with a 5 % bleach and water solution or a 5 % HTH and water solution and reused indefinitely as long as they remain serviceable. The gloves also keep biting insect vectors and radioactive fallout away from the hands. See FM 3-5 for procedures on decontamination of gloves during the deliberate decontamination process.
Serviceability.
Exposure of the rubber to DS2, break-free, antiseize compound or any other petroleum-based products attacks the gloves rubber polymers and makes them very sticky. Avoid contact with these material if possible. However, replace the glove if the rubber is sticky. Use bleach and water to remove these compounds from the rubber gloves as soon as possible. See below for a means to determine glove serviceability.
Serviceability Test
To determine if a glove set is damaged or serviceable, either fill the gloves with air and submerge in water or fill the glove with water and look for water leaks. The preferred method for determining serviceability is to fill the glove with air and submerge it in water. Prior to submerging the glove in water, hold the base of the glove with both hands (using thumb and index fingers). With the glove fingers hanging downward, rotate the glove several times ensuring an air pocket is formed below the palm. Holding the inflated glove in one hand, squeeze the glove and examine for escaping air and then submerge in water. If bubbles escape, the glove is unserviceable.
This cover protects the personnel armor-system ground troop (PASGT) helmet from chemical and biological contamination. The cover is a piece of butyl-coated nylon cloth gathered at the edge by an elastic web enclosed in the hem. It is an olive green, one size fits all cover. It is designed to keep chemical and biological agents from penetrating the kevlar helmet and the helmet cover.
The
suit, contamination avoidance and liquid protective (SCALP) is a four-piece
suit consisting of jacket, trousers, and two footwear covers. The base cloth
material is of high density polyethylene fibers, and the footwear covers have
embossed polyethylene soles for durability and slip resistance. The jacket is
a pullover design with an integral hood and covers the head, chest, and arms.
An opening is provided for the facepiece of the individual protective mask.
Two drawstrings, each with a barrelock, secure the hood to the facepiece, and
latex bands secure sleeves around the wrists. The trousers contain a drawstring
with a barrelock at the waist and latex bands on the legs to secure them around
the ankles. The footwear covers consist of polyethylene soles and latex bands
in the upper portion to secure them to the legs.
The SCALP jacket/trousers are issued separately from the SCALP footwear covers since the sizing systems are independent of one another. The SCALP, being a disposable, lightweight, impermeable suit, is worn over the BDO, CPOG or CPU/duty uniform to provide additional protection from gross liquid contamination for periods up to one hour. The primary users are armor and EOD personnel and personnel in collective protection who may, by necessity, be forced to leave that collective protection to perform some vital maintenance or reconnaissance function. In such situations, the SCALP will also reduce reentry time. A secondary use of the SCALP is to protect decontamination personnel from being soaked during decontamination operations. Commanders must be aware that wearing the SCALP over the BDO will place additional burden on the soldier, increasing heat stress problems already associated with wearing the BDO. The SCALP weighs approximately 1.5 pounds.
The aircrew uniform integrated battlefield (AUIB) is a standard combat uniform for aircrews designed to replace both the CPOG, BDO, and Nomex flight suit. The AUIB provides NBC protection and protection against flames. It is a two-piece chemical protective uniform with a protective curtain and stand-up collar. The collar closes with a hook-and-pile tape. The suit has a slide fastener front closure with protective flap and a gusseted fastener leg closure for quick and easy donning and doffing. The wrists and ankles have hook-and-pile adjustments to ensure a tighter fit. Chest pockets are side openings for easy access when the safety harness is in use. Side thigh and calf pockets have bellows on one side for easy access. Insulated pockets for atropine injectors are provided on the upper sleeve. All pockets are lined with butyl rubber.
The toxicological agent protective (TAP) apron is intended for personnel whose duties may bring them into contact with liquid chemical agents: for example, those who work with toxic munitions, perform decontamination in a field environment, handle contaminated clothing and equipment at a decontamination site, and handle and treat chemical agent casualties. On the battlefield, the TAP apron provides chemical decontamination units added protection when conducting extended decontamination operations. See FM 3-5 for further information on the use of the TAP apron during decontamination operations.
US Miltary Protective NBC Chemical Suits (MOPP Gear): Any suit made before 1987 is useless as NBC protection. Suits made from 1987-1990 have been granted a 14-year shelf-life extension if stored in a cool-dry climate out of direct sunlight. EXCEPTIONS are listed in the defective equipment page. The following NSN series have been granted a 14-year from date-of-manufacture shelf life: 8415-01-137-17XX,8415-01-327-53XX, 8415-01-324-30XX.
| If Worn Over Underwear (Summer) | If Worn Over Coat And Trousers (Warm Weather) | If Worn Over Coat And Trousers (Mens Field Wear - Cold Weather) | If Worn Over Parka And Trousers (Mens Artic Wear - Extreme Cold Weather) | |
| Waist (inches) | ||||
| 19 | XXX-S | XXX-S | XX-S | X-S |
| 23 | XXX-S | XX-S | X-S | S |
| 27 | XX-S | X-S | S | M |
| 31 | X-S | S | M | L |
| 35 | S | M | L | X-L |
| 39 | M | L | X-L | XX-L |
| 43 | L | X-L | XX-L | XX-L |
| 47 | X-L | XX-L | XX-L | XX-L |
These CPOG and BDO chemical suits are selling for about $35.00 to $50.00 on
Ebay . Just type in chemical
suit in the search window. They are also available at many military surplus
stores. You can also get the chemical suit with the "elf" boots and
gloves as one package for about $75.00 on Ebay
. Make sure you read the above section about shelf life before you buy, ask
the seller what the NSN is to be sure you don't get ripped off.
Army
Field Manuals on NBC - Great info on the chemical suits and NBC.
Camohunter.com
- Sell the chemical suits.
Ebay - Just type what
your after into the search window. Make sure you use a credit card so you don't
get burned. DO NOT send a personal check, cashier's check or money order. I
have used PayPal and Bill Point to order items on Ebay and they work good.
Lab Safety - Carry
chemical suits and gas masks/respirators.
If you know any good survival or chemical suit links please email at 
so
we can add them to the list. Thanks.
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