Whatever the US is using...?

I dunno...either US, German, or Israeli-made sounds about right. The israelis have to worry about it a bit more than the rest of us, though.

WEll, wad about those used in the Iraq war? Does the US Army use any gas amsk in the Iraq war?

U.S . Army uses the M40 and older M17A2. The M17A2 is quickly fading from service and the M40 is filling in the slots.

M40 (MOPP 4 Ready)


M17A2 (MOPP 4 Ready)



The big difference is the filters. The M17 has internal cheek filters that won't stop any chemical or biological agents containing oil or moisture, the M40 will. Also the M40 uses the new NATO standard fliters, and a varity o others.

Does the M40 goes on the face or over the entire head?

Originally Posted by zander_0633

Does the M40 goes on the face or over the entire head?

The mask itself goes just over the face, but with MOPP on it goes to the ears, then the hood goes ovr the rest of the head.

So is a gas mask that covers the whole head better or one that covers only the face?

Originally Posted by zander_0633

So is a gas mask that covers the whole head better or one that covers only the face?

Depends on the situation and types of chemical or biological agents used.

The U.S. Military has a system called MOPP or Mission Oriented Protective Posture.

There are four levels of MOPP;

MOPP Level 0 -- None of the protective clothing and equipment is worn, but it is readily available.
MOPP Level 1 -- The overgarment and helmet cover are worn.
MOPP Level 2 -- Overboots are added.
MOPP Level 3 -- Chemical protective mask and hood are added. At this point personnel are completely encapsulated.
MOPP Level 4 -- Butyl rubber gloves are added.

Here's a picture of a soldier full cald with MOPP gear.





Here is also a link on MOPP
http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/mopp/fig1.htm

Would that make the solider very hot in the whole suit?? BTW how long does it take for a normal solider to wear the whole thing, everyting?

Originally Posted by zander_0633

Would that make the solider very hot in the whole suit?? BTW how long does it take for a normal solider to wear the whole thing, everyting?

Well it depends on what level you are at and what type of agents are being used.

Yes, it is very hot in MOPP gear, if you want to know just ask a soldier that was with the ground forces that first entered Iraq back in 2003.

haha. Besides the suit, is there any other "cooler"options?