MCU-2A/P PROTECTIVE MASK
and suspenders which cross the shoulders and tie in the
front. Hook and pile fasteners are located at the waist
The latest variant in the MCU-2/P mask series is
and at the bottom of each leg for adjustment. The CPO
the MCU-2A/P mask (fig. 9-1). It contains the same
comes in four sizes--small, medium, large, and
features as the MCU-2/P mask and, with
ex t r a - l a rg e . T h e w e a r t i m e i n a c o n t a m i n a t e d
modifications, may be integrated into the ship's
environment is 6 hours. In an uncontaminated
Interior Voice Communications System (IVCS) and
environment, the CPO has a total cumulative wear time
the Flight Deck Communications System. The priority
of 100 hours within 30 days after opening the
for issue of MCU-2A/P masks is as follows:
protective packages in which it is issued.
1.
Flight deck supervisory personnel
The chemical protective ensemble (CPE), as
shown in figure 9-2, consists of the CPO plus a
2.
Personnel at general quarters (GQ) stations
protective mask, and a pair of boots and gloves.
outside collective protection system (CPS)
Total Protection (TP) zones who require access
to IVCS
HOOD
3.
Remaining flight deck personnel
(ATTACHED T O
SMOCK)
MCU-2/P O R
4.
Personnel at GQ stations inside of CPS TP
MCU-2A/P MASK
zones who require access to IVCS
CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE
OVERGARMENT
SMOCK
The chemical protective overgarment (CPO) is
made of material that is permeable to water vapor; that
is, it allows the escape of moisture from perspiration.
BUTYL RUBBER
This design reduces heat stress on the wearer but will
GLOVES
not prevent it entirely in a hot climate.
The function of the CPO is to protect the wearer
from threat levels of chemical agents in liquid form and
HOOK AND PILE
from the associated vapor. The inner antigas layer
TROUSERS
F ASTENERS
contains activated charcoal to entrap chemical agent
vapors. The outer layer that is made of modacrylic
nylon repels an unthickened chemical agent or spreads
CHEMICAL
PROTECTIVE
the agent over a wider surface area. This spreading
FOOTWEAR
process is called wicking. It enhances the evaporation
COVERS
of the liquid agent so less of it is absorbed and reaches
DCf0902
the inner antigas layer. Thickened agent will not spread
very much, so it must be wiped off.
Figure 9-2. Chemical protective ensemble (CPE).
The chemical protective overgarment (CPO)
consists of two pieces--a smock with an attached hood
Advanced Chemical Protective Garment
and trousers. The smock and trousers are generously
cut to fit over the general duty uniform. The smock has
The advanced chemical protective garment
a back gusset to allow freedom of movement. There is a
(ACPG) is an overgarment that is worn over the duty
large front flap pocket for storing Atropine Auto
uniform or underwear. It is made of material that
Injectors, Pralidoxime Chloride Auto Injectors
allows water vapor to escape. This design allows
( 2 PA M - C L ) , N e r v e A g e n t P r e t r e a t m e n t
perspiration to pass through which reduces heat stress
P y r i d o s t i g m i n e ( NA P P ) , a n d t h e M 2 9 1 S k i n
but does not eliminate it entirely in warm weather. The
Decontamination Kit. The smock also has a sleeve
ACPG provides protection against chemical agents in
patch for securing detector paper. The smock can be
liquid, vapor, and aerosol form. Details of the ACPG
adjusted with hook and pile fasteners at the wrist and
waist. The trousers have a front gusset for ease of fit
are covered in NSTM, chapter 470.
9-4
