MALS-29 exercise prepares Marines for MOPP

Photo By Cpl. Abigail Brown | Lance Cpl. James McCartney, a CH-53E Super Stallion engine mechanic with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29, works on an engine during a Mission Oriented Protective Posture Familiarization Training, Sept. 15. The participating Marines did their normal job while adjusting to the changing MOPP levels as the training progressed.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, UNITED STATES

09.15.2011

Story by Cpl. Abigail Brown 

Marine Corps Installations East       

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. – More than 80 Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 participated in Mission Oriented Protective Posture familiarization training at their squadron hangar at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Sept. 15.

Participating Marines conducted their routine jobs while wearing appropriate MOPP gear for the simulated changing conditions. As the training progressed, Marines would receive e-mail notifications of what level of MOPP gear to wear.

MOPP levels range from 0-4 and Marines progress from having gear accessible to fully suiting in a mask, chemical protective undergarment, over garment, vinyl over-boots and gloves—depending on the threat.

“It’s going to be hot, a little harder to breathe and harder to move while you’re in the suit,” said Cpl. Benjamin Franklin, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Defense non-commissioned officer in charge for Marine Aircraft Group 29. “This training will give you the opportunity to acclimatize to doing your job in the suit.”

The semi-annual training keeps Marines proficient with their MOPP gear.

“This allows them to understand and overcome the stresses and challenges of operating in a working environment, while wearing MOPP gear,” said Staff Sgt. Charles Trim, a quality assurance representative with MALS-29. “It’s always a struggle the first time someone operates in extra gear, but the more experience they get, the easier it is.”

To make the training more realistic, Marines were given set time limits to put their gear on like they would in a nuclear, biological and chemical environment, while supervised by training and CBRND specialists, said Sgt. Nathan Roberts, training non-commissioned officer for MALS-29.

Although only required to do the training twice a year by Marine Corps Order 3400.3F, the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Training order, MALS-29 is going above and beyond.

“This will be our third time holding the training this year,” Roberts said. “It’s a good reminder for Marines on how to function in a contaminated environment regardless of outside conditions.”

MALS-29 conducts the MOPP training in cycles to complete their mission while ensuring their Marines are proficient with MOPP gear and conditions.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2011
• Date Posted: 10.04.2011 12:36
• Story ID: 77991
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, US