G.I. Joe Mopp Marine

Description

G.I. Joe Mopp Marine:

G.I. Joe 2000 Delta Force Assortment Mopp Marine Figure. Desert Storm 10th Anniversary. Equipment List: M16 A2 rifle, Helmet with cover, Ammo belt and harness, Canteen, 2 large ammo pouches, 2 small ammo pouches, M.O.P.P. trousers, M.O.P.P. coat, M.O.P.P. overboots, M.O.P.P. M40 mask and hood, 3 chemical detector strips, Dog tags. Please note: the ethnic variation is randomly packed; consequently the item received may be Caucasian or African American.

As modern warfare enters into a new era, new and more powerful weapons of mass destruction pose an even greater threat to America's Marines. One of the greatest dangers on the battlefield of today is the presence of advanced chemical and biological weapons. Such agents are extremely lethal, and must be detected quickly in order to make protective measures effective. Marines need to be able to don their protective gear with incredible swiftness, and their gear must not hinder their combat abilities too greatly. In response to these challenges, a system known as Mission Oriented Protective Posture (M.O.P.P.) has been established. This miraculous protective gear was used by U.S. forces during Operation Desert Storm to protect themselves in case of a chemical or biological weapons attack.

Five separate M.O.P.P. levels exist, and as the threat of chemical agents increases, more Chemical Protective Equipment (CPE) is donned to provide a greater level of protection. At M.O.P.P. Level 0, no equipment is worn, but is readily available if an alarm should sound. At M.O.P.P. Level 1, Marines wear the BDO, or battledress overgarment, in addition to a butyl-coated nylon helmet cover. The overgarment consists of an outer cotton layer and an inner layer of charcoal impregnated polyurethane foam. Its permeability traps chemical agents while still allowing some air to pass in and out, which reduces heat buildup. When M.O.P.P. Level 2 is reached, soldiers put on vinyl overboots over their combat footwear. At Level 3, Marines traditionally don the M40 Series Protective Mask, which features an updated design that is more comfortable and improves voice transmission. At M.O.P.P. Level 4 - the final level of protection - soldiers wear Chemical Protective Glove Sets, consisting of impermeable butyl rubber gloves and cotton inner gloves that absorb moisture. Outer gloves come in various thicknesses, depending on the type of combat duties a soldier must perform. Regardless of what M.O.P.P. level, each Marine is equipped with special chemical detection strips which are wrapped around the arms and legs. By changing color, these valuable detection strips can warn the M.O.P.P. Marine of the presence of chemical agents in the air. Marines under M.O.P.P. procedures face many difficulties besides the weapons used against them. Problems with communication, speech, hearing and vision increase with each level. Dehydration, stress, fatigue, claustrophobia and impaired judgement also become factors Marines must cope with in battle.

In the Gulf War, the US was very concerned that Iraq might use chemical weapons. During Iraqi SCUD missile attacks against coalition bases, US forces donned chemical protective clothing in response to attack warnings or sirens. Throughout the ground combat phase, many Marine Corps forces at the front were at some increased MOPP level. This G.I. Joe figure is equipped with what would be the equivalent of M.O.P.P. level 4 protection. The green camo pattern of the B.D.O. is no mistake. During the onset of Desert Storm, the Marines were not prepared for a large-scale desert chemical threat. Hence, many soldiers were initially issued green camouflage B.D.O.'s as seen on this figure.