In addition to the degradation caused by fear, fatigue, and loss of sleep, there is a severe loss of effectiveness caused from operating in MOPP4. When soldiers are enclosed in full NBC protective gear, leadership judgment is degraded, communications are less effective, and information flow between units is reduced. The rate of performance degradation must be slowed. Listed below are methods the mortar leader can use to slow degradation and to prepare to fight sustained operations. Prepare Individual Soldiers.
Preventive measures are often more effective for keeping groups healthy and active.
They include improving or maintaining good physical condition, balanced nutrition, good personal hygiene, and immunizations. Good leadership is the key to sustained unit performance. The leader must bring out the best efforts of his subordinates. Set High Standards. Success during sustained operations demands the highest standards of military expertise.