What are the deployment considerations differences between OC spray and OC gel?

• A. Gel and spray have identical dispersion characteristics.
• B. Gel adheres more to the face with less drift but requires closer range.
• C. Spray yields broader dispersion and greater drift.
• D. Gel adheres more to the face with less drift but requires closer range; spray yields broader dispersion and greater drift; training differences apply.

Answer: (D)

Dispersion, drift, and range are the key deployment considerations when choosing OC spray versus OC gel. Gel’s thick, viscous formulation tends to cling to the target’s face, producing less wind-driven drift and more localized contact. Because the gel needs to contact the skin and eyes to be effective, it generally requires closer proximity to the target. In contrast, OC spray forms a fine aerosol that can travel with air currents, leading to broader dispersion and greater drift, which increases the risk of exposure to bystanders and calls for careful wind-aware aiming and larger safety margins. Because these deployment differences affect how the tool is used and trained, training protocols differ accordingly. So the combination of gel’s facial adherence with less drift at closer range, spray’s broader dispersion and greater drift, and the need for training adaptations best captures the practical deployment considerations.