Which statement correctly describes the deployment characteristics of OC gel compared to OC spray?

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

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how the delivery method changes where the agent goes and how it behaves once deployed. OC gel is thick enough to stick to the target’s face and mucous membranes, so it doesn’t ride on a lot of airborne particles. This means there’s less drift, but you have to be closer to the subject to ensure the gel actually contacts the eyes and other exposed areas. OC spray, by contrast, releases a fine mist that can travel with the air, creating a broader plume and more drift. You can reach the target from a greater distance, but there’s a higher chance of exposure to bystanders and to the operator if wind shifts.

Because these differences affect how you aim, how close you must be, and how you manage safety and decontamination, training needs vary between the two delivery methods. The statement that describes gel adhering more with less drift and requiring closer range, while spray provides broader dispersion and greater drift with training differences applying, captures these real-world deployment characteristics accurately.