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Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment, or MOLLE (pronounced /ˈmɒl.liː/ MOL-lee), is the current generation of load-bearing equipment used by a number of NATO armed forces, especially the British Army and the United States Army since the late 1990s. MOLLE uses the Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing equipment – rows of heavy-duty nylon stitched onto the gear – to attach equipment. This method has found use on civilian gear, and as a result, the term MOLLE is used outside the military for PALS-type webbing.

The system's modularity results from the PALS allowing for the attachment of various compatible pouches and accessories. This method of attachment has become a de facto standard for modular tactical gear, replacing the all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment (ALICE) system used in the earliest modular vest systems, which is still in use with many police forces.^[1]^[2]

History

Even before the introduction of MOLLE, a light system of load-carrying equipment had been developed. Known as the Individual Integrated Fighting System (IIFS) and also LBV-88, it was intended to replace the older All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE). The IIFS had its roots in the vests used by US Navy SEALS and other special operations forces in Vietnam. Developed at Natick, it consisted of the Individual Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ITLBV) and the Field Pack, Large, Internal Frame (FPLIF). A modified version of the combat field pack from the old Vietnam-era M1967 Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment (MLCE) was adopted for use in the system. Designated the Combat Patrol Pack, it was actually used as a three-day pack for training purposes. The IIFS was meant to be a replacement for the ALICE system in infantry units, though it was intended for ALICE to be used in most others. Attached to the vest were four ammunition pockets for holding 30-round magazines for the M16 rifle. Though the IIFS did not live up to its expected purpose, it did lay the groundwork for future equipment.

MOLLE was developed at Natick labs in the mid-1990s following the IIFS's introduction. Army leadership believed that the PALS system now presented an opportunity to completely change the way equipment was made. It was conceived as a lighter and more durable system for carrying equipment, and would lighten the soldier's load. The MOLLE system was introduced in 1997, but did not see widespread issue until after the September 11 attacks in 2001, and was used by U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Early criticisms of the MOLLE system emerged, particularly from the Army. Many of these criticisms have centered on the sustainment-load pack and frame, due to the external plastic frame being too fragile and subject to breaking in the field (since mitigated), that the zippers have a tendency to burst when stuffed full and that the pack's straps lack sufficient length to be used with bulky body armor.^[2] The first generation of this system used a ball and socket joint between the frame and rucksack belt (which in itself formed the waistbelt of the MOLLE vest). This method led to numerous lower back injuries due to the ball (mounted on the frame) missing the socket on the waistbelt and hurting the user's body. Subsequent redesign of the SDS MOLLE led to the deletion of this feature and the vest (FLC) and ruck/frame became separate non-integral items.

Design

The term MOLLE is technically only used to describe the specific system manufactured by Specialty Defense Systems, but is also casually used interchangeably to describe generically all load bearing systems and subsystems that utilize the woven PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) webbing for modular pouch attachment (though PALS is proprietary to Natick Labs, most use MOLLE and PALS interchangeably). Derivatives based on the MOLLE attachment method (such as the Tactical Tailor MALICE clip system) have also been developed. Any system that utilizes modular attachment methods and is usable with U.S. general issue MOLLE components is often considered "MOLLE-compatible" or is called a "MOLLE" system. Increasingly, non-military manufacturers are incorporating PALS onto outdoor equipment.

There are three general modes of attachment in the MOLLE arena; the "Natick Snap", which uses a polyethylene reinforced webbing strap with the 'pushthedot' snap fastener for security; the polymer "Malice" clip, developed by Tactical Tailor as an alternative to the Natick Snap concept, which interweaves like the Natick Snap but terminates in a semi-permanent closure that requires a screwdriver or other flat-tipped object to disengage; and a variety of attachments that fall into the "Weave & Tuck" category, in which the end of an interwoven strap is tucked into an item's backing after attachment to a vest or pack (Paraclete's SofStrap and Spec Ops Brand's hybrid attachment).

The PALS grid consists of horizontal rows of 25 mm (1 in) webbing, spaced 25 mm apart, and attached to the backing at 40 mm (1.5 in) intervals.^[3] The stitchings are spaced 38 mm (1.5 in) apart, with a range of 35–40 mm (1.4–1.6 in) usually considered acceptable in practice.^{[citation needed]}

Components

Tactical assault panel: The Tactical Assault Panel (TAP) replaces the fighting load carrier (FLC). It is a bib-like chest rig that can be used alone or mounted on the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) or Soldier Plate Carrier System.^[4] The TAP is covered with PALS webbing and storage for up to eight rifle magazines (six 5.56 magazines + two 7.62 NATO magazines or eight 5.56 magazines).^[5]
Assault pack: The Assault Pack is a backpack with 2000 cubic inches (32L) of storage space.
Medium rucksack: The Medium Rucksack is an external frame rucksack with 3000 cubic inches (50L) of storage space. It is designed to be worn over body armor and supports loads up to 60 lbs. It features a large main compartment with internal dividers for items like the hydration system, 60mm mortar rounds, along with a harness for ASIP radios. Two smaller compartments are located outside the main compartment. The pack is adorned in PALS webbing.
Large rucksack: The Large Rucksack is an external frame rucksack with 4000 cubic inches (65L) of storage space. It features a large main compartment with an internal divider between the upper and lower half for organizing loads. It is covered with PALS webbing, and ALICE webbing on the side to support legacy items such as the 2 quart canteen pouch. It is highly adjustable for comfort and load distribution.
Hydration bladder: Plastic 3.0 L (100 US fl oz) hydration bladder to supplement the 0.95 L (1 US qt) and 4.7 L (5 US qt) canteens for on-the-go hydration.^[1]
Modular pouches: Pouches of various utility that can be attached wherever PALS webbing exists. One type is a "sustainment pouch", which holds three MREs.^[1] The various MOLLE pouches are commonly used to carry ammunition, gas masks, batons, flares, grenades, canteens, handcuffs and pepper spray, and custom pouches include PALS-compatible pistol holders, hydration pouches and utility pouches. These pouches are normally secured through the use of straps, alice clips or speedclips.