MOLLE (military)

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MOLLE gear

MOLLE, pronounced like Molly, the feminine name, is an acronym for MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It is used to define the current generation of load bearing equipment and rucksacks utilized by the United States Army. The system's modularity is derived from the use of PALS webbing, rows of heavy-duty nylon stitched onto the vest as to allow for attachment of various MOLLE-compatible pouches and accessories. This method of attachment has become somewhat of a standard for all quality modular military gear, replacing the click and stick system used in the earliest modular vest systems (which is still in use with most Western police departments). It is produced for the United States Government under contract by several contractors, such as Blackhawk, Eagle and Specialty Defense.

1 Components of the MOLLE System
2 MOLLE
3 Evolution of Program and Criticisms
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Components of the MOLLE System

Load Bearing Vest (Vest body with loops for one of two types of modular belt)

MOLLE Generation 2 Modular Load Bearing Vest, Fighting Load Carrier (FLC) (Modular belt permanently incorporated into vest)
MOLLE Rucksack and Rucksack Frame (PALs webbing stitched at places to allow for additional pouches)
Pouches of various utility that can be attached wherever PALs webbing exists.

[edit] MOLLE

The term MOLLE is used not only to describe the specific system manufactured by Speciality Defense Systems, but is used interchangeably to generically describe all load bearing systems and subsystems that utilize the woven PALs (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) webbing for modular pouch attachment (though MOLLE is proprietary to Natick Labs, most use MOLLE and PALs interchangeably). Derivatives based upon the MOLLE attachment method (such as the Tactical Tailor MALICE clip system) have also been developed. Any system which utilizes modular attachment methods and is useable with U.S. general issue MOLLE components is often considered "MOLLE-compatible" or is called a "MOLLE" system. More and more non-military manufacturers are incorporating MOLLE technology into outdoor equipment.

There are three general modes of attachment in the MOLLE arena, they are "Natick Snap", that uses a polyethlyene reinforced webbing strap with the 'pushthedot' snap for security. There is the polymer "Malice" clip developed by Tactical Tailor as an alternative to the Natick Snap concept, interweaves like the Natick Snap, but terminates in a semi-permanent closure that requires a screwdriver/flat tipped object to disengage. Finally there are 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).

[edit] Evolution of Program and Criticisms

The MOLLE system was introduced in 1997. However it did not see widespread issue until after the September 11, 2001 attacks and was used by U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan and, later, Iraq. Early criticisms of the MOLLE system emerged, particularly from the Army. Most of these criticisms have centered on the sustainment-load pack & frame, due to the external plastic frame being too fragile and subject to breaking for 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 easily accommodate body armor. Further, the first generation of this system utilized a "ball & socket" interface between the frame and rucksack belt (which in itself formed the waistbelt of the MOLLE vest). This interface method led to numerous lower back injuries due to the ball (mounted on the frame) missing the socket interface on the waistbelt and impacting the user's body. Subsequent redesign of the SDS MOLLE led to the deletion of this "feature" and thus the vest (FLC) and ruck/frame were separate non-integral items.

The USMC wanted a larger load-bearing capability, a smaller overall volume, the ability to carry 60 mm and 81 mm mortar rounds external to the pack, and a simpler overall layout and organization of the system's parts. As of 2004, the Marine Corps has adopted a new off-the-shelf pack design by Arc'teryx and has begun introducing it into the fleet as the ILBE, or "Improved Load Bearing Equipment".