MOLLE is an acronym which means Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It is the current load-bearing system that is utilized by the United States Army. The MOLLE system is a substitute to the ALICE (All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) system. It was established in 1997 but its use was not popular until after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.
The MOLLE system is a completely integrated system which is made up of a load bearing vest along with butt pack, main ruck that has maintainable pouches and also a partition to carry a sleeping bag. The load bearing vest is worn constantly and contains pockets to carry hand grenade or magazine. There is a device that is attached to the vest which is designed to enable the peripheral frame of the main ruck to attach to the waist belt on the vest. This is very advantageous in conveying the load from the shoulders to the hips in order to enable easier carrying and less exhaustion. One of the main parts of the MOLLE system is the nylon mesh vest. This vest is fitted with removable pockets that can be used to facilitate the different carrying needs that are faced in the military. The MOLLE has different amendments so much so that each membercolleague of a squad has one to fit his special needs.
The MOLLE system has advanced in load-carrying abilities. It has a new suspension system along
with heavily-padded, adjustable shoulder straps to make carrying easier and more comfortable. The waist belt is also adjustable to different lengths so that more weight is concentrated at the shoulders and the hips. The MOLLE has a Fighting Load Carrier (FLC) which increases the amount of ammunition a soldier can carry and is created in such a way that the weight is distributed over the torso. Three flap pockets on the FLC can each hold two 30-round magazines. There are also two canteen pouches. One benefit that the MOLLE system has over the ALICE system is the lack of the metal clips or hooks. These can make carrying a lot harder as they sometimes dig into the soldier's skin. The vest on the MOLLE also comes with a H-Harness in the back which diminishes the accumulation of heat.
All the other large pouches on the MOLLE have D-rings for carrying them with a sling and are structured with plastic windows that are invisible so soldiers do not have to mark their personal MOLLE. The system has two six-foot straps used to carry large objects and also a repair kit with supplies for any simple repairs. Every MOLLE comes with a tube to supply water on the go.
Many modifications have been made to some elements of the original MOLLE and have led to the development of MOLLE II. MOLLE equipment is available from the US Calvary Store, Amazon and other suppliers of military equipment.
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