MOLLE Vest

MOLLE is an acronym which means Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment.  It is the current load-bearing system that is employed by the United States Army.  The MOLLE system is a replacement to the ALICE (All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) system.  It was introduced 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 fully integrated system which consists of a load bearing vest along with butt pack, main ruck that has sustainable pouches and also a compartment to carry a sleeping bag.  The load bearing vest is worn at all times and contains pockets to carry hand grenade or magazine.  There is a device that is connected to the vest which is designed to enable the external frame of the main ruck to attach to the waist belt on the vest.  This is very helpful in transferring the load from the shoulders to the hips in order to facilitate easier carrying and less fatique.  One of the main parts of the MOLLE system is the nylon mesh vest.  This vest is equipped with removable pockets that can be used to support the different carrying needs that are faced in the military.  The MOLLE has different modifications so much so that each member of a squad has one to fit his specific needs.

The MOLLE system has progressed 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 designed in such a way that the weight is spread over the torso.  Three flap pockets on the FLC can each accommodate two 30-round magazines.  There are also two canteen pouches. One advantage that the MOLLE system has over the ALICE system is the absence 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 reduces the build up 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 individual 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 provide water on the move.

Many changes have been made to some components 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.