Plan for Progress  

MOLLE is an acronym which means Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It is the present load-bearing system that is used by the United States Army. The MOLLE system is a replacement to the ALICE (All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) system. It was established in 1997 but its use was not prevalent 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 bearable pouches and also a compartment to carry a sleeping bag. The load bearing vest is worn all the time and contains pockets to carry hand grenade or magazine. There is a device that is fixed to the vest which is created to facilitate 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 enable easier carrying and less tiredness. One of the main parts of the MOLLE system is the nylon mesh vest. This vest is armed with detachable pockets that can be used to facilitate the different carrying needs that are faced in the military. The MOLLE has different modifications so much so that each membercolleague of a squad has one to fit his particular needs.

The MOLLE system has progressed in load-carrying capabilities. 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 advantage 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 lessens 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 amendments have been made to some elements of the initial 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.