The MOLLE (pronounced like the girl's name MOLLY) is an acronym that means Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. This term is used to define the load-bearing equipment and rucksacks that are utilized by the U.S. Army. The MOLLE'S modularity comes from the use of PALS webbing. These are heavy-duty rows of nylon that are stitched onto the vest so that it will allow for the attachment of a variety of MOLLE-compatible pouches and accessories. This means of attachment has become the standard for modular tactical gear, which replaces the click, and stick system that is still used in most Western police departments.



There are several MOLLE components: Fighting Load Carrier - This is a load bearing vest that has a modular belt that is permanently incorporated into the vest. Rucksack - The Rucksack Frame and the MOLLE Rucksack has PALS webbing that has been stitched at various places to allow for additional pouches. Hydration bladder - This is a plastic 72 oz. that replaces the one and two quart canteens that are used for on-the-go hydration. Modular Pouches - Pouches that have various uses which can be attached wherever the PALS webbing exists. This includes a "sustainment pouch" that holds an MRE.

The term MOLLE not only describes the certain system that is manufactured by Specialty Defense Systems, but the term is also used to generically describe every load bearing system and subsystem that utilize the woven PALS webbing for modular pouch attachment. Derivatives that have been based upon the MOLLE attachment method have also been made. Any system that is able to use modular attachment methods is often thought to be "MOLLE compatible". There have been many non-military manufacturers who are incorporating the MOLLE technology into their outdoor equipment.

There are three methods of MOLLE attachment: "Natick Snap" - makes use of a polyethylene reinforced webbing strap that has a 'pushthedot' snap for security. "Malice" clip - This is a polymer that was developed by Tactical Tailor - used as an alternative method to the Natick Snap concept except that it ends in a semi-permanent closure that one must use a screwdriver to disengage. "Weave and Tuck" attachments - end of an interwoven strap remains tucked into an item's backing after it is attached to a pack or a vest.

Though intorduced in 1997, MOLLE did not see widespread use until after the September 11th attacks. It was then used by U. S. troops who were serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Early MOLLE criticism revolved around the sustainment-load pack and frame. Troops felt the external plastic frame was too delicate and subject to breakage in the field, that when the pack is stuffed full the zippers tend to burst and that the straps on the pack were of an insufficient length to accommodate body armor. Furthermore, the first of the MOLLE's made use or a "ball & socket" interface between the rucksack belt and the frame. This interface method in the military pouches was the cause of lower back injuries because the ball missed the socket interface on the waist belt and impacted the user's body. The pack underwent several changes and was finally switched from the Army's woodland pattern to a newly designed Universal Camouflage Pattern when the U.S. Army's Combat Uniform was introduced.