Anyone who is even remotely connected with military affairs, tourism or hunting, probably heard about the MALL system. For professionals, this mysterious abbreviation has long been dear to me, but for those who have just started getting to know good equipment, it will probably be interesting to learn more about what it is. You will find answers to many questions in our article.
What does the word MOLLE mean
The name of the system is of English origin. It is formed from the first letters of the phrase Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, which translates as "Modular lightweight (lightweight) unloading uniform."
The MOLLE system is a collection of slings sewn in a certain way on the base. In military equipment, it can be used for unloading vests and belts of various types, tactical backpacks; in some cases, it is sewn directly on the body armor.
Forerunners
The need to create equipment that allowed a soldier to localize a number of military items on his body arose a long time ago. In battle, not only personal portable weapons can be useful, but also many other cargoes: ammunition, first-aid kit, flask, optical equipment, compact ration, map. In this case, the hands of the soldier should be free, nothing should hamper the movements. At the same time, everything necessary must be accessible.
One of the first decisions can be called a sword belt, on which they first wore a cold weapon, and then a firearm.
The global development of armaments required the modernization of its carrying systems. The US military industry is seriously concerned about solving these problems. The result was the 1956 LCE system, which was a belt, a belt system and several pouches fixed permanently. In 1967, MLCE was developed specifically for the realities of Vietnam.
In the mid-70s, the ALICE system, consisting of a belt with pouches and shoulder straps supporting it, replaced the existing models. Unloading could be completed with additional details (for example, a raid or landing backpack). Modules were attached using special clips.
In 1988, an IIFS system vest was developed, which some units of the US Armed Forces still use.
It is difficult to name the exact date for the creation of MOLLE unloading systems, because the work was carried out in secrecy. Experts say that this idea was implemented in the late 90s.
MOLLE system features
After the development, it took about two decades, but it is this technology that is the most popular and widespread in the world. Today it is used not only by American developers, but also by specialists from many other countries. In most modern military conflicts (for example, in Syria and the Donbass), you can see such uniforms on both sides of the barricades. It is this kind of fastening scheme that was used to develop the latest Russian “Ratnik” uniforms.
The following photo clearly demonstrates how the unloading vest, equipped with the MOLLE tactical system, looks like.
We see that the vest itself is the base on which any fighter can attach the necessary pouches in an order convenient for himself.
Types of Mounts
One or more slings (depending on size) are attached to the pouch, which are threaded into the unloading loops. Today there are 3 types of module mounts to each other:
- Natick Snap (the sling passed through the cells is fixed with a button);
- Malice (a clip serves as a lock, which can only be opened with a special tool);
- Weave & Tuck (non-slip sling does not have a latch, the end simply hides in the cell).
The latter type of mount is the most common. It is convenient, easy to use, reliable. It may seem that the fixation is insufficient, but in fact, such a mount can withstand even the weight of heavy pouches, for example with machine-gun boxes.
In all cases, the sling is sewn as follows:
This is necessary in order to increase the compatibility of the various MOLLET fixing systems with each other. For example, a pouch from an unloading vest can be pulled over to a backpack or bag, and parts can be replaced as they wear out.
Modules
If necessary, pouches designed to carry the following loads can be added to the equipped MOLLE system combat equipment:
- automatic and rifle magazines of various caliber and capacity;
- grenades, grenade launchers, explosives;
- packaged in packs of cartridges;
- first-aid kits;
- jars and soldering;
- multitool;
- sapper scapula.
In addition, you can easily attach a walkie-talkie equipped with a clip, carabiners, and a flashlight to the slings. There are special gun holsters compatible with the MOLLE system. In addition to the unloading vest, you can attach a hip platform, starting at the waist and reaching the knee, or a compact backpack.
