MOLLE II Care and Use

Modular Lightweight
Load Carrying
Equipment
MOLLE
Care and Use
Manual
Fielded by
The United States Marine Corps Systems Command
and
United States Army Soldier, Biological, Chemical Command
Manufactured by
Specialty Defense Systems
A Division of Specialty Plastic Products
www.specialtydefense.com

---

---

Contents
page
1.
Introduction
1
2.
The MOLLE System
1
Includes:
Purpose of each component
Assembly of System
Loading & Proper Fitting
3.
Donning and Doffing
30
4.
Cleaning and Maintenance
32
REVISION JULY 1999

---

Introduction
You have just been issued the Modular Lightweight Load-Bearing
Equipment known as MOLLE.
MOLLE is a modular Load-Bearing system designed to enhance
the survivability and lethality of the modern Soldier and Marine.
MOLLE is a replacement for the current ALICE system and com-
ponents of the Integrated Individual Fighting System including the
Enhanced Tactical Load-Bearing Vest.
Your Central Issue Facility or Supply should issue a complete
MOLLE set with the appropriate pockets to match your squad posi-
tion.
The MOLLE system
consists of the fighting load vest, the main rucksack, the sleep sys-
tem carrier, the patrol pack, the frame, sustainment pockets, six foot
lashing straps, hydration bladder, repair kit, and additional pockets.
A common vest is provided for all Soldiers and Marines with spe-
cialized removable pockets for Rifleman, Pistol, SAW Gunner,
Grenadier and Medic or Corpsman configurations.
1

---

The pockets for each squad position come packed with each vest
and ruck.
fig. 1
fig. 2 fig. 3 fig. 4 fig. 5
fig. 6 fig. 7 fig. 8 fig. 9
fig. 10
Pockets:
fig. 1
100 round utility pocket
fig. 2
200 round magazine pocket
fig. 3
medical pocket
fig. 4
30 round single magazine pocket
fig. 5
30 round double magazine pocket
fig. 6
single high explosive 40mm grenade pocket
fig. 7
double high explosive 40mm grenade pocket
fig. 8
double 40mm illumination round pocket
fig. 9
9 mm magazine pocket
fig. 10
fragmentation grenade pocket
Every vest regardless of duty position also comes with a utility pouch
attached to the belt.
The rucksack and shoulder straps come pre-assembled to the frame.
The other components are provided as add ons that can be attached
by the individual soldier or marine as needed.
The MOLLE system provides far more load carrying capabilities
than the ALICE and other fielded systems. However, proper new
equipment training is required in order for the system to be used to
2

---

its maximum capabilities. These capabilities are illustrated to as-
sist soldiers and marines with familiarization of the system.
The vest modularity allows for commanders to tailor the loads to
meet mission needs without unnecessary extra pockets and gear.
The vest is designed to reduce heat build up on the back with mini-
mum area of coverage with the H-Harness design.
The wide shoulder straps of the vest help distribute the load with-
out the need for excessive padding that can hinder mobility and
sighting a weapon.
To properly attach a pocket, choose the desired attachment point
on the vest panel. Line up the top of the pocket even with the top of
the nearest horizontal one-inch webbing that goes across the pan-
els. Insert the pocket attachment strap down the 1 1/2” channel,
then behind the 1” webbing on the back of the pocket. (See figure
on page 4).
Continue weaving the attaching strap behind the horizontal web-
bing on the vest and the webbing on the back of the pocket until the
pocket is secured along its entire length.
3

---

This attachment system is extremely secure and stable when used
properly.
Do not simply place the attaching strap through the vest webbing
without the interlocking weave. The pockets will not be secure if
attached in this manner.
WRONG WAY
4

---

The Rifleman configuration is designed to hold two 30 round maga-
zines in the double pockets and one magazine in the single pockets.
Two fragmentation grenade pockets are also worn by the rifleman
along with a utility pouch.
The Rifleman- Pistol configuration holds four single 9mm maga-
zine pockets and two fragmentation grenades as shown. In addition
to the configuration shown, you will receive two single 30 round
magazine pockets and two double 30 round magazine pockets.
5

---

The Rifleman - SAW Gunner configuration accommodates two
200 round magazine pockets and three 100 round magazine pock-
ets (one of which is the utility pocket), and two single 30 round
magazine pockets as shown. In addition to the configuration shown,
you will also receive two double 30 round magazine pockets and
two fragmentation grenade pockets. Twelve five-round shotgun
pouches are also available to fit mission needs.
The Rifleman - Grenadier configuration consists of fourteen single
high explosive grenade pockets and two double illumination round
pockets. Also included are two double 30 round magazine pockets
and a utility pouch as shown. In addition to the configuration shown,
you will receive two single 30 round magazine pockets and two
fragmentation grenade pockets.
6

---

The Rifleman - Medic configuration will receive four zippered
medical pockets for the vest and two double 30 round magazine
pockets as shown below. In addition to the configuration shown,
you will also receive two single 30 round magazine pockets and
two fragmentation grenade pockets. There will also be a special-
ized panel loading medical bag that has an additional four remov-
able medical pockets attached to it.
removable medical
pockets
7

---