How do you use the MOLLE system?
In war, every second counts, so gear must be put on and taken off as quickly as possible. A quick-release system has become the standard for modern tactical equipment; it allows the body armor to be removed instantly in the event of an injury or to carry out a specific task. Standardized MOLLE systems are used for the convenient placement and rapid swapping of gear.
What Is the MOLLE System?
This is modular lightweight load-bearing equipment that works on a building-block principle. It allows compatible components (plate carriers, backpacks, belts, pouches) to be combined in any configuration depending on the mission.
The system is based on PALS webbing. It consists of durable fabric straps 2.5 centimeters wide, sewn parallel onto the equipment at equal intervals and stitched with vertical seams every 3.8 centimeters. To securely attach a pouch, its flexible straps are sequentially woven through the webbing on the base and the pouch itself. The weaving is then secured with a snap button or a special fold. High-quality straps have plastic reinforcements inside. This prevents them from folding into an accordion shape under the weight of a loaded pouch (for example, with heavy magazines or water).
The modularity of MOLLE attachment makes it completely universal. Any pouch will fit a plate carrier or backpack equipped with the same webbing. This makes it easy to eliminate the need for specialized attachment systems and assemble the required setup for any specific task and individual build.
History of the System
MOLLE was developed in the late 1990s for the US Army. The development was aimed at reducing the weight of ammunition and creating a single universal standard for all branches of the military.
In the 2000s, when MOLLE became a global tactical standard. The system evolved, and instead of traditional sewn-on webbing, Hypalon straps began to be used, making the equipment significantly lighter and less bulky. Modern hook-and-loop attachments also introduced a quick-release function. It allows a vest or tactical backpack to be removed instantly in a single movement, which is critically important in actual combat.
How to Properly Attach MOLLE Pouches?
Properly attaching pouches to the system ensures that the equipment will not interfere with movement or become detached during active movement. The reliability of the attachment depends on the correct sequence of weaving the webbing.
To securely attach the equipment, follow these steps:
- Pull the vertical pouch strap under the first upper webbing strap on the equipment.
- Pass the strap back through the first webbing strap on the pouch itself.
- Continue threading the strap in a zigzag pattern. First, pass it under the next strap on the base, then under the next strap on the pouch.
- Tighten the strap firmly after each pass so that no gaps remain between the webbing straps.
At the end, be sure to secure the end of the strap with a snap button or tuck it under the last webbing strap. Without this fixation, the pouch will gradually come undone. Many modular pouches have only MOLLE webbing on the back and do not have sewn-on fabric straps. In this case, the clip serves as a removable strap.
Where Do Soldiers Use the MOLLE System?
Military personnel use the modular attachment system on virtually all elements of their equipment. The webbing is most commonly found on the following gear:
- specialized covers and bags;
- plate carriers and body armor;
- assault and Bergen-style backpacks;
- load-bearing systems (LBS) and tactical belts.
For assault operations and close-quarters combat, only the essentials are attached to the plate carrier and front panel: quick-access magazine pouches, a radio, a compact first-aid kit, and tourniquets positioned in a visible location. This allows the soldier to remain mobile.
For extended missions and patrols, utility pouches are added. They can hold additional ammunition, field rations, raincoats, and canteens. Sleeping bags, tents, and sleeping mats are secured to the sides of the backpack using the webbing.
Medics and medical personnel attach additional organizers with color-coded markings to specialized medical backpacks and belts. UAV operators and signal personnel use MOLLE to mount specialized carrying cases for control units, additional batteries, external antennas, and electronic warfare equipment. Thanks to the system's versatility, a soldier can change their equipment configuration within a few minutes.
The PROF1Group® military store network offers a wide range of products. Among them is the MOLLE system for backpacks and other equipment. Our consultants will help you choose the right product and explain how to use it correctly. The selected item can be picked up at one of our retail locations, and postal delivery is also available.
