MOLLE the start of the tacticool

[The Waco Kid]

Specialty Defense - how to MOLLE

 

Does your load out lack modularity?

 

Do girls ignore you in the library?

 

Do you feel inferior to your mum’s new boyfriend?

 

Do you need more stuff?

 

Then you need MOdular Lightweight Load carrying Equipment.

 

GET SOME!

Edited August 11, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[Dan Robinson]

Actually learnt a few things in that video - I didn't realise you were supposed to weave the straps on the pouches for one.  Wonder if I will have time tonight before tomorrow to re run it all on my rigs.

[JimFromHorsham]

31 minutes ago, Dan Robinson said:

Actually learnt a few things in that video - I didn't realise you were supposed to weave the straps on the pouches for one.  Wonder if I will have time tonight before tomorrow to re run it all on my rigs.

hopefully they aren’t malice clips 

 

[Tommikka]

14 minutes ago, Dan Robinson said:

Actually learnt a few things in that video - I didn't realise you were supposed to weave the straps on the pouches for one.  Wonder if I will have time tonight before tomorrow to re run it all on my rigs.

This is the common mistake of MOLLE users.

When the first ‘consumer’ MOLLE pouches came out they would have ‘standard’ 25mm webbing straps and would very obviously flap around, if the user didn’t notice at first when fitting then they would soon realise something was wrong as their gear flapped around

 

Thicker multi layer straps from better quality consumer pouches or surplus pouches make it less obvious (and harder to weave) but still with flappy results 

59 minutes ago, Dan Robinson said:

Actually learnt a few things in that video - I didn't realise you were supposed to weave the straps on the pouches for one.  Wonder if I will have time tonight before tomorrow to re run it all on my rigs.

On another tack, have you ever managed to bend a weaver rail sight mounting system between weapon and sight?

[Dan Robinson]

1 hour ago, Tommikka said:

have you ever managed to bend a weaver rail sight mounting system between weapon and sight?

 

Not sure I get what you mean?

[Tommikka]

15 minutes ago, Dan Robinson said:

 

Not sure I get what you mean?

Just a throwaway spin on the name & weave, and perhaps an old joke a few years past it’s best before date 

 

 

(MOLLE needs to be weaved, but weavers not so much)

[Dan Robinson]

On 11/08/2023 at 17:00, Tommikka said:

Just a throwaway spin on the name & weave, and perhaps an old joke a few years past it’s best before date 

 

 

(MOLLE needs to be weaved, but weavers not so much)

 

FFS, I just got the joke LOL.  I'm a bit slow this week... To much brain power expended dealing with family and general bullshit. 

[The Waco Kid]

The first rule of MOLLE club….

 

….. we don’t talk about Molle 1.

 

The initial design of pack did not have a waist belt. It was designed to engage into the wearers load carrying vest.  
 

The design was flawed, did not work well, was too prone to failure and resulted in back injuries.

 

 

Hence MOLLE 2

 

A nice write up specific to MOLLE (1) and how the pack/vest integrated, or not.

http://inrd.gotdns.com/alice/molle1.htm

 

CIE hub data for MOLLE 2

 

https://ciehub.info/equipment/loadbearing/MOLLE2.html

Edited September 20, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

The core of the the system is…

 

 

 

…the Fighting Load Carrier. Sometimes called “flicks” for short, by people who struggle with saying “FLC”.

There is a second generation FLC that includes a front zip to close it as well as the chest and waist buckles. This allows for more form fitting wear.

 

 

Both styles have a removable padded waist belt that adjusts. Mesh from panels with pals mountings. Adjustable rear H-harness and a simple slot pocket on inside each side of the vest.

 

FLC was produced in Woodland, 3 colour desert, Coyote (USMC), UCP and OCP patterns.

 

[Badgerlicious]

On 11/08/2023 at 14:32, Dan Robinson said:

Actually learnt a few things in that video - I didn't realise you were supposed to weave the straps on the pouches for one.  Wonder if I will have time tonight before tomorrow to re run it all on my rigs.

Though it's a nice way to quickly attach pouches while you're configuring a new piece of kit and you just need to figure out if the placements work before you commit to weaving it properly. 

Edited August 21, 2023 by Badgerlicious

[Chev Chelios]

Lies!! M83/SAAV was the start of "tacticool" and will fight any child of 3-6 years of age that says otherwise!

[The Waco Kid]

Okay a few more bits about the FLC.

 

The belt is fully removable and makes a decent battle belt. They were some of the de facto earliest molle battle belts.

 

The belt can be installed with the buckle at the back and pouches installed across the front opening making a cheap cheats rig/Rhodesian style set up.

 

Pouches:

Pouch, magazine M16a2, double (30 round)

 

The initial issue M16 molle mag pouch is copied from the twin mag pouch on the IIFS vest.

 

 

Task & purpose red circle is the molle version sat along side the IIFS.

 

 

3x2 pals on the back.

 

Other than being modular they function just like the earlier fixed vest version.

 

 

They were also issued as part of the “failed” molle 1 programme and sometimes turn up labelled as such, ie just MOLLE.

 

Mine are all pretty snug with two P-mags and it’s easier to insert a mag behind the first one. The lid full wraps the sides so dirt is kept out.

 

A big ass twiddly speed loader will fit but it’s a bit of a struggle to do in action.

 

The Velcro on my 15-20 year old pouches still hold it closed and you also have a press stud and pull loop.

 

The press studs go a nice shiny brass finish with use so they will keep elderly players very happy.

 

The labels in the woodland pattern mag pouches note M16a2 weapon. 

 

I’ve only ever seen this type of pouch as official issue in woodland pattern. 
 

 

M4 double mag pouch CQB

 

These are a later design than the above style and may have started as a commercial product by SDS/BAE. They were adopted in all US camo patterns and are the style most future designs are modelled on.

 

 

2x3 pals on the back, drain grommet and large Velcro flap lid. There is also strong elastic compression that will grip a single magazine and it’s quite hard to get two USGI mags in a new pouch.

 

Simple, very effective and still issued.

Edited September 20, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

Molle II, pouch, grenade, hand

 

This is the drag pouch and was issued as part of the Rifleman set.

 

 

Again the design is brought over from the IIFS vest but with 2x2 pals on the back.

 

 

Retention is by press stud and there is a slot inside for the grenade spoon. A handy sized pouch for a lenstatic compass or field dressings.

 

This pouch was also produced in Coyote Brown by LB technologies, along with some other types of pouch. I’m not sure if that was for the USMC or purely as a commercial enterprise.* An update will cover this under AITES  marked gear.

Edited September 20, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

Molle II, M4 three mag side x pouch

 

ie. the triple shingle.

 

 

Flat pocket design with pals on the front for stacking and press stud closed tabs to retain mags. The tabs were sometimes cut off and replaced by bungie loops.

 

There are single mag shingles out there but these seem to be part of the SPEAR development and we’re made with bungie retention. In pictures I’ve seen they show up with FSBE vessts and the early molle IBA carriers and could be aftermarket.

 

 

A version of medic vest included some unique magazine pouches. Essentially an enlarged double (now triple) mag pouch with a Frag pocket and utility pouch sewn on the sides. There are left and right models.

 

I ripped this images from the USMilitariaforum as I’ve not been able to find these in the UK. I’m not sure how commonly these appeared as not every medic vest shows them.

Edited September 19, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

The issue of molle gear was not complete by the time of the 2nd Gulf war and it’s common to see troops with FLC/interceptor molle mag pouches and then ALICE canteen covers etc attached.

 

The fit on pals webbing but can be a bit loose. But there is an adaptor available to give a tighter fit.

 

 

The USMC also have a dedicated K-Bar molle adaptor (of course).

 

IBA worn with IIFS vest. 

 

 

The initial MOLLE patent is from 1996 with roll out from 1997 onwards, with a considerable overlap in ALICE/IIFS/MOLLE use.

 

https://arsof-history.org/articles/19oct_body_armor_page_1.html

 

A woodland ALICE/M1967 type butt pack was issued specifically for molle. It does not use pals however and has the same attachment hardware as the IIFS field training pack.

The difference is the internal skirt is Olive fabric. Presumably cheaper or they’d run out of woodland nylon?

 

A comparison  is given here:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4cayKlbiVQ

Edited October 17, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

MOLLE, Pouch, 9mm Magazine (single) 

 

A thin nylon pouch closed with a press stud, similar to the ALICE one. Pretty specific to the M9 magazine and not a great fit for much else, maybe small pyro smokes.

 

 

Personally given the cost of airsoft pistol magazines I can’t recommend using them unless you must have the official pistol man loadout.

Edited September 20, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

40mm Grenade pouch (Single/Double)

 

 

Both types of Thump gun ammo pouches are open at the base so without modification not that useful for anything other than moscart shells. The open base may make dirt and debris ingress a more likely too.

 

They are cheap, pretty common and often in mint condition.

Edited September 20, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

Pouch, 100 round / 100 round utility

 

2 pals columns but actually 3x3 space wise. 
 

These are two distinct names but functionally the same.

 

 

A nylon box with reinforced sides, much like an ALICE mag pouch.

 

The lid fully enclosed the top and is secured with a side release buckle, drain grommet in the base. The utility pouch comes in USMC coyote Brown.

 

A solid general purpose pouch that will fit an IFAK. They were issued in pairs as part of the SAW gunner setup along with two 200 round pouches.

 

200 round saw gunner pouch

 

A bigger brother to the above pouch that will hold a 200 M249 drum.

 

There are a couple of NSN’s for these as well.

 

4x4 pals. These make a good addition to a pack as they are just a little smaller than a sustainment pouch. They will hold 6xUSGI M16 magazines or a 100-150 rounds of 7.62 link.

 

Venture surplus likes his saw pouches (the FLC).

 

 

Edited September 20, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

Pouch canteen carrier utility 

 

 

An excellent bit of kit. This pouch occupies the columns by two rows of pals webbing.

With the top flap tucked away it will hold a 1 quart canteen, cup, stove stand with room for after maker lid if you don’t want to use foil.

 

With the top flap in place this pouch will hold five Issue M16 magazines. It also has a draw cord to cinch the top in to secure single items.

Earlier versions of US Canteen covers were used as magazine carriers so this is a logical development.
 

Kip mat foam can be used to line it as an NOD case and several forms made padded liners for that purpose. 
 

The two external pockets are velcro fastened and are big enough to hold a small dressing, folded spork or drink satchets.

The AITES system was included an upgraded version with an extract outside pocket and is lined for a bit more protection.

[The Waco Kid]

MOLLE II WAIST PACK

 

 

The MOLLE take on the field training/buttpack. It’s a departure from the previous style that hadn’t changed much from the M1956 model.

 

*NB there is a “molle” traditionally styled butt pack. It’s basically the same as the IIFS model and doesn’t use PALS specific attachments.

 

The molle waist pack is a simple tube with a double action zip on the outside (with covering flap), two short pals attachment points and wrap around compression straps.

Horizontal Zip opening

 

 

Pals fittings and sleeve with stowed away waist belt.

 

 

Capacity is a bit less than the older packs. I can just about jam a poncho liner in this. The shape and fastening also means the volume is less versatile in what can be stowed. 
 

The compression straps are really the only means to add kit on the outside, unlike older styles.

 

Waist belt extended 

The waist belt does turn it into a useful standalone bag and it can quickly be fitted to the Molle II patrol and assault packs. 
 

It’s low height means it will slit well on the lower back of the FLC and not push up a small pack worn above it. This seems to be the intended design purpose.

 

It was produced in the standard array of camo patterns: Woodland,;Desert Tri-Color; UCP & OCP.

Edited October 20, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

The MOLLE bandolier

 

 

“It may not be the tactical gear you want. But it’s tactical gear you deserve.”

 

The molle bandolier is a complete air soft rig. Nothing else needed.

 

 

Each pocket can hold two M16 mags, a radio or smoke grenade. Job done.

 

Each pocket has a top flap secured by a press stud. These are not fully closed so thin items like mk5’s can fall out.

 

The shoulder strap adjusts but is sewn in. 

 The press studs are used to install the bandolier in the claymore pouch on molle patrol and assault packs.

 

 There are two loops at the bottom edge so you can add a waist belt of bungie and have a compact hip/chest rig.

 

 The USMC are speshul and have a uniqueewee version. This has pals on the back to add crayon storage options.

As it’s a grid you can add anything using MALICE clips. You could even sandwich two back to back as a grab bag.

Yes, the USMC does have one piece of kit  that’s better than the Army’s version. 😍😍😍

Edited October 20, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[The Waco Kid]

MOLLE 2 Tactical Assault Panel 

 

  AKA the TAP or chest rig

 

 

  This is a 3 rows by 18 columns of pals flat panel with internal 5.56 magazine slots secured with Velcro tabs. There is an additional short row of of pals above the center magazine slots. There are three rear pockets, two Velcro closing & one zippered. There are attachment points for a selection of hardware & straps that allow for several methods of wear. Available in UCP & OCP patterns.

 

 

  The TAP was designed to allow the quick release function on issued ballistic vests to work if the TAP was worn correctly fitted to the vest. The FLC stops the quick ditch feature from working if worn over the top as it predates most issued armor designed with that function.  Like wise the RACK, Ranger Assault Carry Kit and Marines Recon Assault Carry Kit, were not designed with an integrated quick ditch mechanism in mind and the TAP updates this. Hardware was included with the TAP to work as a stand alone chest rig as well.

 

 

 

  FSBE AAV/CIRAS/RAV were under the SPEAR BALCS system (ie. not general issue MOLLE) and pouch attachment was designed to not block separation of the panels.

 

Edited October 24, 2023 by The Waco Kid

[Lozart]

19 minutes ago, The Waco Kid said:

MOLLE 2 Tactical Assault Panel 

 

  AKA the TAP or chest rig

 

 

  This is a 3 rows by 18 columns of pals flat panel with internal 5.56 magazine slots secured with Velcro tabs. There is an additional short row of of pals above the center magazine slots. There are three rear pockets, two Velcro closing & one zippered. There are attachment points for a selection of hardware & straps that allow for several methods of wear. Available in UCP & OCP patterns.

 

 

  The TAP was designed to allow the quick release function on issued ballistic vests to work if the TAP was worn correctly fitted to the vest. The FLC stops the quick ditch feature from working if worn over the top as it predates most issued armor designed with that function.  Like wise the RACK, Ranger Assault Carry Kit and Marines Recon Assault Carry Kit, were not designed with an integrated quick ditch mechanism in mind and the TAP updates this. Hardware was included with the TAP to work as a stand alone chest rig as well.

 

 

 

  FSBE AAV/CIRAS/RAV were under the SPEAR BALCS system (ie. not general issue MOLLE) and pouch attachment was designed to not block separation of the panels.

 

 

Also available in Coyote Brown (USMC Issue).

[The Waco Kid]

Cheers, how could I forget the Jarheaded hero's and champions all things brown? Gunny Highway is very disappointed!

 

CLUSTERFUCK

[The Waco Kid]

MOLLE II, pack, patrol

 

  Not including the similar later Assault pack there are at least three version of the "Pogie Bait" pack knocking around.

 

Initial production style pack.

 

 

  The design takes inspiration from the IIFS/CFP-90 lid of the previous system. Layout and construction is very similar but the shape has been changed to look more like the Lowe three day Adventure pack (what Eagle copied for the 3 day assault pack) and reduced in size a little. I only have (so far) the later model but the differences summarize as:

 

1. Experimental. Soft back; ITW hardware; funky woodland pattern.
2. Original production. Soft back; National Moldings hardware; woodland & desert tri-color.
3. Later production. Plastic frame sheet; ITW hardware; woodland, desert tri-color, UCP, OCP. 
    

*Hardware might change by run date and contractor. Zips are always YKK though. 

 

  Someone tried to tell me they did them ABU Tiggercam. Can't find a reference though, perhaps aftermarket.

 

Common features across the versions are:

• 1500cu (24.5L) volume.
• Double action zipped main compartment with fittings to install SINGARS radio pouch.
• Slot for back pad plus frame sheet and jump lines on later model "jumpable pack".
• Padded narrow shoulder straps with sternum strap, top attachment point is adjustable for width.
• Drag handle.
• ID window thing.
• External buckled pocket with drawcord (claymore or promask pouch) with press stud to fit bandolier.
• Velcro slot pocket in external pouch (either for weapon cleaning kit or mask filters).
• Drain grommets on both compartments, sometimes with internal cover.
• Female buckle to mate to main pack. Late model uses the top ones to have webbing lashing loops.
• Bottom tabs to fit MOLLE waist pack or lash items too.
• Narrow strip of pals above the ouside pocket.
• Small pals grids on the sides, a little bit more on the later packs.
• Comms/Hydration Pierson the later style.

 

Side pals grid on jumpable pack.

 

 

Canteen covers and waist pack fitted to use as a 3 day type pack.

 

Side by side to Medium ALICE to give an idea of capacity.

 

 

Venture surplus takes a look at the patrol pack, ‘Merica!

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=epLs_rNO3ZU

 

Added for quality of beard and accent.

 

Edited October 24, 2023 by The Waco Kid