What exactly is the MOLLE system on ballistic vests and carriers? MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment. The MOLLE system was first popularized by the United States Army and now has spread to be a common item about tactical police units.

The term MOLLE is used not only to describe the specific system manufactured by Specialty Defense Systems, but is used interchangeably to describe all load bearing systems and subsystems that utilize the woven Pouch Attachment Ladder System, "PALS". Any system which utilizes modular attachment methods are usually considered "MOLLE-compatible" or is called a "MOLLE" system.

There are three general modes of attachment when dealing with the MOLLE system. Those are the Natick Snap, Malice Clip, and Weave and Tuck. The Natick Snap uses a polyethylene reinforced webbing strap with a push snap for security. They Malice clip is a polymer clip that serves as an alternative to the Natick Snap concept, which interweaves like the Natick Snap but terminates in a semi-permanent closure that requires a screwdriver/flat tipped object to disengage. Finally there are a variety of attachments that fall into the "Weave &Tuck" category in which the end of an interwoven strap is tucked into an item's backing after attachment to a vest or pack.

The PALS grid consists of horizontal rows of 1" webbing, spaced 1" apart, and reattached to the backing at 1.5" intervals.

The invention of the MOLLE system has proven to be a very successful. It makes the changing of police equipment on a ballistic vest or carriers faster, easier, and more securely attached.

Related Article: Safariland Armorwear >>