Description

The Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system consists of two rucksacks and five mission specialized sets. It allows Soldiers to tailor the systems’ components to accommodate the various sizes and placement of the loads they carry and fight with. The specialized sets supporting mission-specific needs are the Rifleman Set (with Waist Pack, Assault Pack, Hydration System, and compatible pouches for ammo magazines and grenades); Pistolman Set; Grenadier Set; Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Gunner Set; and Medic Set.

In 2010, the Tactical Assault Panel (TAP) was designed and fielded as an improvement over the Fighting Load Carrier (FLC) that was a component of the Rifleman Set. The TAP enables Soldiers to carry all of the MOLLE basic fighting load pouches as did the FLC, yet still allows the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) to release in emergency situations. The TAP is quickly and easily connected and removed from the IOTV so that the heavy fighting load can be removed when not needed on the body armor. The TAP also includes a harness that allows it to be worn and used without body armor.

The Large Rucksack, with sustainment pouches, can hold 5,000 cubic inches of sustainment gear and supplies. In 2009, the 3,000 cubic-inch Medium Rucksack was developed and fielded to better accommodate the equipment and supplies a Soldier carries for a typical 24- to 72-hour dismounted mission.

A redesign of the MOLLE Medic Set called the Improved MOLLE Medic Set (IMMS), validated through user evaluations, will be implemented in FY14. It will accommodate the changes in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) doctrine and enable combat medics to carry additional lifesaving medical supplies. The IMMS has three modular sections—the Tactical Evaluation Bag, Tactical Field Care Bag, and the Care Under Fire Bag—that are specifically tailored to TCCC. The IMMS decreases the Combat Medic’s overall combat load and provides a load-bearing solution that is modular, scalable, and can be tailored to accommodate any mission profile. The IMMS is interoperable with other medical assemblages in the close fight and facilitates rapid resupply.

As of September 2013, an improved Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) named the IFAK II is available for issue to deploying Soldiers. The IFAK II features ambidextrous opening and a lower profile that prevents snagging hazards during vehicle ingress/egress; allows Soldiers to obtain a better and more stable prone firing position; and increases their capability to provide lifesaving trauma care. The IFAK II includes two externally located tourniquets, a chest seal, an eye shield, and a cutting tool. It also includes a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) card with marking device to record and provide communication about the Soldier’s injuries and treatment from the point of injury to successive levels of care.