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79-473: The system's modularity results from the PALS allowing for the attachment of various compatible pouches and accessories. This method of attachment has become a de facto standard for modular tactical gear, replacing the all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment (ALICE) system used in the earliest modular vest systems, which is still in use with many police forces. Even before the introduction of MOLLE,

158-440: A 4 inches (10 cm) deep pocket. It has a metal snap-type fastener closure and is attached to the individual equipment belt or individual equipment belt suspenders by a single slide keeper. The field first aid dressing case is designed to accommodate either the dressing, first aid, field (NSN 6510-00-159-4883) or the compass, magnetic, unmounted (NSN 6605-00-151-5337). Case, small arms ammunition – The small arms ammunition case

237-615: A combination of ammo and utility pouches. It is unusual for western armies to fight while wearing a pack, and so prior to anticipated contact with the enemy the pack is usually stowed away from the forward edge of the battle area and webbing is used instead. Webbing belts are also used frequently by modern cadet and scout groups, as well as police and security forces. Tie downs , tie straps, cargo straps, E-track straps, cargo hoist straps, tow ropes, winch straps, cargo nets , and dozens of other items are used by thousands of shipping and trucking companies every day. The transportation industry

316-431: A design characteristics review and prototype system review was held at Natick Laboratories concerning the new LINCLOE LCE. The group approved Quantitative Material Requirement for the new second-generation LINCLOE LCE with minor changes. Natick Laboratories fabricated fifteen sets of the second-generation LINCLOE LCE and shipped them to Army European Headquarters (USAREUR) 17 November 1970 for evaluation. In December 1970,

395-555: A great deal in auto racing safety for a large variety of items. Racing harnesses restraining the driver have used nylon webbing for years, but since the death of Dale Earnhardt , polyester webbing is becoming more popular due to its increased strength, and lower rate of elongation under load. The nylon commercial type 9 webbing generally used in racing harnesses stretches approximately 20 to 30 percent of its initial length at 11 kN (2,500 lbf) while polyester only stretches 5 to 15 percent. Window nets to prevent objects from entering

474-688: A light system of load-carrying equipment had been developed. Known as the Individual Integrated Fighting System (IIFS) and also LBV-88, it was intended to replace the older All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE). The IIFS had its roots in the vests used by US Navy SEALS and other special operations forces in Vietnam . Developed at Natick , it consisted of the Individual Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ITLBV) and

553-519: A loop around it made of 1-inch (2.5 cm) elastic material. In 1991, the individual equipment belt suspenders are redesignated LC-2 with no major modifications; minor modifications include the use of steel (instead of brass) for the four snap hooks and the two rectangular rings. The ALICE system existence load comprises the following components: Field pack (medium) – The field pack is made of water repellent treated nylon duck and webbing, spacer fabric, and metal hardware. It can be used with or without

632-501: A number of failures began to occur mostly to do with closure devices; plastic snap fasteners were still being utilized like those initially utilized on MLCE items. By December 1969, all testing stopped for re-evaluation of the components of the new load-carrying system. In January 1970, the Infantry Board completed the evaluation of the load-carrying equipment, and on 17 March 1970, they held a conference at Fort Benning to review

711-449: A pocket with a hook and pile fastener tape sealed closure. Equipment hangers are located above each outside pocket and on each side. Drainage eyelets are provided in the bottom of the main compartment and the outside pockets. An envelope pocket is located at the top, back of the pack and padded with spacer cloth, into which the field pack frame is inserted when the field pack is used on the field pack frame. Buckles and straps at each side near

790-653: A result of the LINCLOE LCE Project Officer's attendance at this meeting, the group established a Non-commissioned Officers (NCO) Board to suggest improvements to load-carrying equipment items. The NCO Board reviewed the LINCLOE LCE under test as well as the MLCE being provided to troops in Vietnam and arrived at characteristics which they considered desirable. As testing of the LINCLOE LCE continued

869-422: A web loop and a non-slip buckle on each of the straps in the front and one at the back through which the adjusting straps pass. There are rectangular metal rings located between the web loops and the buckles on the front of the straps. The 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide adjusting straps have snap hooks at one end. The back adjusting strap has an inverted V of which each end has a snap hook. Each of the adjusting straps has

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948-415: Is 25 mm (1 in) but 38 mm (1.5 in) and 50 mm (2 in) are also very common. Narrower webbing is frequently looped through chock stones , which are jammed into cracks as safety anchors. In other cases, webbing is looped over rock outcroppings. Webbing is less likely to loosen itself off the rock than tubular rope. Note that webbing construction is either utterly flat or flat-tubular;

1027-461: Is a strong fabric woven as a flat strip or tube of varying width and fibres , often used in place of rope . It is a versatile component used in climbing , slacklining , furniture manufacturing , automobile safety , auto racing , towing , parachuting , military apparel , load securing , and many other fields. It may be made of hemp , cotton or linen , but also synthetic fibers such as nylon , polypropylene or polyester . Webbing

1106-596: Is also casually used interchangeably to describe generically all load bearing systems and subsystems that utilize the woven PALS ( Pouch Attachment Ladder System ) webbing for modular pouch attachment (though PALS is proprietary to Natick Labs , most use MOLLE and PALS interchangeably). Derivatives based on the MOLLE attachment method (such as the Tactical Tailor MALICE clip system) have also been developed. Any system that utilizes modular attachment methods and

1185-417: Is also made from exceptionally high-strength material, such as Dyneema , and Kevlar . Webbing is both light and strong, with breaking strengths readily available in excess of 10,000 pounds-force (44 kilonewtons ). There are two basic constructions of webbing. Flat webbing is a solid weave, with seat belts and most backpack straps being common examples. Tubular webbing consists of a flattened tube, and

1264-482: Is closed by means of a plastic latch. Grenade carrying pockets are located on each side of the small arms ammunition case which are secured by means of a nylon web strap and metal snap fastener. A tab with a metal eyelet is located at the top back of the small arms ammunition case to which the individual equipment belt suspenders are attached. The small arms ammunition case is attached to the equipment belt with slide keepers. Cover, water canteen – The water canteen cover

1343-500: Is commonly used in climbing and industrial applications. Some examples of common webbing materials are: In rock climbing , nylon webbing is used in slings , runners, harnesses , anchor extensions, and quickdraws . Webbing is used in many ways in hiking and camping gear including backpacks , straps, load adjusters and tent adjusters. There are two types of webbing: tubular and flat. Some common webbing widths found on backpacks and hiking gear are: The most popular webbing width

1422-458: Is constructed of Army shade 7 olive drab nylon webbing with blacked metal hardware and either green or black plastic hardware. The medium size individual equipment belt (NSN 8465-00-001-6488) is for soldiers with waists measuring under 30 inches (76 cm) and size large (NSN 8465-00-001-6487) is for those with waists measuring 30 inches (76 cm) or over. The length of the belt is adjusted at each end by means of adjusting clamps which slide along

1501-573: Is designed to accommodate the canteen, water (NSN 8465-00-889-3477). In 1975, the LC-1 designation for the water canteen cover was changed to LC-2 due to some minor design changes. The national stock number remains the same. Suspenders, individual equipment belt – The individual equipment belt suspenders are Y-shaped with three adjusting straps, but four points of attachment to the individual equipment belt and small arms ammunition cases. The shoulder straps are padded with spacer cloth. Each shoulder strap has

1580-477: Is designed to accommodate the lightweight collapsible intrenching tool, hand (NSN 5120-00-878-5932). Case, field first aid dressing/unmounted magnetic compass – also known as first aid dressing/compass case, the first aid case is constructed of Army shade 106 olive green water repellent treated 7.25 ounces (206 g) nylon duck. It is 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 inches (22 cm) long with flap open; approximately 4 + 1 ⁄ 2 inches (11 cm) wide, and forms

1659-434: Is designed to accommodate three 30-round magazine, cartridge (NSN 1005-00-921-5004) used with the rifle, 5.56 mm, M16A1 . It is constructed of nylon duck and webbing with polyester sheet stiffeners in the front, rear and lid of the small arms ammunition case. Each cartridge magazine is held in place by means of 3 ⁄ 4 -inch (1.9 cm) wide webbing spacers which cross the top of the small arms ammunition case. The lid

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1738-407: Is fabricated of nylon cloth and webbing and acrylic pile liner material. The two-flap closure is secured by means of metal snap fasteners. There is a small pocket on the front of the cover for carrying water purification tablets. The lid of this small pocket is secured by means of hook and pile fastener tape. The canteen cover is attached to the equipment belt with slide keepers. The water canteen cover

1817-767: Is generally sold with recognizable brand names, webbing manufacture is typically generic. Climbing shops sell it off of a spool on a per yard or per foot basis. Webbing is cut with a hot wire as is nylon rope, which prevents fraying and unravelling. However, when webbing does fray and unravel, the result is less disastrous than with rope, providing a modest advantage. Webbing suffers the drawback of less elasticity than perlon rope, and it may be more difficult to handle with gloves or mittens on. Slacklines often use flat or tubular 25 mm (1 in) webbing, or flat 50 mm (2 in) webbing. Other widths are used, but are less common. White water rafting boats use tubular webbing for bow lines, stern lines, "chicken lines" (around

1896-452: Is known as personal load carrying equipment . Americans use modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE). Typical contents of military webbing equipment include cooking equipment, 24 hours' worth of rations, water, ammunition, first aid or survival supplies, cold weather/rain gear, anti-gas/CBRN gear and sheltering equipment (such as a tent quarter/ shelter half , poles, rope, etc.). Items are generally stored in an ordered fashion in

1975-582: Is often rubberised to improve resilience and add elasticity. Many types of outdoor furniture use little more than thin light webbing for the seating areas. Webbing is also used to reinforce joints and areas that tend to flex. Military webbing, or web gear otherwise known as Mil-Spec webbing, is typically made of strips of woven narrow fabrics of high tensile strength, such as nylon, Kevlar, and Nomex . When these materials are used for parachute and ballooning applications, they must also conform to PIA ( Parachute Industry Association ) standards. Mil-Spec webbing

2054-545: Is perhaps the largest user of high strength webbing in the world. Belts , suspenders /braces, sandals and handbags /purses are woven from various forms of webbing. Corset-style back braces and other medical braces often incorporate straps made from webbing. Pet harnesses and leashes frequently utilize webbing. These products are often sewn together with cotton fabric. Webbing is often outfitted with various forms of tie down hardware to extend its range of abilities (and create tie down straps ). This hardware can take

2133-473: Is usable with U.S. general issue MOLLE components is often considered "MOLLE-compatible" or is called a "MOLLE" system. Increasingly, non-military manufacturers are incorporating PALS onto outdoor equipment. There are three general modes of attachment in the MOLLE arena; the "Natick Snap", which uses a polyethylene reinforced webbing strap with the 'pushthedot' snap fastener for security; the polymer "Malice" clip, developed by Tactical Tailor as an alternative to

2212-535: Is used to make military belts, packs, pouches, and other forms of equipment . The British Army adopted cotton webbing to replace leather after the Second Boer War although leather belts are still worn in more formal dress. The term is still used for a soldier's combat equipment, although cotton webbing has since been replaced with stronger materials. The webbing system used by the British Army today

2291-478: The LINCLOE LCE components had been type classified and assigned federal stock numbers as follows: The three field packs were also type classified and assigned federal stock numbers: After the final meetings, the group proposed the following changes prior to manufacture: The group accepted the medium and large field packs with minor modifications but rejected the small field pack as unnecessary. Retesting of

2370-510: The M-1956 individual load-carrying equipment (ILCE) and M-1967 modernized load-carrying equipment (MLCE). Although since superseded by MOLLE , ALICE gear is still in some limited use with the U.S. Army National Guard , State Guard , also some ground units of the Navy and Air Force . The ALICE system fighting load comprises the following components: Belt, individual equipment – The belt

2449-631: The Field Pack, Large, Internal Frame (FPLIF). A modified version of the combat field pack from the old Vietnam-era M1967 Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment (MLCE) was adopted for use in the system. Designated the Combat Patrol Pack, it was actually used as a three-day pack for training purposes. The IIFS was meant to be a replacement for the ALICE system in infantry units, though it was intended for ALICE to be used in most others. Attached to

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2528-510: The Infantry Board) met at Fort Benning to discuss improvement of infantry items of individual clothing and equipment. They invited the LINCLOE LCE Project Officer from Natick Laboratories to attend this meeting and present the status of load-carrying equipment items. The Commanding General at Fort Benning was unaware of the effort underway to improve the load-carrying equipment as well as other items of individual clothing and equipment. As

2607-546: The LC-1 field pack frame. The main compartment closes by means of a drawstring secured by a plastic cord clamp. A radio pocket is located against the back on the inside. The size of the pack may be decreased for smaller loads by means of three para-cord ties, stitched to the inside bottom of the pack, and three metal D-rings located directly below the internal radio pocket. Three pockets on the outside, with strap and buckle adjustable closures and with snap fasteners for quick access, are provided for miscellaneous items. The top flap has

2686-880: The LINCLOE load-carrying equipment (LCE), began in July 1969 at Fort Benning; September 1969 at Fort Clayton; October 1969 at Fort Greely; and November 1969 at Fort Lee. On 19 July 1969, the Infantry Team (composed of the Commanding General, Fort Benning ; Commanding General of the Infantry School; Commanding Officer of the Combat Developments Command Infantry Agency; and the Commanding Officer of

2765-510: The M-1961 cotton canvas duck field pack was proposed which could be attached for carrying either on the individual equipment belt at the small of the back, or on the shoulders attached to the individual equipment belt suspenders, or attached to a detachable field pack frame. The field pack frame with shoulder straps and a removable cargo shelf would be designed to be worn over the individual equipment belt and suspenders. The end result of this meeting

2844-679: The NCO Board and Infantry Team for review at Fort Benning on 18–19 June 1970. On 29 July 1970, representatives from the United States Army Combat Developments Command and the LINCLOE LCE Project Officer met at Natick Laboratories and drafted a revision of the LINCLOE LCE Quantitative Material Requirement as it pertained to load-carrying equipment including the characteristics for each individual item. This

2923-606: The Natick Snap concept, which interweaves like the Natick Snap but terminates in a semi-permanent closure that requires a screwdriver or other flat-tipped object to disengage; and 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 (Paraclete's SofStrap and Spec Ops Brand's hybrid attachment). The PALS grid consists of horizontal rows of 25 mm (1 in) webbing , spaced 25 mm apart, and attached to

3002-510: The USAF is phasing out ALICE in favor of MOLLE. The Marine Corps still issues the medium ALICE pack for some radio operators. Both it and the large variant can still be found with NROTC units (who train Marine officers in addition to Navy officers). Active-duty training units (Recruit Training, School of Infantry, Officer Candidates School, The Basic School) and deployable units have switched over to

3081-648: The United States Army Infantry Board [USAIB], Fort Benning, Georgia; United States Army Tropical Test Center (USATTC), Fort Clayton , Panama Canal Zone; United States Army Arctic Test Center (USAATC), Fort Greely , Alaska; and the General Equipment Test Activity (GETA), Fort Lee , Virginia. Some of the test items differed significantly from those presented at the 1968 meeting. The major changes were as follows: Testing of this new load-carrying system, known as

3160-654: The United States Army Support Center, Virginia fabricated an additional 300 sets of the second-generation LINCLOE LCE and sent them to Natick Laboratories for assembly and shipment to test sites. In August 1971, the test sets were sent to Fort Benning, Fort Greely, Fort Devens, and, as requested, to the Marine Corps at Quantico. Pre-test inspections uncovered a number of deficiencies with the field packs, which were returned to Natick Laboratories for modification. The modified items went back to

3239-449: The backing at 40 mm (1.5 in) intervals. The stitchings are spaced 38 mm (1.5 in) apart, with a range of 35–40 mm (1.4–1.6 in) usually considered acceptable in practice. All-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment The all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment ( ALICE ) is a set of load-carrying equipment adopted as United States Army Standard A on 17 January 1973 to replace

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3318-405: The belt when opened. The ALICE system belt mounted components are attached to the belt with slide keepers . Slide keepers are colloquially known as alice clips . The bottom row of eyelets on the belt provide for mounting of accoutrements that have an M-1910 double hook. The eyelets along the top of the individual equipment belt are for attaching the individual equipment belt suspenders. In 1981,

3397-484: The bottom are used for anchoring the field pack to the field pack frame. Two rectangular wire loops located at the top back of the field pack and D rings on each side at the bottom of the field pack are used to provide shoulder strap attachment when the field pack is carried without the field pack frame. A waterproof bag is supplied for the main compartment and each of the three outside pockets for keeping equipment dry. Field pack (large) – The construction and materials in

3476-584: The conclusions and recommendations of A Study To Reduce The Load Of The Infantry Combat Soldier, 1962 and A Study To Conserve Energy Of The Combat Infantryman, 1964 , the army established a Quantitative Material Requirement (QMR) in 1965 calling for the development of LINCLOE. Although the development of the LINCLOE load-carrying equipment did not officially start until after the United States Army Materiel Command Technical Committee (AMCTC) approved

3555-424: The development of a standard load-carrying equipment system to replace all load-carrying equipment systems continued. During 1968, the LINCLOE program continued to refine the lightweight load-carrying system. A prototype system was designed utilizing some of the existing MLCE components such as the water canteen cover, small arms ammunition cases, and field first aid dressing case. The individual equipment belt buckle

3634-633: The divider flaps was acceptable and initiated acceptance procedures. On 31 January 1972, the army issued military specification MIL-C-28981(MC) and these small arms ammunition cases were type classified and assigned the Federal Stock Number 8465-464-2084. The Defense Support Agency (DSA) issued contracts for the item for fiscal year 1973. Natick Laboratories completed the modifications of the test items and military aircraft transported them to Fort Benning 1 June 1972, but testing did not resume until 3 July 1972. Testing finished 18 August 1972 and

3713-515: The driver compartment are constructed of polypropylene webbing, as are helmet nets used to reduce side loads to the head in Sprint cars . The HANS device uses webbing tethers to attach the helmet to the collar, and the Hutchens device is made almost entirely of webbing. Webbing is used in couches and chairs as a base for the seating areas that is both strong and flexible. Webbing used as a support

3792-404: The effectiveness of the combat infantry rifleman and the accomplishment of the immediate mission of the unit when the infantry rifleman is on foot. Normally these items are carried on the individual equipment belt and individual equipment belt suspenders. The typical individual existence load consists of items other than those in the individual fighting load which are required to sustain or protect

3871-476: The exterior perimeter of the boat), equipment tie down, or floor lacing for self-bailing rafts. Rafters call tubular webbing "hoopie" or "hoopi". Rafters also use camstraps with flat webbing for equipment tie down. Life preservers are also crafted using nylon or cotton webbing that conforms to federal standards and guidelines. Seat belts are an obvious example of webbings used in auto safety but there are myriad other uses. Nylon and polyester webbing are used

3950-450: The field pack. The all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment is the result of the LINCLOE (lightweight individual clothing and equipment) program that began in 1965 and terminated with the adoption of the ALICE system on 17 January 1973. The goal of the individual equipment portion of the LINCLOE program was to develop a lightweight load-carrying system in an effort to lighten a combat soldier's overall load. Based principally on

4029-456: The final report was received on 24 November 1972. As a result of the test, the Infantry Board recommended that no further development effort be expended on the load-carrying equipment as a system. On 31 October 1972, representatives from Natick Laboratories visited Fort Benning to discuss the problems which appeared during the testing of each item and to arrive at a decision whether to continue development of each item. Prior to these final meetings

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4108-481: The individual equipment system was given the designation M-1972 Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (LLCE). The Defense Support Agency (DSA) began issuing contracts for the components of the new individual equipment system for fiscal year 1974, which began 1 July 1973. After the DSA issued the initial contracts, the individual equipment system was re-designated All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) and

4187-431: The infantry community as to the possibility of reducing the weight of the M-1956 load-carrying equipment (LCE). As a result of this interest, the army produced a set of LCE in 1962, substituting available nylon materials for the cotton canvas duck. This set of nylon load-carrying equipment weighed slightly more than 3 pounds (1.4 kg) as opposed to 5 pounds (2.3 kg) for the cotton canvas duck items. These two items,

4266-419: The infantry rifleman, which may be necessary for the infantry rifleman's increased personal and environmental protection, and which the infantry rifleman normally would not carry. When possible, the individual existence load items are transported by means other than man-carry. Otherwise both the fighting and existence loads are carried by the infantry rifleman. Individual existence load items are usually carried in

4345-477: The large field pack are similar to the medium field pack with the differences being: it is much larger in size; the center outside pocket is larger than the other two main outside pockets; and the addition of three small outside pockets above the larger pockets. The large field pack MUST be used with the LC-1 Field Pack Frame. Frame, field pack – The field pack frame is used as a mount for either

4424-520: The latter tends to handle better but knots are more likely to jam. The most popular knots in webbing are the water knot and the grapevine knot . The latter is stronger, but uses more webbing for the knot. It is customary to leave a few centimetres extending from the knot, and in many cases climbers tape the ends down onto the main loops. Webbing is also less expensive than rope of similar size, particularly kernmantle rope , which requires elaborate and expensive manufacturing. Unlike climbing rope, which

4503-437: The lightweight rucksack and the set of nylon LCE, formed the basis for that portion of the LINCLOE quantitative material requirement dealing with load-carrying equipment. Annex A to the quantitative material requirement set a goal of 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) for the individual load-carrying equipment and 3 pounds (1.4 kg) for the rucksack. Officials decided that the design of the new load-carrying equipment would follow that of

4582-459: The medium field pack or the large field pack. The frame, when requisitioned, comes with all straps. The frame is of aluminum construction. Shelf, cargo support – The cargo support shelf is used to support bulky loads such as water, gasoline, and ammunition cans, field rations , and radios. The shelf is of aluminum construction. In 1977 the following existence load equipment items are introduced as replacements after modifications due to defects in

4661-464: The modified medium and large field packs were conducted at Fort Benning during 27 November through 18 December 1972. The tests showed that the deficiencies and shortcomings of the field packs previously reported had been corrected. The formal development acceptance (DEVA) review on the LINCLOE LCE occurred at Natick Laboratories 17 January 1973. The panel members agreed, by consensus, that the components be type classified as Standard A. After acceptance,

4740-725: The new Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment (USMC pack) or the slightly older improved load bearing equipment (ILBE) system. MARSOC makes extensive use of ALICE or modified ALICE (MALICE) packs for ruck-running events in training (Assessment and Selection, Initial Training Course, and Special Operations Training Course), pre-deployment evaluations, and the Raider Games. Small maneuver elements which rely on lightweight pack design and durability still use ALICE packs today. ALICE packs were largely distributed to US allied nations in Central and South America. Webbing Webbing

4819-523: The new belt, individual equipment, LC-2 was introduced with the green plastic quick-release buckle and was assigned the National Stock Number 8465-01-120-0674 (medium) and 8465-01-120-0675 (large). Carrier, intrenching tool – The intrenching tool carrier is molded of EVA and the top flap is secured by means of two metal snap fasteners. It attaches to the individual equipment belt by means of two slide keepers. The intrenching tool carrier

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4898-472: The next generation of LINCLOE LCE for service testing based on the agreements of the 17 March 1970 meeting. The following items were recommended when modified as indicated: Also proposed in the letter were improved versions of the small and large field pack and field pack frame. During April and June 1970, teams fabricated a prototype system of load-carrying equipment as described in the 15 April 1970 letter. They presented this set of load-carrying equipment to

4977-539: The original equipment's design: The ALICE system retains the concept of separate fighting and existence loads that was refined in the mid-1950s during the development of the M-1956 equipment. The most important point in the fighting and existence loads concept is that an infantry rifleman should carry only the items necessary to complete the immediate mission at hand. The load an infantry rifleman carries should not include any other item that can be carried another way. Because

5056-421: The problems so the tests could resume 9 June 1972. Most deficiencies were found in field packs, users asked that the inner flaps on the small arms ammunition cases be removed as they impeded the rapid removal of cartridge magazines. Developers replaced these with simple strips of nylon fabric to divide the cartridge magazines. At some point during 1971 the Marine Corps found that the small arms ammunition case with

5135-437: The project 27 April 1966, development of lightweight load-carrying equipment really began in 1961 with the development of the lightweight rucksack (FSN 8465-782-3248) made of nylon fabrics and an aluminum frame which weighed 3 pounds (1.4 kg) as compared to the 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg) cotton canvas duck and steel item which it replaced. The development of this lightweight rucksack led to an informal inquiry by officers of

5214-496: The results of the evaluation. They discussed each item evaluated, and agreed as to the acceptable changes to each load-carrying equipment item. They also agreed that the test of the first-generation LINCLOE LCE should be stopped and new items be designed to reflect the characteristics developed as a result of the evaluations by the NCO Board and Infantry Team. In a letter to United States Army Materiel Command dated 15 April 1970, United States Army Combat Developments Command described

5293-468: The standard load-carrying equipment with material changes from cotton canvas duck to nylon duck and replacement of the brass and steel hardware with aluminum or plastic items. The design effort went slowly, due to the concentration on the design and development of items to meet the requirement of the Vietnam War , although developers initiated projects investigating the feasibility of replacing much of

5372-469: The steel and brass hardware with aluminum or plastic items. On 15 March 1967, an Engineering Concept Review was held at Natick Laboratories . The concept approved at the meeting was for an individual equipment belt to be supported by individual equipment suspenders, to which could be attached component items such as small arms ammunition cases, water canteen covers, intrenching tool carriers, field first aid dressing cases, etc. A field pack somewhat larger than

5451-413: The sustainment-load pack and frame, due to the external plastic frame being too fragile and subject to breaking in the field (since mitigated), that the zippers have a tendency to burst when stuffed full and that the pack's straps lack sufficient length to be used with bulky body armor. The first generation of this system used a ball and socket joint between the frame and rucksack belt (which in itself formed

5530-650: The test sites in November 1971 and the service test began. By March 1972, so many deficiencies and shortcomings had developed in the load-carrying equipment that the United States Army Test And Evaluation Command requested that the test at Fort Benning be suspended until test items could be repaired or replaced. Officials held a meeting at Fort Benning on 6 April 1972 to discuss the failures. In their discussions, they agreed that Natick Laboratories would take action to correct

5609-494: The type of mission, terrain, and environmental conditions will influence the clothing and individual equipment requirements, the unit commander may prescribe to the infantry rifleman the essential items. The prime purpose of the fighting and existence loads concept is to lighten an infantry rifleman's load. The typical individual fighting load is made up of essential items of clothing, individual equipment, small arms, and small arms ammunition that are carried by, and are essential to,

5688-420: The use of year-model designations officially ceased. The ALICE system has been phased out of all active and reserve component (USAR and Army National Guard) units of the U.S. Army. Basic and advanced individual training units, to include OCS, ROTC, and USMA, use current MOLLE equipment. ALICE was succeeded by Generation I MOLLE equipment. The Navy and USAF use ALICE gear for ground personnel as well, although

5767-509: The vest were four ammunition pockets for holding 30-round magazines for the M16 rifle . Though the IIFS did not live up to its expected purpose, it did lay the groundwork for future equipment. MOLLE was developed at Natick labs in the mid-1990s following the IIFS's introduction. Army leadership believed that the PALS system now presented an opportunity to completely change the way equipment was made. It

5846-506: The waistbelt of the MOLLE vest). This method led to numerous lower back injuries due to the ball (mounted on the frame) missing the socket on the waistbelt and hurting the user's body. Subsequent redesign of the SDS MOLLE led to the deletion of this feature and the vest (FLC) and ruck/frame became separate non-integral items. The term MOLLE is technically only used to describe the specific system manufactured by Specialty Defense Systems, but

5925-404: Was based primarily on the outcome of the 17 March 1970 meeting with one major exception. The LINCLOE LCE Project Officer added a third field pack to the system. This was the medium field pack with a bag made from the nylon tropical rucksack, modified to meet the NCO Board requirements for a small field pack by adapting it to be worn on the back with or without a field pack frame. On 5 October 1970,

6004-581: Was conceived as a lighter and more durable system for carrying equipment, and would lighten the soldier's load. The MOLLE system was introduced in 1997, but did not see widespread issue until after the September 11 attacks in 2001, and was used by U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq . Early criticisms of the MOLLE system emerged, particularly from the Army. Many of these criticisms have centered on

6083-506: Was recommended that an Engineering/Service Test [ET/ST] be carried out on this new load-carrying system design with the understanding that any design changes required be accomplished prior to testing and without another design review. In July 1969, test items presented at the 1968 Natick meeting and manufactured by the United States Army Support Center in Richmond, Virginia , under the supervision of Natick Laboratories personnel, were sent to

6162-478: Was replaced with a plastic version of the Davis quick-release buckle and a new Vest, Combat was developed to replace the individual equipment belt suspenders. Teams developed both a small and large field pack utilizing the detachable field pack frame concept scrapped in 1967. These prototype items were presented at a Design Characteristics Review And Prototype System Review held at Natick Laboratories 26 March 1968. It

6241-420: Was the adoption of the nylon M-1967 modernized load-carrying equipment (MLCE). The field pack design was rejected in the end and a nylon version of the M-1961 field pack was produced instead along with the nylon tropical rucksack (FSN 8465-935-6673). Even after the adoption of the MLCE in 1967, developments continued under the LINCLOE program. The MLCE was envisioned for use strictly in tropical environments and

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