JOINT FORCES TRAINING BASE, Calif. - When deployed, the first step in completing a mission depends on the load you carry on your back.
When that day comes for you to do two things: carry your gear and manage that gear for a longer period of time than it takes to transport between Hawaii to Maine, pull the MOLLE system from the shelf.
The Modular Light-weight Load Carrying Equipment uses the Patch Attachment Ladder System. PALS, a ladder-type web structure does not have Velcro.
The manufacturer has sewn the PALS structure into the haversack, which helps a soldier adapt his haversack to modern warfare requirements. A soldier can swap out smaller pouches and other portable gear. This increases the deliverability of combat equipment and strengthens customization, which some units need and other units do not need.
The older gear, often referred to as “782” gear, a term based on the required form signed by the soldier receiving the gear, did not combine straps and snaps. This newer design maintains a more firm, tight and uniform fit. What the soldier needs to know depends upon his training on the operation and treatment of the MOLLE system.
No one can just strap his gear together. Using the straps and snaps to adapt the pack takes planning, skill and concentration. If gear just hangs loosely from the pack, the possibility for injury and accidents heightens.
The MOLLE System consists of the following major components:
A. Fighting Load Carrier Vest set with specialized pockets for different, specialized pouches. Riflemen, pistolmen, SAW gunners, grenadiers, and medics will complete their configurations based specifically on their assignments.
B. Large rucksack (including frame, body, straps, waist belt, and sustainment pouches)
C. Assault pack
D. Waist pack
E. Hydration system
F. Six-foot lashing straps (optional)
G. Repair kit
H. Assorted additional pouches
Staff Sgt. Mike Nguyen, 3rd Bat CSMR, demonstrated how to utilize a rucksack and illustrated what materials each soldier needs in order to stand for inspection.
Every soldier, depending upon orders and conditions, receives a “Deployment Packing List.” Some basic, required items for daily use:
1) Sleeping bag.
2) 1-2 sets of under garments – underwear, t-shirts and socks (in one-gallon, zip-lock bags).
3) Hygiene items – toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap, shampoo, shaving cream, etc.
4) Cold weather gear – Fleece liner, ACU Field Jacket, Gortex Jacket, etc.
Every soldier in the SMR SRSC should check for a complete “Go-Bag.” A “Deployment Packing List” includes the above-sited materials and more, depending on the number of expected days in the field.
When you receive your assigned MOLLE gear, expect a more thorough inspection, one that may help save your life and the life of the soldier next to you.
Remember, when deployed, the first step in completing a mission depends on the load you carry on your back.
Date Taken: | 01.23.2013 |
Date Posted: | 01.23.2013 19:24 |
Story ID: | 100916 |
Location: | LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, US |
Web Views: | 226 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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