Editing MOLLE (section)

=== Testing and evaluation (1997–2000) ===
In early tests, MOLLE was evaluated alongside other candidate modular systems, whereas in later tests, MOLLE was either tested alone or with standard ALICE. In all tests, volunteers were asked to rate MOLLE against their current LBE, i.e., the ALICE. Upon completing the individual questionnaire, the team was brought together for group discussion. In most tests, the field actions and group discussions were video recorded for later review and analysis.<ref name=":4" />

MOLLE was developed at [[Natick Labs]] in the mid-1990s, following the introduction of [[IIFS]]. Army leadership believed that the PALS system now presented an opportunity to completely change the way equipment was made.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}} It was conceived as a lighter and more durable system for carrying equipment,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kirk |first=John |last2=Tatton |first2=Gerald E. |last3=Dersain |first3=Paul |date=10 March 1998 |title=US5724707A: Interlock attaching strap system |url=https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/1d/97/f5/c84de0a22f57cb/US5724707.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203052910/https://patents.google.com/patent/US5724707 |archive-date=3 December 2024 |access-date=13 May 2025 |website=patents.google.com |publisher=[[Department of the Army|US Department of Army]] |pages=pdf p. 6 (ln 27–29) |quote=Application granted (1998-03-10); Publication of US5724707A (1998-03-10); Expired (2016-06-17)"; "It is clearly evident [that] the need exists for a light weight, low bulk (that is flat against the user), reliable and secure fastener.}}</ref> and would lighten the soldier's load.