I think issues with the pack seem to be much larger problem that the people who wanted the switch to the MOLLE gear they were trying to solve before fielding system wide. Budget issue probably kept the R and D on that aspect limited. With the wide spread re-issuing of gear it sounds like the Army and the Marine Corps had been in process of acquiring the gear, but R and D wanted to fix the pack.
I would go to say that because the events of 9-11 and the people who had created the gear who had proclaim the next best thing to the wonder bra and what not. The military had so many other issues with lack of supplies of other important items and they knew it. Having these on hand, and still out of troop hands, when other important item were still far shorter. It sounds like it was push out, just to be able to say they were trying to equip the troops with the best equipment.
It the one thing I have always thought of the MOLLE system, especially SAW gunner set up. Pouches too big in location where laying in the prone would be an issue.
Interesting note it seems when the MOLLE Vest was issue to replace the old ALICE gear that much of the gear such as ammo pouches, canteens weren't issue, the troops used the old ALICE attach to the new vest. So that answer one of my question in that the old butt-pack probably were used too...
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