Modular Storage Equipment System
The Modular Storage Equipment System (MOSES) is a Commonwealther load bearing equipment system in use by the Commonwealth Defense Force, and the Citizen's Defense Force. It is currently the primary load bearing equipment in use by Commonwealther military and intelligence services.
Design
The Modular Storage Equipment System is a modular system, allowing users to choose their own setup to suit their load bearing needs. MOSES is based off of a web belt, which acts as the core piece of a full MOSES kit, and as the attachment locus for all additions to a kit. There are attachment points from the web belt that allow the user to add load bearing equipment almost anywhere that the user would like to add equipment. All elements of MOSES come in a Universal Camouflage Pattern, or alternatively in muted green, tan, or grey, or in matte black. The weight of a complete MOSE setup can be from 2-3kg empty, with a much more variable full weight.
Web Belt
The MOSES Web Belt is the hub of a fuller MOSES kit. It consists of a web belt, to be worn over either a uniform, or over body armor. This belt has two rows of four large pouches, and two additional small pouches mounted on the belt. The large pouches are sized to fit most standard issue Commonwealther detachable box magazines, in stacks of 1-3 depending on the size of the rounds in the magazine. These pouches can alternatively be used as general storage space if the user chooses. The smaller pouches can fit smaller personal effects, such as a CODFOR Personal First Aid Kit. The Web Belt, as hub for MOSES has several attachment points for other pieces of MOSES, such as thigh holsters, hip satchels, and backpacks. These attachments are secured to the Web Belt via hooks, buttons, buckles, and Velcro attachments.
Backpacks
The second most important part of most MOSES setups is the Backpack. There are four primary types of backpack that can be worn by someone with a MOSES kit. Unlike most MOSES rigs, MOSES modules is capable of being worn without the web belt, but can attach to it for added security. There are four types of backpack issued as part of MOSES. The first and most common is the Assault Rucksack which is a smaller bag intended for short term operations of infantry, or for vehicle crews.
The assault rucksack has three general purpose storage pouches which can hold whatever general equipment the soldier wishes to keep. There is an additional pouch closest to the user's back that can hold general equipment, but is intended to contain a hydration bladder of up to five liter capacity, or two of up to two liters each. The second backpack issued is the Patrol Pack, which is issued with long term infantry operations in mind. The Patrol pack has additional storage space compared to the assault rucksack for carrying shelter additional changes of clothing etc. The third is the Assault Satchel, or "but bag" as it is commonly referred to. The Assault Satchel was designed in anticipation of the M2 Exoskeleton, and its back mounted modules, and is designed to not intrude on said modules, hanging off of the lower back instead of the upper. In terms of storage, the Assault Satchel is the same as the Assault Rucksack, except that it's space for a hydration bladder is instead replaced by space for a canteen of similar size. Finally there is the Medical Rucksack, which replaces normal storage space with space for a combat medic to place their medical equipment. The medical Rucksack can be worn over a Patrol Rucksack.
Satchels & Hip Holsters
Commonly, a MOSES user will attach some sort of holster for their sidearm to the hip. This hip holster contains space for the user to place a single sidearm, usually the SA2, as well as three spare magazines for it. Additionally, there are some hip holsters for knives. The general storage space from the backpack can be augmented by the addition of hip satchels which can be used as additional general storage space. These small satchels hang from the web belt (though some have been modified with shoulder slings for ease of removal), and can be used as pouches for general storage. Some more specialized satchels are intended to carry medical equipment, canteens, or spare hydration bladders.
Thigh Holsters
Lastly, if the user so chooses, they may attach drop down thigh holsters for sidearms and knives. These holsters are capable of holding one weapon of the type they are designed for, and in the case of firearm holsters three spare magazines. Thigh Holsters have additional padding that wraps around the leg, to better secure it to the user.
Deployment
The Modular Storage Equipment System sees use in most of the Commonwealth's uniformed services in some form or another. MOSES, designed to be modular allows for several different setups to suit the user's needs and as a result sees service near universally among working members of the Commonwealth Defense Force, as well as the Citizen's Defense Force. Some other services use it, but not nearly to extent of CODFOR or CIDFOR.
