The "ALICE" (all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment) system came into service in the wake of the Vietnam War. It served as a total revision of previous load-bearing equipment. The main goals were to create a system that was more modular, lighter weight, and ultimately to provide better weight distribution on the wearer's back. These aluminum frames were a critical aspect of this, intended for use mainly with the "large" field pack but could also attach to the "medium" field pack. ALICE gear is always a bargain on the surplus market but these frames could form the keystone to just about anyone's kit.