25th ID Airborne Sappers “Clear The Line”

Note.  What's going on with their gear attached to the body armor?  Is that some type of ensemble or something?  Anyone know what its called and why they would use that when they have that much molle to utilize?  Additionally (and I know I'm probably late) but SAPPER really is tab worthy huh?  I know they introduced it but I thought it was something that would be in your record book not on your uniform.  Is there a special push inside the Army for combat engineers (is a SAPPER a combat engineer or a totally different breed of animal?).