id almost theorize that isnt armor but somekind of strap system. teh square part reminds me of the vest the germans use in 'stan. teh britsol vest has the same crisscross patter for attaching all kinds of military webbing gear anywhere on the pattern. this takes webbing to 2 dimensions, instead of one(traditionally aroundthe belt) when i get there ill keep an eye out

This is called a "plate carrier". It's main function is to hold a SAPI plate on the front and rear. Due to weight, a lot of guys only wear a front plate.

Can't pull up the image, so I can't comment on specifics. However, several troops here from many countries wear lighter, Second-Chance type vests. The main perceived threat, at least here in Kabul, is fragments from roadside bombs. The lighter armor will suffice for that, and allow the issue of the heavier stuff to troops in harm's way out in the countryside.

Desert, this isn't body armor. It looks like a little rectangle with straps, and it has small loop-style things that look like they would fit shotgun slugs or a tire gauge. Size is similar to a piece of Letter paper, so it doesn't seem like it'd be useful against fragments. Maybe it's just to protect the heart? Someone must have reasoned that hits anywhere else are fleshwounds and a medevac to Bagram away?

It appears to be a form of LBE. There are several types, many similar to this; it is supposed to allow the wearer greater flexibility to how he/she dresses out.