I guess a shotgun would be quite useful in CQB events, but not so much on the Kipling-esque "Afghanistan's Plains".

I spotted the knee protectors in the first pic, so, is that a "displaced" kneepad I see in the second pic?

Looking at that terrain, it should be obvious that knee and elbow pads are essential accessories for combat in the giant rock-garden that is Afghanistan.

Probably also useful for when dealing with the "bureaucracy".