They are making it easier for the patch bde to collect more and more on their BDUs. Pretty soon the Army will be like the girl scouts, we'll just issue everyone a sash to put their (merit)badges on. Zippers, that's going to feel good after 20 mins in the heat and the time comes to go prone. And we all know how fun zippers are when they break/jam.
And the velcro of course, a brilliant idea on tactical uniforms instead of buttons. So when you're patrolling in the woods, moving silently with your team, and you stop for a quick map check. On the hand signal for a short security halt, the team fans out and quietly takes up positions facing out in 360 degrees. You kneel in the middle of the perimeter, reach up to open your chest pocket and RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP! The separating Velcro shatters the silence. Oops.
Redneck, it means the collar will stand up, usually only an inch to an inch and a half.