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I don't know if this is the combat SOP in loading magazines into ammo pouches (second picture)-- with the topside up, so that the bullets are exposed. Or this is just an individual preference, or done purely for its dramatic effect. But one would think that doing so would expose the magazines to all kind of debris- and sand- falling into and jamming the bullets, follower/spring.

I belong to a generation that used the 8-round Garand clips, with metal clips always on top. Even when using the 15-rd carbine magazines, the mags were always inserted into ammo pouches bottoms up precisely to avoid debris.

Any comment from the now-generation?

Mags are inserted into the pouch bottom up for 2 reasons, keeps debris out of the top of the mag and when you pull the mag out you rotate your wrist and it's ready to insert into the weapon in one fluid motion.

Looks like it might be a posed picture; he sure is awfully clean for a trooper in combat.
Mine always go in bottoms up and have mag-puls attached.

I had the same impression when viewing this photo. No operators roam around with the flaps of their mag holders held open either.

R,
Bullseye