It all depends on where he goes and what he does. DH is issued a laptop with internet access as it is necessary for his job. He e-mails us from it daily. He is also issued a phone too. He can use a calling card to call us on the phone.
I know some get a personal cell phone in Kuwait that will also work in parts of southern Iraq. Would need to get one THERE for the area he will be in and not available/useable in all places. A phone from here will not work unless it is the right system, and then would be very expensive. Getting one there is the only way, but that just depends on location if it is possible. I know DH has a cell to use when in Baghdad too (in another location now).
He is able to text my cell phone here from his laptop. I know they have internet cafe's set up at many of the camps for anyone to use. There is no cost for this. There are phones in the MWR buildings/tents for troops to use with calling card. The card accepted depends on the location.
He may not have the ability to use his own laptop, again that depends on the location. The climate is very harsh on them too. DH is inside (with a/c) with the one issued to him, but does take it out for meetings etc. They told him it would probably last a year. The internet can be very slow at times too-NOT like my cable here.
I feel fortunate that DH's position requires him to have these technological perks. This is not the norm though, but there are computers/phones available at many camps for soldiers to use.
I also read/hear of others that have nothing but an occasional satellite phone call.
Is he going to a "camp"?