I served for 6 years. Army Infantry. 2 years in Iraq and 1 year in afghanistan. mostly light Infantry walking a lot. I voted for the Ratmandu. if he is going to be walking and not always with vehicles it's about perfect. enough to do damage if need be and small enough for the edc stuff like cutting open mre boxes and mre's, picking splinters, whittling when bored, opening packages ect ect. I know we all think bigger is better lol (believe me I'm a chopper man myself) but for his work a good solid working blade is all he will need.

I carried a RMJ hawk over there and it seemed to be the only thing that scared the locals. they didn't fear guns or knives but when I got the hawk out to clear debris, make shooting lanes ect they always looked frightened lol. the hawk stayed on the ruck most days though.

Also don't get a cheap multitool. they break so quick. leatherman or swiss army all the way or a sog.