I also got your PM and I have no problem posting here. See if he knows where he will be, and if he's had any contact with the unit already there about living conditions. He might need some specific items, but could easily get others. For example, we have no problems getting toiletries, TP, shaving cream toothpaste, etc. But most of us are still getting tons of it from friends/family, and churches that are basing it on a generic packing list.
If he doesn't have good access to showers, baby wipes are a very good item. Hand sanitizer, sunscreen, the basic toiletries if needed, books and magazines, instead of the two Infinities, look at the Gerber LED single AA that has four color lenses. It's not as bright as the Ultra, but it is very handy, and replaces two lights. A MiniMag with a LED conversion is very nice. If he's going to be doing lots of vehicle searches, a bright light is invaluable, if he has access to AC power, then a rechargeable is the way to go. The FBOP Tigerlight is a perfect light for that. Cold weather gear, if he's not issued the new silk weight underwear, the new heavy fleece, and some polypropylene. If he's not issued a Gore-Tex parka, that would be very handy if/when it starts raining again. The rainy seasons can be bad, but have been strange lately. When it does reain, it's freaking heavy. A good MP3, or maybe a minidisk player. Good gloves. Actually a lot of people are having good luck with mechanics gloves. The flight gloves are pretty popular but aren't really durable enough. Hatch Operator gloves are also pretty good. If he doesn't get the MOLLE gear with the new larger assault pack, and he is doing patrols, Tactical Tailor, CamelBack, and Eagle (as well as others) make good 3-day sized assault packs. The CamelBack, and Tactical Tailor have the advantage of having the MOLLE compatible webbing too. if he's issued, or might be issued a 9mm a good holster is a must. Skip Blackhawk at all costs. We've had lots of problems with weapon rentention and general quality with ours. A thigh holster is not a bad idea, because it puts the weapon below his armor, and FLC/LBV. A good pocket knife is a must. I love my Benchmade 710. Hopefully his unit will issue a Gerber multitool, but if not, get him one. Moisture wicking T-shirts are a lifesaver when wearing armor in the heat. He'll probably be issued some, but it's not the best out there. Underarmor makes a good product, and if you get the Loose Gear, instead of the skin tight HeatGear, it's very hard to tell the difference from an issue t-shirt. They are pricey, but very nice. I also found some better ones for sale in the clothing sales store, but that was before I left, and they didn't have any when I was home on leave. Good socks are a must. they just don't give out enough of the new good ones, only 4 pairs. SmartWool is a good brand, as are the Thorlo over the calf uniform support socks, the Combat Boot ones are too thick for me. Good boot inserts, like the Pelco hiker or cross trainer have saved me lots of foot pains, or at least reduced them. If he doesn't have too much access to AC power, but is using a vehicle a lot, a 400watt or higher power inverter is nice. It goes along well with his rechargeable batteries (for MP3 player, backup razor, flashlight), Game Boy, laptop, etc. Make sure that he does remember to bring a complete toiletries kit and to pack an extra (things like finger and toenail clippers, extra razors, foot powder, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, etc). I'd love to have had a slingshot here. There are hundreds of pigeons in the mothballed buildings that make up our exclusion (like a buffer) zone around post. Find out if his unit is going to go through the RFI. If not, add good sunglasses (something like Wiley X that are ballistic protective), goggles (we are issued the ESS profile for those without glasses, the Land Warrior to those that are since they will fit over most prescription glasses). If he wears glasses, and is buying his own, get the Profile and get the inserts made. The Profile have thicker lenses for a bit more protection, and are slightly smaller so they fit under the helmet better.
I'll look around at what a lot of us have found usefull and what we'd like to have had. Remember though, I'm at one of most cushiest places in the theater. Quatar is nicer, as is Dubai, and I think that is all. And we are doing pretty easy things, just guard towers, searching people and vehicles, and patrols just inside the wire. We never get to go outside the walls/wire. We are strictly security for the base, nothing more.