Remember too that the lighting conditions may be much brighter and "harsher" in the barracks so the subtle contrasts in your colors will be more noticeable. Also, if he does wash the quilt, the colors may fade a bit over time since I doubt they'll have a "delicate" cycle! The idea of the contrasting quilting on some of the darker blocks is interesting as well.
It will be gorgeous, he will love it, and his buddies will probably all want one too!