All new characters start with 3,000 KS minus whatever the cost of items you'd like to buy in advance. The Star Army issues a sidearm, rank pin, and 2 full sets of the appropriate uniform without cost to the soldier. Additional items may also be issued (like communications tablets) as needed but are usually the Star Army's, not the the soldiers, to keep.
PDAs are common, and are available in handheld form as well as the little neko variety.