Hello and thank you for your service. The economy is such that you probably can get the same deal on rugs here in the states, however, I can understand that you'd want to get the rug buying experiece while you are overseas.
My advice would be to only buy rugs that you really like and plan to use in your home. Don't think that you can buy something and sell it for more here (that's our job!). Never buy anything silk because you could get swindled. Also, buy rugs that are wool woven onto a cotton foundation. A lot of Afghani rugs are wool woven on a wool foundation, and while these rugs are beautiful, if you live in a humid climate, spill water, or need to clean the rug, you run the risk of the rug bunching and buckling like a sweater. It will annoy you, I promise.
Best of luck!