The T-pose is used to help with weighting of the skin, because with the limbs in the extended position it is easier to select certain vertices without accidently selecting vertices that might otherwise be nearby. Once the model is in a more relaxed position, as it may in the idle position, or while talking, then a skin morph would be added. I don't think HTC would need something that detailed (especially given the low-poly requirement), but you never know.
Soldiers should be a short-term project that would not require a great deal of cash to fund.