So, I posted. Bromern Sal, I hope I didn't cause offense. Tom is a career enlisted who went to OCS; even with three years as an officer, he carries the typical senior enlisted distain of most officers in general. He views respect as having to be earned, and since he hasn't been on board for long, or seen any action...
He will follow orders, he won't be a malcontent. This is more or less his way to deal with stress.