Great writing, as always, but for some reason when I read ‘Dead Bang’ I had pictured this Tom guy as being a stand out, calm headed, clear thinking and intelligent sniper scout. This turned him into a callous, impatient, and disrespectful grunt. Oh well. Favorite part was the second paragraph.

I like the paradox created as certain potentially contradictory aspects of his training came to mind. I wonder if he’s gonna take an ‘acceptable’ risk or not.

This was really good. A nice continuation on the original. I did not have the same complaints as JMSquire did, as I got the impression from the first one that the guy was an egomaniac. Kind of like Tom Cruise’s character in “Top Gun.” So his impatience with this didn’t seem off to me.
Does seem like an odd place for a secret sexual rendezvous though.

Hmm, totally did not intend the meaning that JMSquire picked up, but I think it was a fair read. Though in his defense, there is generally a healthy disrespect from enlisted towards officers, especially in the Navy and I think in the Marines as well. Thanks for the thoughtful comments, guys!

@THX, In the Air Force as well, though not as much as the other services.

I think maybe the reason why it seemed off to me is that the only contact I’ve had with military personal has been Canadian and British, but the snipers attitude does seem less obnoxious if I keep what you guys said in mind while reading it over again.