He's had enough drill sergeants and overly strict teachers who refused to say anything good to him that he recognizes that as the compliment it is. It makes him feel a little better about this.

"I've been told that before." He'd out shined the rest of the squad he'd been through basic training with. Even if he hated it, it seemed the world had made him to be a soldier.
Her next statement reminds him too much of the Eastern Union army to respond to. But its easy to ignore as he draws back the bow as she'd directed again.