Tom Ryan is a long-time unit operator, serving as a team, troop and squadron commander within the 1st Special Actions Group (official cover as the 303rd Logistical Studies Group ) before assuming the position of commanding officer. He has been friends withboth retired Sergeant Major Ron Cheals and current Alpha Team leader Sgt. Major Jonas Blane, but his relationship with Blane later suffers because of Ryan's affair with Tiffy Gerhardt. He uses a Colt 45 as a sidearm and a Walther P38K pistol as an off-duty gun.Ryan's affair with Tiffy, the wife of a senior unit NCO, Master Sgt. MacDonald Gerhardt, is revealed in the pilot and their affair nearly exposed at several points throughout the first season. Despite Tiffy's apparent genuine feelings for Ryan, her friend Kim Brown believes Ryan is in it for the thrill. Ryan's dress uniform patches include the U.S. Army Forces Command, 1st Infantry Division and Ranger Tab. Among his medals and decorations are the Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Jump Wings, Distinguished Service Medal, Purple Heart, Silver Star, Kuwait Liberation Medal (meaning he joined the Army in the late 1980s), Presidential Unit Citation, and Joint Meritorious Unit Award.