Possibly the source of your 'friends' angst is a feeling of insecurity held by the SO1, which causes him to 'retaliate' in kind...thereby creating angst and misery. Counsel your pal to foster bridges with his superior officer. This could be done by staring at him continually, wearing a fixed smile, following him into the lavatories, and giving a 'double-thumbs-up' gesture whenever the SO1 says anything. He could place a framed photograph of his boss prominently upon his desk for all to see. If this fails to work, then your friend must confront his superior. Although difficult for most men, much could be gained by following the example set by our female colleagues. Burst into tears whenever spoken to by the Boss, and blurt "Why do you hate me so much?" in the middle of a briefing (preferably in front of the commander). This would force the whole team to confront the issues at hand.
Failing all of this, your pal should identify his SO1s immediate superior,and clamber into bed with him (probably at a battlefield tour or mess foonction). Having completed the seduction, pillow talk can consist of all the 'mean' things that pesky old colonel's been doing to upset you. Failing that again, accept that peacetime Armies tend to be run by noshers. Which is why they all get sacked at the start of major conflicts, and the '2nd XV' step up to run the show (Montgomery, Slim, O'Connor etc etc)
Hope this helps.