I’ve studied this poem a lot, and it’s a classic example of Kipling critiquing the hypocrisy of society. Tommy is ignored when he’s not needed, which represents the harsh reality that soldiers are often undervalued by civilians during peacetime. But when Tommy’s services are in demand during wartime, society turns around and praises him. Kipling uses this contrast to show how people often fail to recognize the true worth of others until they’re ‘needed.’ The poem is a pretty blunt commentary on how respect is conditional and tied to the public’s perception of someone’s usefulness, rather than their intrinsic value as a person. It’s kind of a critique of how fleeting and shallow recognition can be.