Shephard might be new to the HECU (essentially a Special Forces Unit) while being a seasoned Marine. Calling him a "Recruit" is less literal then "You've got to prove yourself to us before you get any respect". This attitude isn't uncommon in the military, especially in selective communities.
Shephard's own use of a PCV explains why the military forces didn't disable the HEV recharging stations around the facility, even knowing that Freeman was running around in Powered Armor of his own: they need the stations to recharge their own equipment.
