User blog comment:Samuelshadow16/Ironwood's REAL purpose/@comment-10380701-20140817040333/@comment-10545520-20140817042437

It might be he is genuinely worried that peace "in out time" has weakened the fighting spirit of the people.

Ironwood most likely came from a disadvantaged background, and believes that there will be a day of conflict. But most people he sees around don't heed his words, mock him, say he is an alarmist.

So, if this is his character (and it's only a theory) then he may actually be on the fence. On one hand, Cinder promises a revolution where Ironwood can prepare for a war he knows is coming. On the other hand, he must sell out his people, his friends, and his own morals to do so.

That would make him an infinitely sympathetic villain and is completely plausible, judging from his reactions.