Original subtitles

[man] There he is! He's down there at five o'clock.

I'm taking her down.

Get ready to go, boys!

Come on, let's get 'em. Go, go, go!

Let's move!

[rapid gunfire]

[man] I got you.

Get him in here. Now!

Let's go!

[gunfire]

We got him. [groans]

Jody, Jody!

[indistinct]

[groans]

[opening theme music playing]

The colonel's in court. Did you have an appointment?

No.

Is she an attorney?

May I ask how you got in here, ma'am?

Yeah, they gave me a visitor's pass.

I must have put it in my pocket.

What are you doing? You think I'm dangerous?

Can I see your pass?

My apologies, Ms. Reese.

I'man attorney.

How can I be sure?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.

Is there any way that I can be of assistance?

My husband was a SEAL.

His commander visited me last night and told me

that Jody was one of two unit members

that died during an operation inside Afghanistan.

Oh, I'm sorry.

He thought I might have probate issues

recommended a legal assistance attorney.

I called, but they couldn't find him, so I came in.

They're one floor below us.

I've been down there; they're overloaded.

I had trouble just getting someone to check me in.

Let me see if I can find

a junior attorney that might be of some help.

Thank you.

Have a seat.

Let me get your jacket.

I'll be a moment.

[music playing over car stereo]

Hey, go Navy!

Hey, so you're going to speak

at our assembly today, yeah?

Son, you cut the young lady off.

Oh.

Well, maybe there's some spaces on the street.

No, why don't you give her this one?

[scoffing] I'm in already.

But it's the right thing to do.

[laughs]

Hey, ease up, man.

Look, I totally support what you're doing.

You know, I mean, I'm signing up as soon as I'm out of here.

How long you think you're going to last?

What?

The Navy doesn't judge its people by, uh

how many flags they wave.

They have to show some character, strong values.

Hey, my father was a squid. He was in the Gulf.

Then he knows what I'm talking about.

[scoffs] Were you there?

-No. -Then screw you...

and your lectures.

Watch your mouth, son.

Freaking desk jockeys.

Now why didn't they send us a fighting man?

Fine. I'll move it myself.

Yeah?

What are you going to do now?

[sighs]

I'll talk to your father.

[spits]

[sighs]

And the moment I get the signatures I'll contact you.

Haven't seen you all morning.

Hi, Mac.

Uh, this is Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie. Mariel Reese.

-Hi. -Hello, I was at your office earlier looking for help

but fortunately, he came along.

Okay. Congratulations.

-Thank you. -When are you due?

Three days ago.

Thank you, again.

It's my pleasure.

-Nice meeting you. -You too.

Client of yours?

Her husband died in a Special Op.

I'm helping her with the probate.

She seems to be handling it well.

Yeah.

You could have handed her off to legal assistance.

What would you have done?

I would have walked her to the car.

Excuse me.

[reporter 1] The high ranking naval official who struck the student--

[reporter 2] The student who witnessed Admiral Chegwidden--

James Oliphant, the student in question, claims the slap

was unprovoked.

Admiral Chegwidden could not be reached for comment

but the Navy's Office of Information has told ZNN

that the incident is under review at the highest levels.

They all have it, A.J.

[reporter 3] Serious questions have arisen about the admiral's curious behavior...

-Mister Secretary. -What happened?

He spit on me.

He denies it.

There was a girl in a car...

She didn't see it, and it's not on the tape.

Well, they were at the wrong angle

and what were they doing there with a video camera?

They're making a documentary about their senior year.

They were on their way

to listen to you speak at the time.

I want your request for retirement, immediately.

I can refuse to comply.

I already memoed the CNO.

He called me back and suggested

the possibility of a Flag Mast.

Your answer?

[tears paper]

Colorful.

Just in one of those moods... sir.

So am I.

[sighs]

Hey, where were you?

Getting us breakfast.

Ah, making us breakfast.

What'd you get?

A box of mashed potatoes and scrapple.

Oh, nice.

You know, you're not in prison anymore.

What's that?

Oatmeal-- the Rabb specialty.

That'sprison food.

[laughs]

Nice prison, huh?

So, uh, where shall I live?

You know, Sergei, you really don't need to be

in a big hurry to do this.

I mean, I'm in no big rush

to get you out of here, brother.

No offense, brother

but there's not enough room here

even for a Russian.

You know...

I've been, uh, I've been giving it some thought, and, uh,

there's a Russian enclave in Arlington, Virginia.

I thought we could start there.

You know, it would help you to ease into this.

You can go into work late?

Family business.

[phone ringing]

-Rabb. -[Mariel] It's Mariel Reese.

Oh, uh, Mrs. Reese, I'm not at the office right now...

I just got a call from an Army staff judge advocate.

Says he's investigating my husband's SEAL team

and wants to see me.

Why would they be involved?

Well, the Army is overseeing Special Ops in Afghanistan, ma'am.

Did he say what he was investigating?

No.

Can you come with me?

Mrs. Reese, I'm not really authorized to get involved in this.

Do it unofficially.

[sighs]

Why don't I give him a call?

I need someone there with me.

Please. It's the last time I'll ask for anything.

-Sir... -I'm otherwise occupied, Colonel.

We know about the Flag Mast, sir.

You and the entire military community.

I'd like to participate in your defense.

Colonel...

you will not place yourself between the SECNAV's crosshairs.

I'll be representing myself.

Admiral, I believe you need a partner,

someone to provide feedback,

maybe even an opposing argument.

Why?

Because you're being driven

by emotion, and you'll lose...

sir.

What's your opinion of the slap?

I think it was ill-advised, sir.

Then why are...?

I alsobelieve it was warranted.

You have a plan?

No, sir.

Then come up with one, Colonel.

[exhales]

[man] My wife was a week and a half late with our second child.

Apparently there's a salad at a restaurant in Georgetown

that encourages labor.

I've been there twice, sir.

No luck.

But thanks for the thought.

You're welcome.

Uh, Colonel, may I ask why you've called

Mrs. Reese here, sir?

I felt she should be advised as to an investigation

that I conducted with General Worsdale.

On my recommendation,

the general has authorized a court martial

for Lieutenant Glenn Teague of Bravo One,

your husband's O.I.C.

He was Jody's best friend.

Well, what are the charges?

Violation of orders and willful dereliction of duty.

During the mission, they came under attack.

Petty Officer Tommy Modano was wounded.

Then, during the retrieval...

Uh, excuse me, Colonel. What retrieval?

They went back for Petty Officer Modano

against orders.

Why, had the petty officer been left behind?

Not intentionally. He fell as he was being pulled up.

Unfortunately, he didn't survive.

Excuse me.

Are you saying the unit defied orders to go back for a body?

And lost another man in the process--

your husband, Mrs. Reese.

[Chegwidden] Colonel Boyett will be prosecuting for the army.

I'm surprised, Admiral. I really thought this would be handled in-house.

If Special Operations Command were composed of SEALS, it might,

but the Army's taken issue with every aspect

of Lieutenant Teague's decision.

I'm assigning you the defense.

-That'll be all. -Sir, I've been spending some time with Mrs. Reese

helping her with her probate and, uh, well, we've developed

a bit of a relationship.

So, given the circumstances...

Commander, I have no one else available and you're up.

This is going to be awkward.

Commander...

do you support the SEAL code?

Absolutely.

I would think so, considering your rescue at sea.

I'm not arguing, sir.

Then, um, then go to Mrs. Reese

and explain that you are bound by duty.

-Aye, sir. -[clicks heels]

-Uh, Admiral? -[sighs]

Sir...

What is it, Commander?

Your Mast is tomorrow.

I'll survive; thank you for your thoughts.

Is there anything I can do, sir?

You can defend that SEAL to the extent I would.

[clicks heels]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Admiral] A.J.

Admiral.

This is Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie.

She'll be representing me.

-Welcome, Colonel. -Pleasure, sir.

Please, be seated.

Familiar with Flag Masts?

I'll can tell you what I know, Admiral.

Please do.

Well, rules of evidence don't apply.

Non-judicial and informal.

There's no prosecuting attorney.

You'll ask questions of the witnesses

and hopefully allow me to cross-examine

but your final judgment will be based

not on proof beyond a reasonable doubt

but on a preponderance of the evidence--

Fifty one percent or greater.

That's very good, Counselor.

So if you're ready, let's move on.

Aye, aye, sir.

Secretary suggested Commander Lindsey

act as my advisory counsel.

-Sir. -Commander.

Good to see you again, Admiral.

Colonel.

Would you excuse us for a moment?

-Sir? -Of course.

Sir, does the commander still believe

you're responsible for his lack of advancement?

Strap yourself in, Colonel.

[man] This is not the Army-Navy game.

It is a serious proceeding that requires objectivity.

I trust you understand this

and accept the incumbent responsibility.

The government will prove that Lieutenant Glenn Teague

through his inflexible obedience to the SEAL code

of never leaving a man down

disobeyed a direct order and in doing so

sacrificed the life of a unit member.

Thank you.

Items to consider:

Bravo One completed its mission prior to the rescue

of their comrade.

Chief Reese, the SEAL who died in the retrieval

fully supported the decision to go back, and in going back,

Lieutenant Teague and his men were, in fact,

serving the highest ideals of the armed forces.

Have you spoken to her yet, Lieutenant?

No, sir.

This would be a good time.

I prefer not to, sir.

Lieutenant Teague, if it's because you're feeling guilty...

My prerogative, gentlemen.

Well, then I will.

Commander, could you please tell her I hold nothing

against her for being upset with me?

Hi.

The Lieutenant would like you to know that he has no hard feelings.

I guess he hasn't taken into account that I do.

Well, I'm surprised you're here at all given your condition.

Are you referring to my grief?

There are people you can talk to about that, Mariel.

Sandy Modano's husband is gone, too.

Commander, unfortunately he's the reason

we buried two bodies.

Look, I'm sure if the lieutenant could turn back time...

He'd do exactly the same thing.

It's stamped into his brain.

[prosecutor] Petty Officer Gandy

are you a member of SEAL unit Bravo One?

I am, sir.

Can you explain the circumstances under which

Petty Officer Modano and Chief Reese died?

We were assigned special recon of Al Qaeda guerillas, sir.

We were in the process of finishing up when we came

under fire from the ridge above.

[rapid gunfire]

[Teague] Ajax Nine, this is Nine Alpha, under heavy fire!

Request immediate extraction.

Will provide cover! Over!

Move, move!

Cover me!

Hook him up! Hook him up!

Go, go, go!

Watch your flanks.

Go, go, go!

[Gandy] Modano!

[prosecutor] How far did Petty Officer Modano fall?

About 55 feet, sir.

What happened?

A stray bullet probably popped his snap link, sir.

Did you go back for him right away?

Not at that point, sir.

We were being pulled up at the time and we were

scheduled to rendezvous with a Ranger platoon.

-When did it come up? -After we briefed the Rangers, sir.

Lieutenant Teague got us together

told us now that the mission was complete

he wanted to go back.

No one disagreed.

Did the others know

that the petty officer was dead?

I made a point of it, sir...

just so they were clear on what they were about to do.

Did the lieutenant radio for permission

from Special Operations Command Central?

Yes, sir. They denied our request.

Did they say why?

[Gandy] According to Lieutenant Teague

they felt it was too risky.

They were concerned that his body would already be

in the enemy's possession

or they would use it to coax us back.

Was the lieutenant upset by their response?

[Gandy] We all were, sir.

Who decided to go ahead with the retrieval mission?

Lieutenant Teague, sir.

[Drake] What happened next, son?

I mean, I felt bad about it, sir...

so I went to the girl in the other car.

Her name is Karen, and she even said

it wasn't that big a deal.

Why push it?

All you had to do was back out and let her in.

Well, I was already out of the car, sir

and it's not like I didn't try to help her find another space.

How'd the admiral react?

He kept pushing me to do it... sir.

Did that annoy you?

Yes, sir.

I was like, you know, back off already.

Were you angry?

I was, sir.

I mean, I love the Navy.

I was really excited that he was there

and here he is, you know

treating me like a criminal.

[Drake] Did you spit at him?

No, sir.

Did you provoke him?

No, sir...

[Drake] Thank you.

-Mr. Oliphant... -[Drake] Excuse me, Colonel, I have another question.

Did Admiral Chegwidden provoke youin any way?

Yes, sir. I had flags on my car

and he accused me of being a phony patriot.

Anything else?

Well, when I wouldn't back down, he, uh,

he threatened to tell my dad about it.

Were you afraid how your father would react?

My father died in the Service, sir.

I was the first one to take a look at Petty Officer Modano's body, sir.

He was dead.

And it was because of the fall?

It sure looked that way, sir.

How did Chief Reese die?

He was the last one in the helo, sir.

Took a round to the back.

And what was the reaction?

Silence, sir.

It wasn't a time for words...

except for Chief Reese who exchanged a few

with Lieutenant Teague before he passed on.

[prosecutor] Did you or anyone disagree

with Lieutenant Teague's decision to go back?

There was never a question about not doing it, sir.

We're SEALs.

But didn't you initially extract under heavy fire?

Now you had only four able members.

Didn't you suspect that the enemy might still be there when you returned?

I regret we lost Chief Reese, sir.

But we all knew what was at stake.

More loss of life.

Yes, sir.

Violation of direct orders.

Yes, sir.

All so you could fulfill your obligation

to the SEAL code of behavior.

That code is what keeps us united, sir.

With it, there's no question we'll be there for each other.

Were you there for your superiors

who expected you to act in accordance

-with their orders? -No, sir, but I...

Were you there for your country by sacrificing a good warrior

in the retrieval of a dead one?

Objection. Argumentative.

Sustained.

[prosecutor] No more questions.

[Rabb] Petty officer Gandy, isn't the point

that a strong unit is a proficient unit

and a proficient unit serves the interests of everyone?

Yes, sir.

Lieutenant Teague also made the point that it was important

to get Petty Officer Modano's body

-home to his wife and children. -Yes, sir.

He was afraid of what might happen if the body

were left on the canyon floor.

He was, sir.

He was afraid Petty Officer Modano's body

would be skinned and put on display.

And where's Petty Officer Modano's body now?

In Arlington Cemetery, sir

where his family can visit him.

Thank you.

Redirect, Your Honor.

Petty Officer, when you were discussing going back

what was the general feeling about your disobeying orders?

I'm sorry, sir?

Were there concerns?

Well, we weren't really focusing on that, sir.

Did you discuss it at all?

No, sir. I don't believe we did.

Are you saying it wasn't important to you?

Petty Officer?

No, sir. Not at that moment.

[reporter] And in a new development James Oliphant

the young man slapped by the Navy's Judge Advocate General

revealed on his way back to his classes that his father had given

his life for his country in Operation Desert Storm.

Admiral Chegwidden has not yet made a statement on the issue

but pressure builds on the Pentagon to act

on what is quickly becoming

its greatest public relations debacle in recent memory.

Please.

Sir, they're looking for you to say something.

And what would that be, Colonel?

You can tell them you appreciate their support.

I'm embarrassed by it.

-But, sir... -I was sent to represent the military

to high school students

terrorized by world events.

Instead, I presented an image of naval officers

as impulsive overly-aggressive bullies.

None of you would have slapped that kid.

And don't tell me you weren't mortified

by the fact that that kid's father

was a fallen veteran.

Something you didn't know at the time.

It makes no difference.

It changes everything.

It changes your strategy.

You didn't even cross-examine him.

It would have made us look insensitive, sir.

Absolutely!

[sighs] So now what?

Admiral Drake was kind enough to give us time to respond.

Translation: retire.

I won't let you do that, sir.

Colonel, you have nothing to work with.

There are other avenues, sir.

You honestly see a way out of this?

I will, sir.

[reporter] Talk with us, Admiral.

Why'd you do it, sir?

The nation would like to hear it in your own words, sir.

What sort of example does this set for youth of America?

[reporter] James Oliphant says the slap was intentional, sir.

[Chegwidden] Miss Reese?

I'm A.J. Chegwidden.

I know who you are, Admiral.

Um, ma'am, I'm a former SEAL

and I wanted to express my deepest sympathies for your loss.

But you support the position of my husband's senior.

Yes, Ma'am. I do.

Then we disagree.

Ma'am, your husband's life was not wasted.

He died defending the principles of this country.

And I believe he died defending the principles of his SEAL unit.

May I ask how he felt about those principles?

Jody and I disagreed about the concept

of not leaving your men behind.

He believed it was his sworn duty.

-I believed it was peer pressure. -In what way?

Admiral, these men all liked each other.

They were extremely well-trained.

They didn't need their unit leader imposing

some macho dictum on them

to feel bonded and trusting of each other.

In the heat of battle these principles can be challenged.

Codes are designed to provide psychological strength.

The idea that military men

could even agree to defy their orders...

that suggests indoctrinated behavior to me.

Well, without being privy to that experience...

With all due respect, Admiral

I have a master's degree in clinical psychology.

I can experience it from right here.

May I?

Please understand, I'm not trying

to diminish your right to feel the way you do

but I was wondering

do you believe in the basic principle

of retrieving a body for burial?

Yes.

I know what it would have meant

for Sandy Modano to have buried an empty casket.

Then I guess my question is,

if your husband had been in Petty Officer Modano's position

would you have wanted them to bring his body back to you?

Yes.

But you should also ask Sandy Modano

if she would have wanted her husband

to give his life for my privilege.

Ma'am... if there is anythingI can do

-in any way... -I'm sure you have more pressing matters at hand.

Maybe more pressing

but certainly not more important.

Do you have a moment, sir?

Yes.

Sir, if you consider this inappropriate

let me know, but I thought I might be of help.

It seems I'm unable to prevent anyone

from that impulse.

Have a seat.

Have you considered

addressing the media, sir?

No.

May I ask why?

Because I'm unwilling to allow them to manipulate the situation

any more than they already have. But, sir, I think

the point of such an exercise

is to take control of the situation

and forcing your way past the microphones

will only serve to quicken their curiosity, sir.

What would I say?

"Tensions created by world events have affected all of us

in ways we barely recognize or understand..."

It allows you to address the issues

without accepting personal culpability

or blaming the young man.

How would this work?

When you're ready, sir just let me know.

I'll go out and set it up.

Thank you, Commander.

You're welcome, sir.

Admiral. I've got news, sir.

Colonel, please don't use that term around me.

Sorry, sir. I know I didn't tell you I was going to do this

but after we spoke yesterday

I initiated a conversation with Commander Lindsey.

-You did? -Yes, sir.

He's authorized to speak for both the CNO and SECNAV.

How did such a mediocre officer become so powerful?

If I had to guess, sir it's because he doesn't put himself

or his values on the line.

Colonel, in an ideal world

that would be a prescription for failure.

So, what came of this meeting?

I believe we reached

an acceptable compromise, sir.

If you agree to publicly apologize

to James Oliphant for the incident

the Flag Mast and all pressure

to retire will go away.

Sir?

Colonel, I was prepared to apologize the day it happened.

Why didn't you, Admiral?

Because the young man lied about it.

Are you going to turn me down, Admiral?

I'm going to consider my options.

Sir, we spent half the night wrestling this thing to the ground.

I think it's as good as we can expect.

And I appreciate your efforts.

Mac... sincerely.

Have a seat.

Lieutenant, your case

is wavering somewhere between alive and dead.

Getting past the orders violation

was never going to be easy

but now we're forced to beat both charges

on the emotional issues alone.

And that will be difficult?

Not if you present the members

with the passion of your convictions.

These are your peers.

Three have seen combat.

All implicitly understand the notion of solidarity

comradeship.

Especially in a time of war.

You need to look them in the eye.

Talk to them as though theywere

the ones you were going back for.

We want you to take the stand.

No.

Lieutenant, if you're found guilty on both charges

you're looking at dismissal, forfeiture of pay

minimum of six months confinement.

I'm aware of that, sir.

Look, you're not helping yourself.

It has nothing to do with me, sir.

Please, respect my decision.

Commander, if you will please excuse me.

You're excused.

[Rabb] What don't we have, Bud?

[Roberts] An effective spokesman.

A convincing motive for disobeying orders.

And we got to come up with a better way of arguing

why a man would sacrifice his life for a body.

What about recon data? Is there any indication opposing forces had moved on?

None available, sir.

We suggest that Bravo One assumed a less hostile response

when they showed up to retrieve the body? Why would they, sir?

What about GPS coordinates?

Well... actually, sir, there is a positioning difference

between the mission and retrieval.

Maybe the Al Qaeda were transporting with body

How else do you explain the body being moved?

Sir?

Petty Officer Gandy,

was Petty Officer Modano alive before he fell?

According to Chief Reese, yes, sir.

And later, when you examined him aboard the helo?

He was dead, sir.

You testified earlier

you believed he died as a result of the fall.

That's right, sir.

[Rabb] How do you know?

[Gandy] It was 55 feet, sir.

That's an assumption, Petty Officer.

It's a pretty good one, sir.

Defense exhibit A, Your Honor.

Petty Officer Modano's autopsy report

which indicates not only internal injuries

but significant blood loss from his wound.

I'm not sure I understand your point, sir.

The government has a similar question, Your Honor.

Enlighten us, Commander, or move on.

Defense exhibit B, Your Honor.

A comparison of GPS positions

recorded by Lieutenant Teague.

The first indicates where Petty Officer Modano fell.

The second, where his body was later recovered.

There's a 90 meter difference.

Your Honor, objection.

Special Op Command's refusal

to grant Lieutenant Teague's request to go back, sir

is based on the assumption

that Petty Officer Modano died in the fall.

There is evidence to suggest

that he did indeed survive the fall, sir.

Had crawled toward some nearby rocks

to seek cover and await rescue.

Are you arguing that it's more likely

SOCCENT would have allowed Bravo One

to retrieve the petty officer had they known he was alive?

Yes, sir, I am.

But no one knew, Your Honor

nor could they know.

Hence the code, Your Honor.

The obligation to return for one's comrade

must supersede assumptions for it to be effective.

Approach.

Your Honor, this is not only speculation it's irrelevant.

Petty Officer Modano was dead when they found him.

Had Bravo One not had to spend valuable time

trying to secure permission to return, sir,

they may very well have found him alive.

Bravo One spent valuable time pursuing their mission

and briefing a platoon of Rangers.

-Beyond that... -No...

the colonel's right, Commander.

Petty Officer Modano could have died

during that part of the mission

which then would mean he was dead

before the unit was even in a position to go back for him.

-Your Honor... -Your strategy is unique

but flawed.

Back away, gentlemen.

The objection is sustained.

The witness is excused.

[knock on door]

[Boone] Enter.

Comfortable.

Not sure it matters. I may not be here long.

I can relate to that.

So, I suppose

can every citizen in this country.

Tom, why the hell aren't we coming together?

We're not?

Well, the ads say we are.

You can get a free flag

with every car wash.

I don't think it's happening.

Well, you're angry.

It colors your perspective.

How did you feel underneath that microscope?

Large.

-You're not going to retire, are you? -Your boss wants me to.

Oh, well... well, he's scared.

Doesn't want to lose public support.

Would you have slapped that kid?

No, I'd have slugged him.

And, yes, I would resist every effort to force me out.

Until what point?

You remember when... when Patton popped that G.I. in the field infirmary?

And then was relieved of his command.

Until he was reinstated and led the Third Army to victory.

So, I wait?

Keep fighting.

Thank you.

Excuse me, I was told to meet Commander Rabb here.

So was I.

I apologize for the subterfuge.

I didn't think either of you

would choose to be in the same room together

unless I manipulated the situation.

Mrs. Reese, if you would indulge me.

Now I know why you're not speaking to him, ma'am

but, Lieutenant, why aren't you talking to her?

I didn't think it was appropriate, sir.

That's what I don't understand, Lieutenant.

You and her husband were very close.

You two know each other. Why wouldn't you want to try to explain?

Make things better?

I didn't know how to do that, sir.

Or, Lieutenant, is it because

you're afraid that you might reveal something...

that you don't want her to know?

Is that why you won't take the stand?

What is it, Glenn?

Please, don't lie to me.

Does it involve Jody?

He confessed something to me just before he died.

When I handed Tommy to him

he had a tough time hooking him on to the D-ring.

He tried to do it while we were being pulled up.

But he lost his grip.

He dropped him.

I told him it wasn't his fault.

Admiral, we'd like to give you an opportunity to talk.

When will you be willing to make a statement?

Admiral, do you have a comment on the Pentagon's actions?

How many of you've served?

I don't know how to explain this to those who have never worn the uniform or tried in some way

-to defend their country. -We do that through a free press, Admiral.

Why'd you slap the boy?

The reason doesn't matter.

I responded in a way that was not consistent

with the behavior of a military officer.

Do you intend to apologize to him?

I'd...

I'd like to apologize to everyone

who's come to my aid

and had to face an irritable

and non-compliant attitude.

[indistinct chatter]

What do you say to the argument, Lieutenant,

that military hierarchies were created

to protect fighting men from wasting their efforts?

Sir, I would ask fighting men to imagine being left behind

knowing their sacrifices were not judged worthy

of their country's best efforts.

What if you're dead, Lieutenant?

Many would argue the body is nothing more

than a shell for the soul.

That's the way most of our enemies treat their own, sir.

After battles, bodies are left to rot.

I wouldn't do that to road kill.

Well, what does it matter, Lieutenant,

in the Great Beyond?

I believe in an afterlife, sir.

Jesus himself had to be commended to his grave

before he could be resurrected.

But you disobeyed orders, Lieutenant.

To retrieve a unit member, sir,

a man who was covering my six at the time he was shot.

In fact, sir, I believe the bullet that he took

was meant for me.

How could I not go back for him?

Would you do it again?

For any man wearing a uniform for this country, yes, sir.

Just so he can be buried?

So he can be valued, sir.

Otherwise, they're just numbers in a newspaper.

But not Petty Officer Modano?

No, sir.

He occupies a space of his own, in the land he died defending.

-It's cold out here, Stuart. -One minute.

Starting now.

-Your remarks irritated me. -They were meant to.

But in response, I checked a source

that I'd taken for granted.

James Oliphant's father did not die in Service.

He was dishonorably discharged in '89.

Divorced his wife shortly after.

He's living in a trailer park in Florida.

I'm leading with the story on our prime-time report.

Just so you know.

[Dunston] Mr. Oliphant, it has come to our attention

that your father did not in fact die in the Gulf War

and is in fact living in the state of Florida. Would you care to comment?

[Oliphant] Look, I don't give a damn what you think you know.

You're wrong. My father was killed in action.

-Naval records indicate-- -To hell with naval records!

Get the hell out of my face!

[Boone] -Been waiting long? -Just got here.

The news is good.

CNO has dumped the Flag Mast.

Considers the issue dead.

And that's it?

He, as well as the rest of country

is assuming the kid was also lying about the spitting.

What about your boss?

Ask him yourself.

[waitress] Hi, can I take your drink order?

Stoli on the rocks.

Bourbon straight up, please.

-Same. -[waitress] Mm-hmm.

[judge] Accused and counsel will rise.

Will the senior member publish the findings?

Lieutenant Glenn Teague, United States Navy,

on the charge and specification of disobeying a lawful order

this court finds you guilty.

On the additional charge of willful dereliction of duty

we find you not guilty.

This court is in recess pending sentence.

We're in good shape, Lieutenant.

Colonel Boyett has agreed to help us argue

for a punitive letter of reprimand.

There should be no confinement or dismissal.

Would I be allowed to go back to the team, sir?

I think so.

It's a miracle, sir.

Ah, no, Lieutenant, that is a miracle.

[baby cooing]

[closing theme music playing]