Original subtitles

[overlapping chatter]

[man] You can be there in about 45 minutes.

Hey, thanks.

Hey!

You want to take that somewhere else?

-Let's get out of here. - [man] Come on.

All I wanted to do was play one more video game.

-You know the rules. -I didn't hear you call me!

-[father] Don't talk back! -I wasn't!

You just did it again.

Don't contradict me, boy!

I'm sorry, Daddy. I'll be good!

I know how to make that happen.

Hey, you don't have to hit that boy.

Keep out of my business.

Look, he's only a child.

He's my boy, and I'll do what I want.

Daddy, what's happening?

-Hey, just shut up! -[hits boy]

[both grunting]

[crying]

Why did you hurt him?

I'm sorry.

Kid, I'm sorry.

[theme song playing]

-[Tiner] You got booted? -[Galindez] Yeah.

On Lee Highway in Falls Church.

I was going to All-American Guns

to pick up a box of hollow-point cartridges.

When I got back to my car,

parking enforcement was driving away.

It's going to take me $416

to have that thing taken off.

That's a lot of money for parking illegally.

I had a lot of unpaid tickets.

Was the street clearly posted?

I don't know, I didn't notice.

Let's say it wasn't.

We can argue it in court.

We?

I'm in my second semester of pre-law.

Hey, Tiner, I don't have time

for you to accidentally learn something.

I need the use of my automobile now.

[Chegwidden] I know where you can rent a Geo cheap.

-Morning, sir. -Good morning, sir.

Admiral, you have an urgent message from SECNAV.

Well, aren't they always?

Gunny, tell Rabb, MacKenzie,

and Roberts I need to see them.

-Aye, sir. -And you and Lieutenant Sims join us.

Yes, sir.

SECNAV wants to see you

in his office at 14:00, Admiral.

I've cleared your schedule

and made arrangements for a car and driver.

Tiner, I don't need anybody to drive me.

I drive myself.

Yes, sir. I just thought...

Sometimes, after your meetings with the Secretary

-you get really... -Tiner...

A-and as a precaution...

Are you afraid I might lose my way

coming home from the Pentagon?

No, sir.

Kidnapped by terrorists?

That'd be highly unlikely, sir.

Are you afraid that after my meeting with SECNAV

I might subject myself to a fit of road rage?

If that were to be the case, sir

I'm sure you'd have every reason.

Tiner, get out of my office.

-Aye, sir. -Colonel...

I'm going to be away for a week.

I'm appointing you acting JAG

-while I'm gone, starting now. -Aye, aye, sir.

The Commander has had the duty.

I believe he found it somewhat stimulating.

Absolutely, sir.

Lieutenant Sims, you and Gunny will provide

the Colonel with any staff assistance she needs.

-You're dismissed. -[both] Aye, sir.

Colonel, prepare yourself to update

JAG instruction 3590.1 Alpha.

Yes, sir.

Roberts, you'll assist the Colonel

in reviewing Administrative Laws Revisions

Naval Legal Service Command Operating Instructions.

I'll, uh, hop right on that one, sir.

If there's a problem, where will you be, sir?

TDY Bureau of Personnel

for this year's JAG Captain Selection Board.

If you run into any problems,

I'll be right down the old Shirley Highway.

Any way that I can be of help, sir?

I'm sure the Colonel will find something for you to do.

In the meantime, try to stay out of trouble.

Well, I'll do my best, Admiral.

That's what I'm afraid of.

[Sims] That was 25 years ago, sir.

Those records are in storage at Suitland.

So my assistants were told.

However, I need them as soon as possible, Lieutenant.

Sir, there is paperwork that has to be filled out...

Please, no runaround.

Tell me who to talk to to make this happen.

Uh, you can talk to me.

Thank you, Colonel. Sir.

I'm Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie.

State's Attorney Alton Foreland.

Prince George's County, Maryland.

I'm looking for the 1975 court-martial records

for a Staff Sergeant Daniel Craig, USMC.

May I ask why, sir?

Mr. Craig's just been convicted of a felony assault.

His sentencing hearing's scheduled in ten days.

Well, since the assault is a civilian matter, Mr. Foreland

why do you need his military records?

Well, in 1975, then-Staff Sergeant Craig

was responsible for the deaths

of two Marine recruits at Parris Island.

His previous conviction will be a factor in his sentencing.

I'll see that you get his records, sir.

Thank you, Colonel. I appreciate that.

-Sure. -Ma'am,

can I talk to you off the record

about the Staff Sergeant?

Harm, you might want to hear this.

Go ahead, Gunny.

When I was going through basic training at Parris Island,

people were still talking about what he did.

You're getting way ahead of me, Gunny.

Well, during a training exercise,

two recruits under his command died-- hypothermia--

after they'd been in the water for six hours.

Staff Sergeant Craig was held responsible,

but he was only doing what drill instructors had always done,

and a lot of Marines thought he took the rap

for what was wrong with the system at the time.

What kind of a man was the Staff Sergeant?

Well, sir, I never met him,

but by reputation, he was one hard-ass DI.

He'd abuse the recruits.

He broke a guy's jaw.

One time, he yelled so loud, he busted a guy's eardrum.

So far. you're not making much of a case for him, Gunny.

Well, ma'am, the recruits that trained under him

became damned good Marines.

Yeah, the ones that lived, I guess.

They respected him, sir.

And those were the same guys

who trained me and a lot of guys after me.

He gave us pride, discipline.

The only thing Staff Sergeant Craig

cared about was the Marine Corps.

And I heard after he got relieved and discharged,

his life went to hell in a handbasket.

Thank you, Gunny.

Yes, ma'am. Sir.

Well... looks like I have a job for you.

I don't want a State's Attorney

using a Marine as a punching bag if he doesn't deserve it.

Agreed.

-Really? -Good call.

Why are you being nice to me?

I'm always nice to you.

-Admiral? Good to see you, sir. -Commander Lindsey?

I know you're here to meet with the Secretary,

but I would appreciate a couple minutes

-of your time, Admiral. -Walk with me.

I'd like your input on Congresswoman Latham.

Oh, glad she was reelected.

Not me. She's not easily handled, Admiral.

-Really? -She doesn't listen well.

Commander, maybe you're not saying what she wants to hear.

As the Secretary's Congressional liaison, sir--

Whoa,Commander...

the Congresswoman likes straight talk.

Nice ploy, sir.

One more thing, Admiral. It's about JAG, sir?

I... I really miss it.

Right about now, so do I.

I enjoyed working with Admiral Brovo,

and I think I could be useful to you, sir.

Commander, I got all the help

I can handle right now.

You just offered a job to Commander Pike, sir.

I mean, that's what I heard through the grapevine.

-She turned it down. -Admiral, does your attitude

have anything to do with my prosecution of Colonel MacKenzie?

Commander, you did an excellent job with that.

You damn near ended her career.

[Craig] I was responsible

for what happened to the men in my platoon.

That's why I pled guilty.

Do you feel you received adequate representation?

The JAG that was representing me, you know

he laid out my options.

I took the government offer.

Why'd you fall on your sword?

Well, who else was going to take the blame, sir?

Well, did other drill instructors issue these orders?

Yes, sir. They all did.

But I executed the order.

My recruits died because I pushed them too hard.

Tell me about what happened in the parking lot.

I hated to see that boy beaten.

A man raises his hand against a child,

it breaks his spirit.

You regret what you did?

Yes, sir.

When I saw the look on that little boy's face...

Who represented you at your civilian trial?

A court-appointed attorney.

He... he did the best he could,

but I... I didn't give him much to work with.

Well, that seems to be a pattern with you, Mr. Craig.

A man's got to admit when he's wrong.

Look, I am not

where I want to be,

and I'm not where I should have been,

but I've been worse.

Mr. Craig, I'd like the opportunity

to represent you at your sentencing hearing.

I'll be in touch.

Thank you for coming all this way

in the rain, Admiral.

Glad to, Mr. Secretary.

A.J., we've had our differences in the past.

-Nothing major. -Oh, nonsense.

I sprung that televised trial on you.

I shanghaied Colonel MacKenzie

to handle the Admiral Boone matter.

Well, sir, it's all part of the job.

We enjoy the challenge of working with you.

Good. Well, I'm glad to know we're on solid ground.

Anything else, sir?

Just wanted to clear the air.

Oh, I understand that you are...

President of the Captain Selection Board.

Ah... yes, sir.

Well, who's handling JAG in your absence?

Colonel MacKenzie.

That's one thing we share in common, A.J.

We put trust in people we think are good.

Yes, sir.

People such as Commander Lindsey.

He's a good man.

Like Colonel MacKenzie he's going to go a long way.

Well, sir, with your backing, I'm sure he will.

Well, he's long overdue for a promotion.

There's nothing more that I'd like to see

than him get his eagles.

Like you, A.J., I want the people around me

rewarded for their hard work and dedication.

You know, I wouldn't be surprised

if he had yourjob some day.

[Foreland] Thank you for coming, Commander.

I didn't expect an officer to deliver

the court-martial records personally.

Please, have a seat.

We're still looking for them, Mr. Foreland.

It'll be a day or two.

So, you came here in person

to notdeliver the court-martial records?

I'll be representing Mr. Craig at his sentencing hearing.

Why?

Because I think he deserves a break.

Then you and I are going to tangle, Commander.

Mr. Craig has a pattern of reckless behavior

and violent assault.

His most recent offense ishis third strike.

Did he fail to inform you that four years ago

he beat a neighbor during a dispute

over the placement of a trash receptacle?

That was his second strike.

His court-martial is his first strike.

One...

two...

three.

I'm going to use that last conviction

to put him in prison

for the rest of his life.

[Chegwidden] The selection of qualified men and women

determines the future of the Navy,

so that makes this, in many ways,

some of the most important work any of us will ever do.

In your deliberations, keep in mind

the precept given to us by the Secretary of the Navy:

"The needs of the service this year

require special emphasis on officers

with administrative and computer skills."

However...

our job is to promote the best qualified officers,

so I suggest that you vote

with your hearts and convictions.

Now, as you know, if you push zero,

your vote effectively means "do not select."

If anyone votes "do not select,"

I'm going to ask the member his or her reasons,

and I expect you to have the integrity to speak up.

-Understood? -[all] Yes, sir.

[Chegwidden] All right, let's get to work.

Here it is. You can contest the charge

through an administrative hearing

on the grounds that relevant signs restricting parking

were missing or obscured.

-How do we prove that? -I'm working on it.

Well, work harder, Tiner.

I hate driving that Geo.

[MacKenzie] Now we get to...

the establishment of a strategic vision.

Hmm.

Well, my personal strategic vision

is to get through the day without bumping into anything.

You seem to be back to your old self, Bud.

Pretty, much, ma'am.

Do you mind if I ask you something personal?

Not at all, ma'am.

How are you and Harriet doing?

We have more good days than bad.

And, uh... and every now and again

we actually find ourselves happy.

Two things got us through this, ma'am.

Baby A.J.

and our friends here at JAG.

In some ways, I've never felt so fortunate in my life.

Even when you're amending JAG instruction 3590.1A?

You look good behind that desk.

Oh, you want to trade places?

-Mm-mmm. -Tell me something,

what does one get awarded a plaque for, anyway?

Mostly for good behavior,

-so it's nothing you'll ever have to worry about. -Aha.

Have you sent State's Attorney Foreland his court-martial records?

I told him he was going to have to wait.

I'm going to represent former Staff Sergeant Craig

-at his sentence hearing. -What do you think you can do for him?

Keep him out of prison the rest of his life.

He has two felony convictions.

State's Attorneys plan to use his 1975 court-martial

as the first of three strikes.

What's your plan?

Well, it's too late to appeal

the court-martial sentence, but...

You can file a petition with the Board

for the Correction of Naval Records.

[Roberts] And if the conviction is expunged

from the Staff Sergeant's record

before it goes to the State Attorney, there's no felony,

hence no third strike?

I have Gunny looking for Marines

who testified at the court-martial.

If the Admiral asks me why I approved

reopening the investigation, what do I tell him?

Tell him that I think that Mr. Craig is a good man

with bad judgment. He'll understand that.

He doesn't deserve to spend the next 30 to 40 years in a four-by-eight cell

because some State's Attorney has a beef with him.

[man] 1995 to 1997...

Commander Grace was Staff Judge Advocate, Sixth Fleet.

Following that, he had a successful tour

as executive officer at Naval Legal Services Office San Diego.

Most recently, he was Force Judge Advocate, COMSUBPAC.

He got outstanding fit-reps everywhere he went.

He has seven end of tour awards.

Now, I'm no lawyer, like the rest of you,

but that sounds pretty good to me.

Thank you, Captain Ingles.

All right, people, let's vote.

Looks like Commander Grace makes the cut.

I believe I have the next candidate.

Records, please pull up Commander Lindsey.

Commander Lindsey is presently

on the Secretary of the Navy's personal staff,

as his Special Assistant for Congressional liaison.

The Secretary has given the Commander high marks.

As you can see under "Remarks," the SECNAV has written:

"This officer has my strongest personal support.

You must select him for promotion."

Prior to his assignment to the Secretary's staff,

he was Flag Secretary at CINCUSNAVEUR.

Before that, he was Admiral Brovo's aide

when he was the JAG.

During that time, he was reassigned.

Questions or remarks?

I have a question, sir.

This guy seen any action?

He's a lawyer, Captain, not a line officer.

Well, that's not what I meant, Admiral.

Uh, it seems to me, he's mostly shuffled papers.

Has he ever stood up in a courtroom, sir?

-Once or twice. -Has he ever been in charge of anyone?

Uh, ever served with the fleet?

Been at the pointy end of the spear?

That has not been his career path to date.

But he's performed valuable services

-wherever he went. -End of tour awards?

Two.

The commander I just briefed had seven, sir.

Yes, he did.

Do you know Commander Lindsey, Admiral?

Yes, I do.

What do youthink, sir?

He has his uses.

Anyone else?

All right, let's vote.

That puts Commander Lindsey toward the bottom of the pile.

Captain Hall, I believe you have the next candidate?

[Hall] Yes, sir.

[Rabb] You have a pattern of violent assault, Mr. Craig.

This is something you failed to inform me of

at our first meeting.

I apologize for the omission, sir.

State's Attorney tells me that four years ago,

you assaulted your neighbor over the placement of a garbage can.

-Care to explain what happened? -I was drinking.

Hey, a lot of people drink, Mr. Craig.

They don't commit felonies.

Were there any mitigating factors?

Were you provoked?

The guy put his trash can on my side of the driveway.

That's it?

Seemed like a problem at the time.

[sighs]

You know you have three felony counts against you.

If the State's Attorney wants to put you away for life,

he can do it.

You ought to give me something I can work with.

An explanation... uh, a sign of contrition.

The Marine Corps has outreach programs.

If you're willing to make an effort

at turning your life around.

Sir, I'll take whatever help I can get.

[Rabb] Time served-- five years probation.

[Foreland] Why would I make that deal?

Look, Dan Craig deeply regrets what he did.

I can get him into a program for anger counseling.

I can help find him employment.

I think he's a man worth saving, Mr. Foreland.

Protecting one of your own.

I'm in the Navy. He was a Marine.

It's all the same.

Well, I wouldn't tell that to a Marine.

Look, Mr. Foreland, there's a few things

I think you should know about Mr. Craig.

He grew up poor, without a father.

These are things that I feel

should be taken into consideration.

I grew up poor, Commander.

I grew up without a father.

But I didn't use that as an excuse for screwing up in life.

I'm not trying to excuse his behavior, Mr. Foreland.

Oh, yes, Commander that's exactly what you're doing.

I'm sure it hasn't escaped your notice

that Mr. Craig is a Black man, as am I,

so you're asking me to bend over backwards to give him a break--

one Black man helping another Black man.

Well, that's not the way I think, Commander Rabb.

I believe, above all, in the rule of the law

and I get angry when people put ethnicity ahead of that rule,

and when members of my community are treated too leniently

because of their color or circumstance.

There are those who would disagree

with you, Mr. Foreland.

There is, for example, the disproportionate number

of African-Americans on death row.

Yes, there's also a disproportionate number

of African-Americans preying on members of their own community.

I say what I think, Commander Rabb.

I'm not a popular man.

Well, popular enough to think about running

for State Attorney General as a law-and-order candidate,

if the newspapers are to be believed.

I believe what I believe out of principle.

I believe that not enough has been asked

of some of the men and women of my community,

and I think that's a disgrace.

I will not tolerate crime on my streets.

I will not have one Black man

attacking another Black man for no reason.

I will not have old people and children

hiding in their houses, afraid to come out.

And I will notcut a three-time felon a deal.

Regardless of the color of his skin

or whether or not his daddy was nice to him in 1959.

You have given me no reason to change my mind.

-Sorry to keep you waiting, A.J. -Not a problem, Mr. Secretary.

I took a chance of coming over here without an appointment.

You're welcome to drop in anytime.

I thought it best if I call out informally with you

as the President of the Board.

This is our list of captain selectees.

These are all the names?

The 11 best qualified candidates, sir.

I told you I wanted to see men and women

with computer and administrative skills.

And we certainly took that in consideration

among other factors.

You're not done.

I'm not signing this.

I want you to reconvene the selection board.

I want you to reexamine each and every candidate.

All of them, Mr. Secretary?

Use your discretion.

What's next?

Final endorsements

on line-of-duty investigations

of sailors who crash on motorcycles--

30 in all.

That's a lot of careless sailors.

Petition to the corrections board

needs your signature.

I'll read it right away.

I've requested an emergency hearing.

After that, I'm going to deliver

Staff Sergeant Craig's court-martial records

to the State's Attorney's office.

You left an S off "redress."

You ought to put in

for hazardous duty pay.

[MacKenzie] I heard that.

Is there any way to introduce new testimony

-in mitigation or extenuation? -Gunny.

I've located two Marines who were there

the night of the incident, ma'am.

Major General Richard Plesac was battalion commander.

Who was exonerated of any guilt.

Correct, ma'am-- he's a highly respected officer--

and Joseph Osborne, one of the recruits who survived--

he received an administrative discharge

after the incident.

Excuse me, ma'am

Commander Lindsey's here to see you.

Send him in.

Come in, Commander.

[exhales] Good morning.

[Gunny and Bud] Good morning, sir.

Commander, what brings you here?

I wanted a word with you, Colonel.

Lieutenant, let me buy you a cup of coffee.

-Gunny? -Yes, sir.

[sighs] You look good behind that desk.

-People keep telling me that. -Um, what can I do for you?

I wanted to apologize if I was unduly hard on you during your court-martial.

Well, no permanent damage. I was acquitted.

I have no objections to your telling the admiral of this conversation.

It might clear up matters.

I'll be sure to tell him when he gets back.

Sooner might be good.

-Today, even. -Why would I do that?

Basic human kindness.

You do believe in second chances?

When merited.

[Chegwidden] The SECNAV has directed

that we reconvene and consider the candidates a second time,

placing appropriate attention

on the special skills cited in his guidance.

This have anything to do with his personal JAG, sir?

What did he say, you mustselect him for promotion?

Commander Lindsey's name

never came up in conversation.

Put up Commander Lindsey's records, please.

Ask your questions, Captain Ingles.

Have you ever seen

Commander Lindsey in court, sir?

Once, he prosecuted one of my staff JAGs.

-Win or lose? -Lose.

What kind of a job did he do, sir?

Not good enough, fortunately.

You said he worked for Admiral Brovo, sir.

Would you consider bringing him onto your staff?

-No. -Why, sir?

Commander Lindsey goes outside the limits.

With all due respect, sir,

I've had dealings with members of your staff, Admiral.

You give your lawyers a lot of, um... latitude.

That's because I trust the people that work for me.

And by extension, sir,

you do not trust Commander Lindsey?

No, I do not.

Thank you, Admiral.

Let's vote.

Thank you.

Private Osborne?

Not for a long time.

-It's Joe. -Commander Rabb.

-JAG, right? -Yes, sir.

Whatever it is, Commander, I didn't do it.

Well, I'd like to talk to you

about Staff Sergeant Daniel Craig, Mr. Osborne.

What's that bastard done now?

You remember him?

Hard to forget that he killed two men.

Well, Joe, that's a matter of dispute.

There's going to be a hearing

before the corrections board.

I know you were there

and that you testified at the trial.

I'd be interested, if you have the time

-in what you remember. -He hated every damn

last man in that platoon, Commander.

Said we were the sorriest bunch

he'd ever tried to kick into shape.

So he ordered a forced march through the swamp?

Yep. Staff Sergeant came in the barracks

in the middle of the night.

He picked ten of us and had us get dressed,

took us out to that damn swamp.

He wanted to make an example of us.

Was he the only DI who ever ordered a forced march?

The first one on a night that cold.

He marched us right into that freezing water.

You're the biggest bunch of unsat human beings

I've ever seen in my life!

What the hell you looking at, Osborne?

-Don't you eyeball me, boy! -Sir, yes, sir!

Now get your slimy bodies in the water!

[all] Sir, yes, sir! Hoo-rah!

Keep moving!

And don't stop till I tell you!

Hurry up! Move! Go! Now! Move your butts!

[Osborne] We got all turned around

in that damn swamp. It was tough going.

But we stayed in the damn water

just like the sergeant told us.

Only thing was,

a couple of those boys got left behind.

But by the time they found those two men,

it was too late.

Those colored boys...

they were good recruits, or trying to be.

Staff Sergeant Craig wanted to teach them a lesson.

He taught them, all right.

[Plesac] I don't understand

why you're coming to me now.

The court-martial was 25 years ago.

Well, sir, Staff Sergeant Craig

is looking at life in prison if I can't undo his sentence.

I'm your last recourse?

Almost, General.

I've heard Staff Sergeant Craig was a lost soul.

Well, sir, he's had his share of bad luck,

and he has certainly made more than his share of mistakes.

You know, I was a witness against him?

I know that, General.

I hope that maybe after all this time,

you might have had second thoughts.

I don't change my mind, Commander.

Facts are facts.

It took...

four hours to locate those missing recruits.

By the time we reached them, one was dead

and the other was dying.

General, were you aware that Staff Sergeant Craig

was conducting a forced march that night, sir?

No, the drill instructors had discretion

in the means they used to train their platoons.

You were aware that other forced marches

were frequently conducted, sir?

Yes, and that's why

the Commandant of the Marine Corps

issued a white letter prohibiting them.

Staff Sergeant disobeyed that order.

General, I've obtained affidavits

from members of different platoons.

Other drill instructors disobeyed that standing order, sir.

There's nothing I can say that can help your man.

Staff Sergeant Craig, and only he, was accountable

for the deaths of those recruits.

Commander, we've granted you this opportunity

-because of your compressed time frame. -Thank you, Mr. Morris.

I-I'm not here to argue that Staff Sergeant Craig

is without guilt in this incident.

However, I am prepared to argue that what he did

the night of April 7, 1975, was at the time considered

standard practice during basic training.

Was that stated Marine Corps policy?

It was not the written policy, sir

but it was the way things were done.

Well, that doesn't make it right, Commander,

and it doesn't relieve the Staff Sergeant of culpability.

The Staff Sergeant's punishment was not proportional, ma'am.

He was a scapegoat for flaws in an accepted training practice.

But didn't he plead guilty to these charges, Commander?

I mean, doesn't that imply he believed himself

fully responsible and deserving of punishment?

I have interviewed Staff Sergeant Craig at length, sir.

He has a highly developed sense of honor,

a love of the Marine Corps--

his humanity and the fact

that two lives were lost led him to accept responsibility.

He could not have foreseen the consequences of this action.

You are referring to the three strikes law?

Yes, sir. When Staff Sergeant Craig

pleaded guilty at his court-martial,

he had no idea he would one day be facing life in prison

as a result of that plea.

Commander, our charter doesn't allow us

to base our decision on such considerations.

We are only deciding whether the sentence

reflected in the Staff Sergeant's records

constitutes an error or an injustice.

Mr. Morris, sir, ma'am,

it was common practice at Parris Island

to march recruits into the marshes.

So other drill instructors are at fault?

The base chain of command is at fault?

Yes, ma'am. Yes, they are.

If you want to bring charges, Commander,

you've come to the wrong people.

No, sir, I've come to the right people

to correct a wrong that has been done to Staff Sergeant Craig

and to save him from a draconian punishment

-he doesn't deserve. -Thank you, Commander.

We'll take your petition under consideration

and we'll issue a written ruling.

Unfortunately, Mr. Morris,

I need your ruling within the next 24 hours, sir.

Be careful what you wish for, Commander.

Miss Hanratty?

I haven't seen enough evidence, no.

Mr. Xavier?

I feel for Staff Sergeant Craig, but, uh... no.

You managed to persuade me, Commander

but it's two against one,

so your petition is denied

and the original conviction and its sentence

remain in the record.

I wish Mr. Craig luck.

Your fine will be $207.

-Pay the cashier. -[man] Yes, ma'am.

Victor Galindez.

Yes, ma'am.

I'm representing Mr. Galindez, Your Honor.

Really?

A copy of the ticket, Your Honor.

If you'll notice, it's not signed.

That would be true, Counselor.

According to Virginia code 46-25, subsection "E"

this makes the infraction invalid.

You are correct.

I'll subtract this penalty from the seven

that remain outstanding.

-Mr. Galindez. -Yes, ma'am?

Pay the court $416 in fines and late fees and you may regain

the use of your vehicle.

I don't think you understand, Your Honor.

Mr. Galindez is contesting all seven violations.

Let's start at the top, shall we?

On October 16, 1999,

a ticket was issued on Washington Street.

Your Honor, since the parking hours

on the sign were obscured by bird feces

Gunnery Sergeant Galindez

was unable to properly read it.

Outstanding. Tiner, I'll be honest with you.

There were times when I questioned your judgment.

There were times when I thought you were out of your mind.

But you aced it.

Can I tell you something, Gunny?

I didn't know if I had the nerve

to get up on my feet in front of people and make a case.

I thought I might fold.

Whoo! Now I know what it feels like

for the Commander and Colonel to have to...

Didn't you check the sign?

Commander Lindsey will have other chances, Mr. Secretary.

I don't recall discussing the Commander with you by name.

No, sir, you did not.

Will that be all?

Unfortunately, yes.

You and I have different opinions

about what makes a good officer.

Well, sir, at least on that much we agree.

When it comes to fitness reports,

I call them as I see them.

Yes, sir.

And I look forward to your remarks

the next time you write mine.

I'm sure you'll find my remarks enlightening.

I'm sure I will, Mr. Secretary.

Thank you for your time, sir.

Admiral.

Commander Lindsey.

Did you speak to Colonel MacKenzie?

Uh, well, we, uh, we-we talk every day.

About me, sir?

Actually JAG business does come up more often.

I wanted to talk to you

about the results of the promotion board, sir.

-You know I can't do that. -I realize that, sir.

I just wanted to say that no matter what happens,

I want you to know there are no hard feelings.

Commander, this is inappropriate.

But, sir, if you ever had an opening

on your staff, I...

Commander!

Um...

If I find I have a need for someone of your skills,

you'll be my first call.

[bailiff] Daniel Craig, do you swear to tell the truth

the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

-[Craig] I do. -[Judge] Be seated.

Mr. Craig, I would like to review the events

which took place the night of April 7, 1975.

On this night, you ordered ten misfit marine recruits

from your platoon into a swamp at Parris Island.

You did this as a punitive measure, and also

to make an example of these men.

Now, during the night two recruits died from hypothermia.

All that is fact.

Why did you order these men into the swamp, Mr. Craig?

To get them squared away.

I served two tours in Vietnam, Commander.

I saw Marines die who could have lived if they were tough enough

and disciplined enough to make the right decisions.

When you ordered these men into the water,

-was it out of anger? -No, sir.

I thought they were tough enough to handle it.

Do you harbor resentment toward Black marines, Mr. Craig?

-[Craig] No, sir. -[Rabb] Are you harder on Blacks than whites?

Yes, sir.

Why?

I saw too many screwed up Black men

coming from the inner city.

Some of them had guts,

but not a damn one of them knew how to work in a team...

put themselves second.

That's why I never cut any of them no slack.

What happened that night, Mr. Craig?

Look, all those recruits had to do was to stick together

and help each other out... but that never happened.

Those two recruits got left behind.

By the time we found them... it was too late.

How did you feel when you discovered

that Privates Cramer and Washington had died?

Like a part of me had died.

Was this in your testimony during your court-martial?

No, sir.

Why not?

I pled to the charges.

Military training is very dangerous, Mr. Craig.

Why not throw yourself on the mercy of the court?

I am responsible for my failures.

Why did you attack Robert Johnson in the parking lot?

I thought Mr. Johnson was abusing his child.

Four years ago, you had an altercation

with a neighbor. You also attacked this man.

Why?

No good reason.

I-I was drinking.

Do you still drink?

No, sir. Not since that night.

Look, I regret what I did both times.

[Rabb] I have no further questions, Your Honor.

[Judge] Mr. Foreland.

What kind of man are you?

Bad enough so you think

I need to spend the rest of my life in prison.

-Correct. -Were you born that way?

-No, sir. -Raised bad?

[chuckling] Oh, no, sir.

My mother was tough.

She expected me to toe the line.

-Did you? -No, sir.

Took the Marine Corps to straighten me out.

That's what I was trying to do

with all those kids coming up after me.

I wanted to give them discipline,

self-respect, honor.

Yeah, Mr. Craig, I'd like to go back to your testimony

that you were tough on Black recruits.

Was that only true in the case

of Privates Cramer and Washington,

or was that a pattern?

That's just the way that I did things.

Mmm. And what were the results?

Mostly, I made good men out of messed-up boys.

If you were in my place, Mr. Foreland,

you're the one who might be sitting here.

Are you saying that I would've killed those men?

No, you want what I want--

to hold Black men to a higher standard.

Do you see any reason why you should get a break

in this proceeding?

It's what you think that matters.

-Persuade me. -I want another chance to get my life squared away,

and I'm not too proud to ask you for help.

You realize you just can't go around

attacking people who piss you off.

[Craig] Yes, sir, I realize that, but with Commander Rabb's help,

I turned to the Marine Corps to assist me with my problem.

Now, they helped me out once a long time ago.

They can do it again.

Your Honor, may we have a brief recess?

Very well. You may step down.

This court is in recess

for 15 minutes.

Joint motion to dismiss the strike.

24 months.

Agreed.

You were right-- it could've been me.

What happens now?

Well... you do your time.

The rest is up to you, Mr. Craig.

You know, some people ask for a second chance in life.

You got a third.

-Colonel. -Sir.

-Uh, Virgin Mary. -[bartender] Coming right up, ma'am.

You look terrible.

I'm sorry.

That was so inappropriate.

Really?

I thought it was... somewhat understated.

You know, Mac...

maybe you should get used to sitting behind mydesk.

Something happen, sir?

I effectively terminated my career today.

How is that possible?

Well, I'm not at liberty to say.

You know there's an old saying--

"The most bitter remorse is for the sins we did notcommit."

Ah... and what sins were you thinking

about committing with SECNAV?

-Murder. -[chuckles]

Sir, you should go see Dr. Walden.

Maybe she could h...

-No more Dr. Walden? -You broke up with her?

Other way around.

Well, that doesn't make any sense.

Well, thank you, Colonel, I didn't think so, either.

-When did that happen? -Oh, a while back.

And you didn't say anything?

Okay, we just hit the limit on touchy-feely.

Hey, there.

Nice to have you back, Admiral.

Well, I'm just passing through.

Bartender.

-Everything all right, sir? -Well...

nothing I can't handle.

Thank you, sir.

Yeah, but why don't you give Dr. Walden a...

Oops.

Well, I didn't read your name in any police blotter.

[laughing] Sir, the Commander was actually a model citizen.

How come he obeys you and not me?

Just lucky, I guess.

Luck is not a bad quality in, uh, an officer.

You know, when they asked Napoleon

how he picked his, uh, marshals

he said, "I chose the lucky ones."

Well, when they complained about General Grant's drinking,

Lincoln inquired as to the type of bourbon he drank

so he could buy a barrel for allhis generals.

So, Colonel, I guess we need to revise

the, uh, fitness reports and counseling records.

Sir?

Under "Remarks," put "lucky" and "likes bourbon."

Makes as much damn sense as anything else.

[chuckles]

Hey, look who's here.

-Hey, there. -Sir. Colonel.

Good to see you back, sir.

Yeah, that goes double for me, sir.

-Good to see you. -Hey, how's Doctor...?

Lieutenant, did you ever figure out

how to fix JAG instruction 3590.1 Alpha?

Yes, sir. Piece of cake.

Hell, then, you deserve a plaque.

Oh, no, seriously, sir

the Colonel and I really enjoyed our work.

I can see why you really love your job.

Lieutenant, you know, I dolove my job...

and I am damn lucky in my people...

'cause the world out there... baby, it's cold.

Mmm. [chuckling]

♪ I really can't stay ♪

♪ I really can't stay ♪

♪ Baby, it's cold outside ♪

♪ Baby, it's cold outside ♪

-♪ I must get away ♪ -♪ I must get away ♪

[both] ♪ 'Cause, baby, it's cold outside ♪

[theme song playing]