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This is American youth,

our hope, our legacy to the future.

What are our young people like?

What are their thoughts,

their plans, their visions?

How are they meeting the challenges of today?

Assuming of course that they have challenges...

in this golden era of prosperity and peace.

Here is a typical American town.

Let's look around,

see what its people are like.

See what problems they can--

possibly find in times like these.

These are perilous times we live in,

an era of acute anxiety and apprehension.

We in Congress realize that a powerful army

in being, and in reserve,

and an alert defense,

is our comfort and our certainty.

I have been asked, many times,

what was the greatest act of bravery

I saw in the last war.

And my reply is always the same--

a mother bidding her son goodbye.

And so, to you mothers,

who must pass on their sons

for America's first peacetime draft army.

I can only say, on behalf of our country,

bless you and thank you.

I'm sure the membership of our Saturday Morning Club

are extremely grateful to Congressman Hardison

for coming here to discuss the defense program with us.

Thank you, sir.

And now, if there are no further questions,

the chair will entertain a motion to adjourn.

I so move.

We stand adjourned.

And now I must hurry to a television set.

My boy is playing in the big game today.

...and he crosses the 20,

the 15, down to the 10,

the five, and he's over for the touchdown.

And that makes the score 39 to nothing.

Oh, is that wonderful!

And now Andy Shaeffer will come in

to try the conversion.

Here he comes.

It's always agony for me

whenever Andy goes into the game.

... will hold the ball for Shaeffer.

The ball is snapped.

It's down, the kick, and it's good.

And that makes the score 40-0.

Oh.

Oh, oh, did you see that?

Did you see the way they knocked Andy down?

Oh, they were unnecessarily brutal.

Poor Madeline,

you must die a little every Saturday.

Sadists.

Suppose we follow this young man

and study him a while.

A fine specimen,

healthy, handsome,

intelligent, charming,

and a football hero.

The typical American boy.

So what's for dinner?

Grab a plate. You plan on honoring us?

Let's face it, you're making it just for me.

Now, would I let you down?

Well, hurry up then.

Oh, no, you don't.

Just wait for dinner.

I'll be right back. I'm starved.

Okay.

Come in.

Hiya, beautiful.

Darling,

you didn't get hurt today, did you?

Yeah... my feet got little cold sitting on the bench.

Those brutes knocked you down when you kicked.

I saw them.

Well, I only got a mild concussion.

What you...

you got a what?

I emerged intact.

I do wish you'd use a lotion

that didn't smell so leathery.

All this just for dinner?

I got a large date tonight, which reminds me,

I'm a little strapped.

What?

You know, ask for it by name...

M-O-N-E-Y.

Yeah, ten'll handle me nicely, can do?

Could do.

Could even make it a twenty.

Our secret, kiddy, is quite healthy.

I shudder to think what your father would say if he knew.

Aren't we wicked?

Oh, I'm not, but you're a bit of a vixen.

Still, you're my mother and I love you.

You'd better go run down to your father.

Yeah, before he drinks all those martinis.

Ah, the gladiator.

I caught you on TV this afternoon.

Did I warm you with fatherly pride?

Well, the trouble is you make kicking look too easy.

Well, that's a mark of a true professional.

Oh, oh.

Tell me...

Bit dry perhaps.

Vermouth.

Tell me, how do you manage to fix it

so that you, uh...

you never run with the ball?

Run? Huh.

Now, wouldn't that be something of a bother?

That's my boy.

Here you are, son.

Well, that should be... just right.

Thanks, Dad.

Well, cheers.

Cheers.

How much did your mother give you, ten or twenty?

Oh, Dad, I've already received

my week's allowance, you know that.

Well, according to my latest reckoning,

you're overdrawn on your allowance

by something over, uh $800.

Well, now, you'll get the $800 back,

every cent with interest.

On that day golden trumpet shall proclaim.

Dinner's served.

Thank you, Lorna.

Oh, another thing, Dad. Hmm?

Don't worry about your old age,

'cause like I said, I'll take care of you.

Heaven forbid.

Come on, I'm starved.

Now we need a typical American girl

and we have one right... up... there...

and working her way through college.

Part time, of course.

Oh, no, the doctor can't be reached right now.

Uh, uh, what is the child's temperature?

...one and five tenths?

I don't think that's too alarming.

I--I'll have the doctor call.

Oh, relief.

This joint's beginning to look like a drive in theater.

It hasn't been too busy.

Looks like you've been having your hands full.

Hmm, I see Mrs. Melloy is enjoying

her usual wretched health.

She thinks she's passing another stone tonight.

One more and she can make a necklace.

Goodnight, Doris. Goodnight.

Be thinking of you.

I'll bet.

Why do you go to college, Andy?

Oh, why do you think?

To stay in the upper half of my class,

thus keeping my draft board happy.

First I get my B.A., then my masters,

then I go to law school.

And all the while, my Uncle Sam, well...

he's just gonna have to wait for me.

You've really got it made, haven't you?

I've got about six years to go.

You know, if my dad's money holds out long enough,

I may wind up being the oldest pupil on campus.

Stop making with the draft dodging routine, Andy.

You know, people are gonna start believing you.

There's one thing about me, honey,

I'm sincere.

Yeah, doing nothing

and doing it gracefully is an art.

My talent for it amounts to genius,

so why shouldn't I exercise it?

If you will remove you hand from under my ribcage,

I'll tell you.

All right, tell me.

Because two people can't exist doing nothing.

I think you have to be useful.

Go on, keep talking.

If I didn't love you, I wouldn't have the right to talk.

I believe that indolence is a vice.

And I believe that you are secretly unhappy

being slothful.

I believe that one day

you are going to do a genuinely unselfish act,

and the bells will ring for you,

because you'll be happy.

Oh, honey, this is old Andy, remember?

Stop being flippant.

Andy, I'm wearing your fraternity pin,

and that really means something to me.

But what about our future?

It seems to me I've heard the word love

mentioned between us.

We say love...

Maybe a better word is passion.

Ah, passion now.

That's a rich, full-sounding word, too, huh?

I don't care how it sounds.

It isn't enough.

Will you please take me home?

You're steamed, aren't you?

I don't get it.

It--it's getting late, Andy.

Please.

Goodnight.

Hey, Susie, I'm sorry.

All right.

Will you smile when you say goodnight?

Goodnight.

Uh-uh.

No conviction.

Say, can I borrow your car tomorrow?

My little bomb here has to have a tune up.

All right.

But please have it here at one sharp.

I have to go clear across town to Genson Hall

for a 2:00, and...

there's no bus service.

One sharp, I'll drive you.

Goodnight. Goodnight.

Honey, I'm sorry I'm late.

Late?

I just missed my class, that's all.

Well, I had a debate with this truck

that was coming out of the alley and hit--

My car! What happened to my car?

Well, you'd have been proud of the way I stood up to that truck.

Well, it was only the fender in the grill.

I had it towed to the body shop.

Hey.

You interested in the meter, Mac?

Okay. Okay.

What'll I do with the taxi? Do you want it?

You have no sense of...

Andy, I don't care what you do.

This highhanded treatment

can be a jolt to any serious, sensitive youth.

Give him a day or so,

another moonlit evening,

and he'll regain lost ground,

if he has spunk

and spirit

and charm.

Okay, let's get on with the argument

and wrap it up.

Where did you get the $40 to fix my car?

I save green stamps.

You see, every time I go to the gas station I--

You got it from your mother.

You get everything from her.

Well, I'll tell you one thing you didn't get.

Self reliance.

Oh.

We've talked about marriage on rare occasions,

but that really seems pathetic now.

I mean, I don't intend to go on working forever.

How would you support me?

What do you mean, how?

I think

we both ought to just go our own way.

You have no worries.

Life will never whip you,

because life will never get its hands on you.

Look, a fight's a fight,

but let's not get stuck in the trenches.

You still don't understand.

This is not a fight, Andy.

It's just a wrong number.

I'm the one who goofed.

Here.

I've had a wonderful time.

I love you very much.

I... I'm sorry.

Are you sure she won't come to the telephone?

No, she won't.

All right.

Thank you.

Young lovers are inclined

to take their little quarrels so seriously.

Any calls, Lorna?

No, Susan didn't call.

They forget how quickly lovers' quarrels

are finished and forgotten.

They fail to realize how unimportant,

how laughable their little differences are.

How insignificant... um...

Well, uh...

Well, the campus' loss is the nation's gain.

For a healthy male college student,

an "F" on an examination paper

is the shortest distance between the classroom

and the draft board.

Congratulations, Andrew Shaeffer

and... good luck?

Who's the fourth?

General Ridgeway?

Since this will be your last breakfast for sometime...

He's not going to the gas chamber, my dear.

We're having all the things you like.

What, no candles?

Sit down, dear.

Mom, I'm not hungry.

Just a cup of coffee will be okay.

But you've got to eat something.

Oh, come in, come in.

This may become a regular fiesta.

I thought I would drive you down to the induction center.

Yes...

I forgot to tell you.

Susan called and asked if it would be all right.

Sure.

Let there be no mix ups at this last minute.

Pappy, I'll try to get a furlough

to help you harvest the cotton, ya hear?

Goodbye, son.

So long, Dad.

Hey, Mom.

I put some vitamins in your bag, darling.

So long.

See you, Lorna.

Fight 'em, tiger.

Take care of them, will you?

Time to hit the beach.

I guess it's all my fault.

If we hadn't quarreled, and...

examinations and...

It's probably all for the best, Susan.

I'm not in your class anyway.

Oh, Andy.

Will you write to me?

Yeah, sure, I'll write.

Andy?

Yeah.

Please-- Look, I've...

I've got to go. I'll be late.

I'll see you.

See you.

Uncle Sam is very finicky about who...

whom he lets into his army.

Candidates for admission must be free from disease.

Sound of wind and limb,

with lungs like bellows and eyes like an eagle.

Their feet must be enduring.

Their hearts strong and dauntless.

Muscular tone good.

Structure sound.

Turn you head to the right.

Cough.

To the left.

Okay.

And the army insists on young men

of clear mind and sterling character.

You ever have depressions or spells of melancholy?

I'm unhappy right now.

Mm hmm.

Do you like girls?

Of course.

But do we have time?

This is the road to life,

to adventure, to manhood.

These sturdy lads.

Ah, what thoughts must pulse

through their aroused young minds?

The sign said, "Morgan Hill."

How'd you get nailed?

Became obfuscated.

Pardon me?

Everything clouded up and I...

failed a couple of examinations.

A couple of examinations?

My wife got a Mexico divorce,

and from head of the family,

I suddenly became draft bait...

The army.

I'd have been happier being miserable.

What about you?

Me?

Well, I'm a veteran of World War II,

uh, just got kind of lonely.

The recap, eh?

You apparently soak up punishment.

Infantry ain't so bad.

We best be getting ourselves some sleep.

They're gonna gouge us out of here before daylight.

Before daylight?

How do you know?

Army never believes in beginning a new day

in the sunlight, if they can do it at dark.

You know something?

What?

This is the first time I've ever ridden on a train.

Well, we're going to learn

that there is a first time for everything.

And thus we arrive at Fort Ord

on the Monterey Peninsula of California.

Training center and home of the famous Fifth Division.

Clothing is the first order of business.

Soldiers are not asked to think alike, act alike,

or look alike,

but their uniforms must be uniform.

Pick out your own racks, men.

You got that now?

Pick out your own racks.

Nobody is up at this hour but burglars and bad women.

Come on, come on,

we've got these men out of the hot sun.

Come on, let's move it, here.

Come on, let's get in here.

Hustle it, hustle it.

Well, so far I'm not very enthusiastic.

Hanson,

are all the days like this?

Man, you boys are gonna look back on this day

like it was a vacation.

Good morning, men.

Note the courtesy,

the patience, the understanding

of the non commissioned officers.

My name is Sergeant Storm Cloud.

I frown on the name "Little Beaver."

Now, you're not gonna be with us more than 72 hours,

so we're gonna make every minute count.

While you're here, it's gonna be a real whirl,

taking tests, signing papers,

and getting your arms shot full of nice medicine.

First thing we're gonna do is learn

how to make a bunk G.I.-style.

All right, men, around me.

Cluster around me.

Now, you want to keep the sheets

good and tight,

make them work for it.

Now, this... is a hospital fold,

keeps the corners tight.

When you get through,

and drop a coin on the blanket,

I want to feel a little vibration

go through the whole bunk.

Any questions?

Just one.

When do we get to use the bunk

for its design purpose, to lie down on?

At bedtime.

The men are initiated

into the army's time-honored customs.

Aught the value of fresh air...

and exercise...

and cleanliness.

And shown---- that the army doesn't march

on its stomach at all.

Soldier,

don't you know how to salute an officer?

How long have you been in the army?

All day, sir.

After three days of orientation

and such in the service company,

our stalwart young men are ready

to be sent to a training company.

That's where they're taught to be soldiers.

You tell me if I'm in anybody's way.

Can you guys shine shoes,

make up beds, crawl in cadence?

Goodness no, we just pick up the telephone

and call room service.

That's kind of the men we need.

We gonna get along real good.

Where are we going, Sergeant?

You're going to Dog Company

of the 11th Infantry Regiment.

The sloppiest, easiest,

old route step outfit in the army.

You can just settle back and take it easy from now on.

Nobody cares for nothing in Dog Company.

Anytime you people are ready.

Let's move it in, let's move.

Let's go, on the double, Move it in.

Let's go, come on.

All right, let's go, one time.

Let's move.

Here we go.

Line it up.

Let's form a boot, here. nice and easy.

Come on, a nice boot here.

Fall them into four lines, let's go.

All right, pick it up, pick it up here.

Come on, you yard birds,

you're not in the Cub Scouts now.

Line it up here.

Get in line there, soldier.

Sloppy, very sloppy.

Suck that fat civilian belly in.

When I speak to you, you don't look at me,

you look through me.

What are they, soldiers or sick buffalo?

I want them chins tucked in,

I want to exaggerate it.

Straighten up them sloping backs

and put some air in them puny citizens' chests.

Yeah, this here's the real army.

Group.

You are anticipating my command,

and it displeases me highly

when someone anticipates my command.

You will hang upon my every word,

but you will not anticipate me.

Go and shut.

At ease.

Men, my name is Hanna,

Sergeant Hanna.

I'm your first sergeant.

You men have probably been told

that first impressions are important.

All I can say is the impression you gave me

is a miserable one.

While you're in Dog Company, your main objective

is to, uh, make me happy.

It's not too easy to keep me happy,

but I know that you men will try...

very hard.

If you do not, your hearts are on the alter,

and your tails are mine.

Are you sick, laddie?

No.

You were coughing in the ranks.

If your lungs bother, you should be on sick call.

I'm not sick.

What should I do, choke?

It would be advisable.

You people are on 24 hour duty

in this company.

You move on the double at all times.

You will sound off as you move.

Do not sit down or lie down

unless you're certain you're just about to die.

Group, attention!

I want you to meet your company commander,

Captain Genaro.

Men, welcome to Dog Company

of the 11th Regiment of the Fifth Division.

The 11th regiment has been in business since 1798.

Sparred everything from Comanche Indians

to Hitler's elite troops.

Fought at Shiloh... and at the Argonne.

We're proud of this outfit.

We expect you people to uphold its standards

and its traditions.

Now, those are the Fifth Division barracks,

the most modern of any army in the entire world.

Now, we are giving you our best

and we expect the best from you in return.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

I didn't hear you.

When I ask you a question,

I want the answer loud and enthusiastic.

I want to hear those little throats throb.

Does everyone understand?

Yes, sir.

We will improve you.

Sergeant Sheridan, take over.

Left, pace.

Are we headed for the barracks?

Yeah.

Left, face.

Forward, hut.

To the rear, hut.

Right leg, forward.

To the left, forward.

Left leg, march.

Group, hold.

Trooper, you will obey the command.

Anything you say, field marshal.

Promising, very promising.

High spirits, keen mind,

individuality.

This is the stuff that real soldiers are made of.

Right face.

Comrade, hut.

Hut, move. Hut, move.

Hut. One, two, three, four.

I declare, I'm about tuckered to death.

So this is army you were so homesick for?

Well, enjoy your stay.

Wake the town and tell the people.

I am docked, bugged,

bushed, beat.

Everybody, feel good?

Everybody, anxious to excel?

Sergeant, go away.

Son,

we've barely penetrated the first layer.

Men, my name is Sergeant Clyde.

Sergeant,

what is your job around here?

Nope, not much of anything.

I'm just what they call platoon sergeant.

What does that mean?

Well, it just means that

when we get out of earshot of that orderly room up there,

I'm practically your command in general.

I'm the man gonna make soldiers out of you chaps.

Does, uh, that answer your question?

Yeah.

Now, there is not a mean bone in my body.

And many people go out of this outfit,

thinking of me almost as a friend.

It's no sweat getting along with Clyde.

You do right, we be real tight.

On the other hand,

if you faol up around here,

your behinds will be grass

and I will be the lawn mower.

Do you read me?

Loud and clear.

Now, first thing,

I want these barracks to stand tall at all times.

If they do not,

there are people upfront gonna chew me,

and then I'm gonna chew you,

for that is the law of the jungle,

and the way the cookie crumbles.

Anybody lost?

Nobody lost.

Good old, good old.

Now, another thing.

When that whistle blows in the morning,

I want you all to get up eager.

I want you to look bright eyed

and bushy tailed

and ready for the glorious new day.

I w--

Young hero.

Yeah.

Have you lost your gusto?

Sergeant,

so there's no misunderstanding between us,

I'm what you'd call a reluctant guest.

I will obey orders only because of the guns

trained on my back.

But don't wait for me to become ardent.

You haven't got that much time left.

Straight forward, to the point.

The army admires a man who doesn't tense.

As time goes by,

we will come to know each other better

and the issues will become cleaner.

All right now, we're gonna have a little GI party,

and after that, I'm gonna demonstrate

how to make a bunk, GI style.

All right off and off.

Here we go. Look alive, look eager.

Bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Up and out.

Man, dig this crazy mess hall.

It's not bad.

Table cloths and flowers.

Ain't a restaurant in my hometown as nice as this.

I should have worn a tie.

Nothing wrong with this grub.

Delicious.

It's part of the army cunning to lower our resistance.

What? No fingerbowls?

Maguire, you appear to have an agile and depraved mind.

Why don't you put it to work

figuring out ways to improve our lives?

I'm leagues ahead of you, son.

In fact I have some poop

straight from the group.

Are you ready?

I've been checking on your Captain Genaro,

distinguished infantry background,

served with the 34th division in Italy

in World War II.

Many medals of valor.

So he's a hero.

That's nothing.

Genaro is a dedicated working bachelor.

Quail hunter extraordinary.

This man has a very impressive record.

He was champion of Japan

and runner up in the ETO.

A real destroyer, eh?

I'm gonna worm my way into that orderly room

like a little old boll weevil.

Just so your comrades benefit, remember that.

I will gain much information.

I will avoid much exertion.

I will survive.

There must be a woman somewheres.

You can always tell.

He preens like a rough bustard.

Yeah.

Funny the way he senses them around,

like the way hogs can tell a storm is coming.

He's attacking.

A flanking movement.

On target.

Andrew Shaeffer?

Hmm. Shaeffer?

Well, they told me in that big building

that he was in company D, like dog.

Well, of course. Andy Shaeffer.

Yes, he's here.

Well, I wonder if I could see him, please.

Well, I'm afraid not, Miss Daniels.

Our regulation about visitors.

Oh, that's a shame because his mother thought

that he'd like to have his car,

and so that's why I drove it down for him.

And after that long drive and everything...

You must be very tired and very thirsty.

Look, how about a spot of refreshment in the PX?

Perhaps we should mention here,

just in passing,

that the army today realizes

the importance of good public relations.

No matter how busy they maybe,

the officers and the non-coms

can always find time to be polite

a-and thoughtful... and hospitable

to the relatives and loved ones

of the men they command.

An army visitor today is the army's guest.

It's a small thing,

but it's one of the little niceties

that mean something.

Uh, eh...

you know?

The beachhead is established.

That'll be charming.

Susan, you don't know how you brightened up my day.

Captain, how about Andy?

Have you ever taken the beautiful 17 mile drive

along the peninsula?

No, I never have.

* To your left, right, your left *

* All we've ever do is hike *

What's that?

* Honey honey *

* All we ever do is hike, babe, babe *

That's, uh, men marching.

* Honey, oh, baby, mine *

* Go to your left, your right, your left *

* Go to your left, your right, your left *

Captain, are you sure

you don't know where Andy is?

That'd be hard to say.

* Captain's riding in a Jeep, babe, babe *

* Captain's riding in a Jeep *

* But I got blisters on my feet *

* Honey, oh, baby, mine *

* Go to your left, your right, your left *

Captain, I really must catch that bus back now.

Well, remember the latch string

is always out for you at Fort Ord.

* Honey, honey, they took us from the nursery *

* Babe, babe. We were infants, so you see *

Now, I'll show you where the parking lot is,

and then I'll drive you to the bus.

Okay.

* Go to your left, your right, your left *

* Go to your left, your right, your left *

* Go to your left, your right, your left *

* Sergeant, Sergeant, can't you see, honey, honey *

* Sergeant, Sergeant, can't you see, babe, babe *

* Sergeant, Sergeant, can't you see *

* Army life is killing me *

* Honey, oh, baby mine *

* Go to your left, your right, your left *

* Go to your left, your right, your left *

* Honey, honey, isn't it, honey, honey *

* Hidey, hidey, this is it, babe, babe *

* Hidey, hidey, this is it *

Oh, well, it will pass.

In the army, a man learns not to let little things

get him down.

Well, most of them do.

Soldier!

- Shaeffer? - That's right.

You've just made two mistakes.

One, you gave your first sergeant

cause to know that you exist. Grave error.

Second, you threw away a cigarette without field stripping it.

I'll get the best lawyers money can buy.

Hang on to your sense of humor.

In days to come, you're gonna need it.

I, uh...

I have a message for you.

It's a note from your lady friend.

She couldn't find you,

but Captain Genaro took care of her.

Gave her the old hospitality.

You have an expression to cover

such a situation, I think.

Rank has its privileges.

Ain't that the screamingest truth, though?

Pick up that cigarette!

And now?

Strip it.

And if I catch you flipping butts on the streets,

you're gonna bury it.

You'll dig a hole, six by six by six,

so the wind won't carry it back to offend my sight.

Is that clear? Yes, sir.

Well, pick up your feet high and fast.

Continue going where you were, on the double.

Sound off loud and clear.

Take off.

One, two, three, four, hut, two, three, four,

hut, two, three four, hut, two, three, four...

Hut, two, three, four, hut, two, three, four...

Hut two, three, four, hut, two, three, four.

Cigarette?

Making a civilian into a soldier

can be a difficult, tedious job,

but that doesn't discourage the army.

The army has skill, patience, endurance.

No matter what the odds are,

the army usually wins.

I declare, watching those boys running made me thirsty.

That third platoon shaping up any better?

Let me put it this way--

they won't make the Queen's honor guard.

Soldier, the record.

Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.

What's with our distinguished guest Shaeffer?

So far, it's a stand off.

What's the matter with you leaders of men?

One over-protected kid and you're ready

to turn in your badges.

So far, he hasn't responded to treatment.

How would you diagnose this case, Captain?

Acute "motheritis."

Now, look, Shaeffer's a decent, intelligent kid.

Basically, of course.

Who imagines himself to be the soul of independence.

Now, actually, his entire life has been

one of complete dependence,

only he doesn't realize it.

Look, once he takes the hook of responsibility,

believe me, gentlemen, he'll grow up.

You mean, the joy of true manhood?

Just tear the old silver cord, Sergeant.

Maguire?

Yes, sir.

Go to the mess steward and ask him for the ration count.

Yes, sir. Right away, sir.

Hup, two, three, four, hup, two, three, four...

Halt. Squad, halt.

Order, halt.

Parade, rest.

Troops drilling without rhythm

is like a woman walking with no hips.

The eyes turn away... in time--

Sergeant.

Sergeant, I believe there's a training memorandum

which states troops must not stand

facing the hot sun.

Platoon, attention. Back, face.

Don't bull me around, Shaeffer.

Stand by for inspection,

shine it, shine it.

Stand by for inspection, shine it, shine it.

Say, Maguire, what's new with at the head shed?

I'm glad you asked.

As I sat there, reading army regulations,

I could hear the far off sound of battle,

and I said to myself,

those are my men out there bleeding.

Meanwhile, I'm learning a new trade...

disc jockeying.

You got any more of those handy little regulations?

I'm loaded. The last one worked?

It was great, just great.

Clyde had steam coming out of both the ears.

They say in World War II,

a rookie read an army regulation

about how many cubic feet of air were required per bunk

and made the army build them a whole new barrack.

Oh, I'd like to have seen that.

Attention.

Pivot those eyes to the front.

Pictures on those razor blades

should face the same way as the tooth brush.

Did you shine your shoes today, soldier?

Yes, sir.

With what? A chocolate bar?

Shirt turned the wrong way.

The rifle rack...

It's unlocked.

Sergeant Clyde,

you had better push the panic button.

Your outfit is coming unglued.

Yes, sir.

By order of the company commander,

the third platoon is restricted

of the company area for three days,

for additional training.

This barracks isn't ready for inspection.

As you were.

The lawn mower now goes into action.

The law of the jungle is in operation.

I have been chewed.

I like it not.

Who was detail to lock the rifle rack?

It was I.

Good grammar.

Not locking the rifle rack is the big sin,

Private Shaeffer.

Shall I strike the color, sir?

No, I have a better idea.

Somebody dreamed it up a long time ago

for soldiers like you.

Well, I'm sure it's clever, coming from the army.

* Da de da da da *

* Da de da da da *

Why the toothbrush?

I want to be sure to get all the cracks and crevices.

* Da de da da da *

That dust and crud is, sure hard to cut, eh?

Well, I'm surprised you say that, Sergeant.

I could do this standing on my head.

That can be arranged, too.

Come on, gentlemen...

It's 20 open, 20 open.

Who wants?

Hey, Shaeffer, do you know anything about this game?

Not much.

Care to get your feet wet?

No, thanks.

What's the matter, have chicken for supper?

I'm not interested.

I hear you're loaded, Shaeffer.

What's the matter? Against your code to mingle

with the day laborers?

Preston, you bore me.

The wheel here, chicken a la king.

You know, I was hoping you'd respect

the class differences.

But, if you insist--

Come on in, Shaeffer, the water is fine.

What's open?

Twenty bucks.

Big money. You're faded.

All right. Here we go, be nice to me now.

Eight times.

Eight is the point.

Your dice, chicken.

Shoot fifty.

I got 25.

I got 10. Give me 10.

Roll on.

Come on, joy cubes, do it to me.

Seven. Seven!

Shoot it.

I'll take 50.

Give me 20. I got 20.

Ten open. There's tens.

You're faded, Shaeffer, shoot. Roll on.

Darlings, let's get those cattle to market, huh?

Hey, I thought you didn't know anything about dice.

I seem to be getting the hang of it, don't I?

Shoot 'em.

Let's go.

Jump up and sit, seven.

Get it back.

Ohh. Wowee.

Shoot two hundred.

What's the matter?

Don't you peons want to try to burst this cartel?

I got 100.

I got 30. Twenty-five.

Okay, I'll take it.

You're faded.

Pot's right.

One little old trip to Fort Knox.

Craps! No dice!

Hold.

Shake them off.

Now?

Shoot 'em.

Be good to me, dice.

Be good to me.

Eleven, ho, ho, ho.

What a lucky shot. What luck.

Well, anything else I can do for you, gentlemen?

Shaeffer, one of these days,

I think I'll just work you over.

Well, never put off till tomorrow

what you can do today.

Shaeffer, I want to see you.

Come into my room.

Oh, man, what a guy.

Have a seat.

Cigarette? No, thanks.

How much you win?

Oh, about four bills.

Need it?

You mean to pay for all this riotous living?

Really doesn't mean much,

all that money, does it?

You think I should give it back to him, huh?

I'm being selfish about this, Shaeffer.

They hate your guts now.

That means trouble in my platoon.

Well, I'd say that was your problem, Sergeant.

You cleaned them out, boy, they haven't got a bean,

and they won't get paid for two weeks.

I thought the whole idea of this training

was to make men out of those kids.

That's all, Shaeffer.

Now.

Sergeant Clyde,

training memorandum 27 states

troops will not march longer than 50 minutes

without a break.

We've now but underway 50 minutes and 50 seconds.

Platoon, attention.

Hup, two, three, four. Hup, two, three, four.

Platoon, halt.

Fall out.

You're bulling me again, Shaeffer.

Oh, I wouldn't say that, Sarge.

I let one of your mistakes go by unquestioned today.

I do appreciate it.

Yeah, you forgot to double time us

the last intersection, remember?

Shaeffer, when the United States infantry

finally falls on you,

the needle on the seismic graph

will record the earthquake.

Detail, hold.

Order, huh.

Right, huh.

Parade, huh.

Morning, men.

Good morning, sir.

I'm Lieutenant Benet,

Weapons' Committee,

instructor group.

In the next few minutes,

you men will be throwing live grenades.

The same type they use in combat.

One fragmentation grenade

and one concussion grenade.

So I suggest, while you're here,

stay awake, think,

listen to me, and we'll have no sweat.

Now, are there any questions?

Detail, attention.

Fist arm, left, hey.

Move out.

I feel a yellow streak coming on.

At this ammo point, you will pick up

one brown fragmentation grenade

and one black concussion grenade.

Now, remember,

they will kill you, so stay alert.

Move into your pits.

My wife...

I wish she had these things in a shopping bag.

Go on.

Well, come on. Let's hustle.

Place your weapon down the right,

operating handle up,

bow facing up the hill.

Set the grenades down by your left shoulder,

then get into the prone position.

Now, if the grenades should drop,

first thing you will do, sound out loud and clear,

"live grenades."

Then you will pick the grenade up,

throw it out of the pit, and land in prone position.

If you cannot throw it out of the pit,

push or roll it into the grenade sump,

which you will find on three sides of the pit,

then jump and land

outside the pit in a prone position.

Pits one, three, five,

seven, nine and eleven.

Secure one brown fragmentation grenade.

Pick it up in your left hand...

place it in your right.

Keep your right thumb over that safety lever.

On your feet.

All right, face to cavalrymen.

and get into a good pull-pin position.

The grenade is vertical right in front of the chin.

Index finger on the pull ring,

elbows up, forearms, parallel to the ground.

Pit three, get your elbows up.

Remain flexible. This has been done before.

Not by me, it hasn't.

With a twisting, pulling motion--

Pit three, what are you doing?

Live grenade.

Live grenade!

Man, you're built solid.

That concrete sump has got a crack in it

three inches wide.

Maguire, is he all right?

Yeah, but his pride's awful banged up.

Nice going, Shaeffer, that took guts.

You did yourself a job, boy.

I only did it to save the life of someone

near and dear to me.

Me.

Look, go away, will you?

Leave me alone. I'm tired.

Well, go on.

I'm well pleased with the results

of the rifle range competition.

The shooting was good.

We purchased some very nice trophies

out of our company fund.

This cup goes to the third place winner,

Private Donowich with a score of 218.

And second place, with a score of 226,

was won by Private Preston.

A very nice trophy for first prize.

How much did it cost, Sergeant Hanna?

Eighteen dollars and forty cents, sir.

Well, then we can be sure it's genuine gold.

And the man who won it,

with an excellent score of 235,

Private Andrew Shaeffer.

Congratulations, good shooting.

Sergeant, take over.

Yes, sir.

Give me your attention, men.

We'll be having visitors tomorrow, VIPs.

There's a Congressman coming

and a load of high ranking officers

for a general inspection of the post.

So we want those barracks

in first class "A" number one shape.

And that means we'll be having many parties

this evening. Ha ha!

GI parties.

Platoon, attention!

Fall out.

There are no locks on the rifle rack, Sergeant Clyde.

Sergeant Clyde, this is rubbing salt

into my wounds.

I'm afraid it is, Sergeant Hanna.

Who is responsible for the locks?

I'll give you three guesses.

Shaeffer, what is your candid opinion?

Does the army stand a chance with you?

Is there any possibility whatsoever

that we can make a soldier out of you?

In answer to your first question,

no.

In answer to your second question,

I hope not.

Is there anything you hope to get out of the army?

Yes, sir, me.

Okay, sonny boy.

I wish I had time to make life miserable for you,

but I haven't.

We have 220 men in this company

and three qualified cavalrymen

to do the work of 20 instructors.

We haven't time to blow your nose

or take you to the bathroom.

We give personal attention to the ones that are worth it,

and you're not worth it,

not by a country mile.

I can hear Captain Genaro now.

Third platoon is gigged.

Movies off limits for a week.

Jack, we're getting pretty sick

of your bugging off and fouling up our barracks.

Yeah.

Well, that's the army way of life, boys.

One goofs, the rest suffer.

Well, we ain't gonna suffer any more, boy, you are.

What do you say to a GI bath for Shaeffer, men?

Yeah.

You know, some of you guys'

jargin is kind of new to me.

It's nothing much.

We just put you in the shower and rub you down

with a brush used for scrubbing floors.

Gee, I--I don't think I'd like that.

Force yourself. Come on, men.

Come on, get him.

Come on in. Come on.

Cut it out.

Knock it off.

This barracks is enough trouble as it is.

You birds maybe sick of me,

but it can't compare to how I feel about you.

I suggest you leave me strictly alone,

and I'll do the same for you.

Go on.

Come on.

Here.

Three stripe.

What do I do with it?

Tame it or shoot it?

Oh, you're funny, funny.

You clean it.

You dip all the liquid out,

remove the settlings from the bottom

and make sure the pipes are open.

What do I clean it with?

Scoop.

Get at it, and don't come back in my kitchen

until you clean all that gunk off you.

Afternoon, ma'am.

How do you do?

I'm here to see my son.

Yes, ma'am.

What outfit is he in?

Outfit?

I suppose just the regular thing a soldier wears.

I mean, what company is he in, ma'am?

Well, only the best I'm sure.

He was never a boy to run around.

No, no, I mean--

What he means, ma'am,

is what organization of the army is he in?

Good heavens, I don't know.

I should think it'd be your job to tell me.

Lieutenant, Corporal or whatever you are,

I'm afraid you're not very efficient.

Madam, what is your name?

Madeline Shaeffer,

but I don't see what that's got to do with it.

What did you name your son?

Andrew.

Andrew Shaeffer?

Yes.

...headquarters personnel right away.

Right.

Major, see what's going on up there.

Yes, sir.

His full name is Andrew Lander Shaeffer.

Don't you know him?

There are thousands of soldiers here, ma'am.

I haven't gotten around to meeting them all.

Anything wrong, guard?

No, sir. I mean, well, sir,

we-we're trying to locate this woman's son, sir.

Well, they're finding out where he is.

I wonder if you'd pull out and let us through.

I'll only be a moment, Sergeant.

Major, what's holding things up?

Just a moment, sir.

We're trying to find this woman's son.

If that boy has been misplaced,

my congressman will hear about it.

We misplace very few, Madam.

You'll have to get her out of the way.

What is going on?

Post locator found him.

He's in company D of the 11th regiment. Ha ha.

Well-- Oh.

Lady, we found your son. Uh...

Did you lose your son, madam?

Well, I-- Well, no, sir.

It's a long story.

Well, don't tell it to me, just reunite them at once.

You go down to the administration building

and turn left, then you keep on going--

No, no, no,

you'll have to draw me a map.

Guard, take this lady to her son personally.

Yes, sir.

Heavens, what chaos.

Step on it, lady.

Shaeffer,

somehow that name sounds familiar.

This way, ma'am.

Just a minute.

If he's supposed to become a soldier,

what's he doing in the kitchen?

Right this way, ma'am.

Andy?

Hello, Mother, wh-what are you doing here?

Is that you, Andrew? I--I...

What on earth are you doing?

Oh, that awful smell, I...

Sergeant, what cruel form of torture is this?

Grease trap, ma'am. It has to be cleaned.

Somebody's got to do it.

But why my son? There are other soldiers.

You'll have to talk to his first sergeant, ma'am.

I'll talk to a lot of people before I'm through.

I may even talk to my congressman.

Attention. Why...

we don't have to put up with things like this.

I won't put up with it--

Oh, Congressman Hardison,

I'm very glad you're here.

How do you do, Mrs., uh,

Mrs... Shaeffer.

You spoke in our club just a few weeks ago.

I'm the chairman.

Yes, Mrs. Shaeffer.

Fine organization you have there.

Mr. Hardison, I demand to know

why my son has been forced

to do such disgusting work.

If this is the peacetime army, I'm against it.

Now, Mrs. Shaeffer.

Ah, you ought to be ashamed to yourself.

I'm very glad I came here today.

But you see-- No, I don't see.

Company punishment, sir.

Congressman, I just want you

to look at that perfectly revolting mess.

Just what is it?

They call it a grease trap.

They've got my boy straining grease.

Oh, I suppose it's necessary.

Sir, how would you like to put your hands in that gook?

Why don't you hire people to do this sort of work?

Lord knows we pay enough taxes.

Mother, please, it's enough.

I'm just starting, darling.

And, see here...

I thought the army was so mechanized these days.

Soldier, you're excused from this detail.

Well, I should think so.

Oh, come along, Andy,

and get yourself cleaned up.

You smell awful.

Really.

All kitchen details are supposed to be finished

before inspection.

Sir, you just don't know Private Shaeffer.

You can't imagine.

I suggest you give that soldier a two day pass

and get him off the post.

And that's an order.

Yes, sir.

Congressman.

Well, after all, I am your mother, Andy.

I've a perfect right to be here.

I don't see why it should be so embarrassing.

It's over with, Mother. Let's just forget it.

I should think you'd've been pleased to see me

to get you out of that dreadful sewer.

Young soldiers should be left alone in their misery.

Anyway, darling, you're gonna have a lovely two day pass.

I'll get some good home cooking

in that tummy of yours.

This tummy of mine's about ready to turn over.

I'll have Lorna make you some--

Mother, please.

But I...

I don't understand... You...

you are coming home, aren't you?

No, I...

I don't think so.

I want to be alone.

Do you mind?

I see.

You're beautiful and I love you.

Darling.

I wonder if the army knows

how lucky they are to have you.

See you.

And thus the silver cord is broken.

At long last, Andy Shaeffer

thrusts his childhood behind him.

Today, he is a man.

Andy.

I was just thinking about you.

Oh, darling, it's so good to hear your voice.

How are you?

I'm still on my feet.

Look, Susan, I--I just got a two day pass.

Two golden days away from the army.

I thought maybe you could drive down here.

Oh, I'd like to.

I really, really would,

but I have two finals on Monday

and I've just got to study for them.

Susan, before you answer, will you let me talk?

I feel like I'm down a well.

I'm tired, confused.

I've never felt so alone in my whole life.

But these are finals.

Oh, forget the exams.

Just this once, you can do make ups.

Oh, sure.

Just forget the exams.

You haven't even written to me.

Well, this time I can't forget them.

I simply can't.

All right.

All right, I tried.

Andy, be reasonable.

Sure, some other time,

say, like, in 20 years from now?

Well, so long.

Andy, wait a minute.

I'll be down.

Oh, Susie, I...

Where shall I meet you?

In the lobby of the Monterey Plaza.

I'll be there.

I'll see you.

Oh!

Tell me about the army.

The army?

Mm-hmm.

How are you two getting along?

Well, all I can say is I've got one year, ten months,

and 11 days left to go.

Every minute of it is gonna be pretty brutal.

Any trouble?

A little, but they're learning.

You mean the army is beginning to see things

your way, too, like everybody else?

Well, to be absolutely fair

to the government, things are

kind of still at a standoff.

Sit down now.

Okay.

Make that a direct quote.

Who's going to win, do you think?

Between me and the army? Mm-hmm.

Oh, come now you know old Andy.

I was kind of wishing

old Andy wasn't old Andy anymore.

Not exactly.

My grandfather always told me, he said,

"Don't quarrel with success."

I-if you would only realize a-and try to adjust to it.

Andy!

Andy, don't!

Stop!

What's the matter?

Let's just look at the ocean.

I've seen the ocean before.

Is this why you wanted me to come down here?

I told you why.

Susan, I need you.

Well, I'm here.

We can be together and enjoy each other without...

Without what?

Well... without being foolish.

I assumed that we advanced

beyond the fraternity pin stage.

Not quite.

I gave you back your pin if you remember.

We've been all over this before.

And you haven't changed.

You still want me,

but without any of the responsibilities that go with it.

I said it before, I'll say it again.

Susan, I want to marry you.

I'm not talking about marriage, Andy.

I didn't think you were ready for marriage

before you joined the army.

I certainly don't think so now.

What do you want to do,

set up housekeeping in the barracks

with 28 other guys?

How can I be ready for it?

But you are ready for a little adventure.

I'm sorry.

I'm not.

Making love may be simple and easy for you,

but it isn't for me.

It means too much.

Sure.

All you want is--is an iron-clad insurance policy

for a well-ordered, happy, secure life.

Do you know all I really want?

What I want?

Is to see some sign of your growing up.

I'm sorry.

I'm afraid I can't promise you

anything more than what you see in front of you.

Come on.

It's too late for you to drive back tonight.

I'll get you a room at the hotel.

In the opposite side, of course.

Who is it?

Andy.

Yeah.

You were so depressed when you left.

I--I--I was worried about you.

I hardly ever get fresh orange juice anymore.

I make it all the time.

You do?

You're a surprise, Susan.

I'm--I'm always finding out new things about you.

You mean like my being strong enough to squeeze an orange?

Sometimes, you're like a little girl.

I see you again and you're wise, womanly.

I guess it'll be a long time before I really find out

who you are.

Well, I--I think that's true of all of us.

Gee, I hate to think you're driving back all alone.

Well, I can still drive.

I can drive up with you and catch a bus back.

You don't need to do that.

It's only 100 miles.

I know, but...

what if you got a flat or something?

I've fixed tires before.

Andy, please don't worry about me.

If anything happened, I-I'd never forgive myself.

Look.

I'll be all right.

I'm not your responsibility.

I'm a big girl now,

and I can make my own decisions.

I guess I'm a little confused.

Oh!

Well, I haven't meant to confuse you.

All I mean is that

I have to be my own conscience and guide.

Someday, I hope to understand everything about you.

When my head's a little clearer, I work at it real hard.

Right now I'm in kind of a fog.

Well, I think that when you understand

more about yourself

that you'll understand more about everybody,

including me.

If I hurry, I can still make that final in English Lit.

Oh, those exams!

I'd completely forgotten them.

Honey, I'm really sorry.

Oh, don't be.

I'm really glad.

Kiss me goodbye?

This is your post, Shaeffer.

Here we are.

Here's the location of... platoon.

There's the target.

This tower is here for only one reason.

Picnickers have been known to wander

into the field of fire.

That's why you are here.

This is telephone.

You're kidding.

If you see anyone walking into that target area,

don't try to yell at them.

They probably wouldn't hear you.

Just pick up that phone.

Call the fire control point

and tell them to hold all fire.

Is that clear?

Yeah, I think I understand, yeah.

"I'm not your responsibility.

I have to be my own conscience and guide."

Go, get it.

Go, get it, Spike.

Bring it here, boy. Bring it here.

Go, get it, boy.

Go, get it.

Come back.

Spike.

"But there is one thing

"I really know.

I love you."

Fire.

Private Shaeffer.

Shaeffer, what are you doing up there?

Are you blind?

Did you see those kids?

We could have killed them.

What's the matter with you anyway?

Well?

I have no excuse, sir.

Shaeffer, I've been a professional soldier

for a long time.

And in that time, I've dealt with some real slobs.

I've commanded smug, selfish brats.

I've handled momma-spoiled, irresponsible punks.

I've dealt with loud heads and incorrigibles.

Yes, sir.

Some of them I've salvaged.

Others, I didn't.

As an officer, my failures bothered me.

Now I have to face

the greatest failure in my career, you.

I haven't even come close to making you into a soldier,

have I?

No, sir.

Well, I tried and I failed you.

You've whipped me, I--I give up.

But I don't know what to do with you.

You're my responsibility, so I can't ask the army

to transfer you to another outfit, can I?

Not very well, sir.

That leaves me only one choice.

You ever heard of army regulation 615-368?

No, sir.

Well, I'll read it to you.

"When an individual has already demonstrated

"that he is totally unfit for further retention

"in the military service

"and his rehabilitation is considered impossible

"after repeated attempts to accomplish

"same have failed,

"his commanding officer will report

"the facts to the next higher commander

"and recommend that the individual

"be discharged if he: A.

"Gives evidence of habits and traits of character

"manifested by antisocial trends, or, B.

Is an habitual shirker."

Now, it almost sounds as though the man

that wrote this regulation had you in mind, doesn't it?

No comment, sir.

Okay.

Now, you can get out of the army

under this regulation.

But before you make up your mind,

I want to tell you this.

It is not an honorable discharge.

It's a discharge under conditions

other than honorable

and it'll be on your records as long as you live.

Well?

Sir, I just have one question.

Yes.

How soon?

I'll start processing the papers immediately.

Dismissed.

Writing your folks?

Yes.

Tell them about your discharge?

The reason I asked was...

Sergeant, do you consider that you failed me, too?

Apparently, I haven't helped much.

I wish you'd reconsider that discharge.

Why?

That kind of discharge is a serious thing, Shaeffer.

Can be a monkey on your back.

It will follow you all your life.

Go to get a job,

man looks up your record, "Undesirable discharge,"

that's all she wrote.

The man will be impressed

if I spend the full two years, huh?

Could be.

Nothing to be ashamed of.

Army's turned out some good men.

Quite a few of them got to be president.

Sergeant, I'm fed up to here

with all this jazz about the army.

It's coming out of both the ears,

so leave me alone, will you?

You've got no call to talk me like that.

Go on, powder, will ya?

Polish your helmet or something.

Don't bull me anymore, Shaeffer.

Sergeant, those stripes you're wearing

are getting in my way.

You want me to take them off?

Please.

Be my guest.

Laddie, laddie, you have worn my patience away.

I guess it's about time to just whip your hide.

Would right now be too soon?

I got just the place to debate.

I'm gonna enjoy this.

Now, any time you feel froggish,

just jump.

You breathing?

I'll give you piece of scam, Schaefer.

If you want to tie this thing up with a ribbon...

all you got to do is report me.

Report you?

That's right.

They'd have me out of the army by tomorrow night.

I wouldn't want you to get any madder at me.

You're a little slow on your feet, Shaeffer.

But you don't bruise too easy.

I feel like I've been hit with a truck.

Come on to my room.

I'll give you a patch job.

Come on.

Are you sleeping?

No.

The movie was pretty good tonight.

Too bad you didn't go.

Say, they tell you're getting out of the army.

Yeah.

Well, I can't say I blame you... cigarette?

No, thanks.

Most men look on it as a dog's life.

Sometimes I ain't sure

I did the right thing myself, re-enlisting.

My home is, uh, dead bed in North Carolina.

Aint more than a fly speck on the map,

but I had me a nice little green feed business down there after the war.

Got married.

Audrey is her name.

Pretty little thing.

And I was doing all right.

Well, I never did know why, but...

old Audrey took to drinking whiskey

and I took it, too, keeping her company.

Trouble was I liked it.

Well, she got messing around with an automobile mechanic.

I slapped her some.

We split the blankets and she hit the road.

I don't reckon it was rightly sober for six months.

Man, I was one lonely old guy.

So you came back into the army

to stop from being lonely?

Sure enough did.

And can't say I'm sorry.

One thing the army's got is companionship.

Sure.

So has the penitentiary.

It ain't the same.

I've been in jail, too.

They're all nice boys here.

Kinda look on me as the pa.

You know, I never offered you no advice before, son,

but you ought to stop being a loner.

You belong something here, same as the rest of us.

Everybody enjoys belonging.

The Department of the Army

cannot stop and mope over one little setback.

With or without Private Andy Shaeffer,

the work of the army goes on.

We're agreed then, gentlemen.

Yes, sir.

Your combined recommendations are that this exercise

beheld in the 6th Army area, the first part of July.

That's right, sir. That's right, sir.

This is to be dispatched as a priority message

to the Continental Army Command.

Yes, sir.

I like the name. It's good.

Exercise Jackhammer.

Very good, sir. Very good, sir.

It sounds very good, sir.

From the Pentagon,

the word flashes down the line through the 6th army commander,

to the division...

to the regiment,

Andy Shaeffer's regiment.

Operation Jackhammer.

There will be plenty of top echelon attention

directed toward the 11th.

We'll be the first outfit

ever to be chosen to participate

in full scale army wide maneuvers

whose men haven't completed basic training.

Captain Genaro, we'll start with you.

I'm going to use your company as a recon outfit.

I'll fill you in

when the field order is published.

Captain Peterson, your company will be split

into two groups.

We'll use Group A

for the purpose of laying frontline communication.

Dog Company gets the message quickly

through its usual channels.

I tell you, I got it straight from the head shed.

A full scale maneuver with rookies in on it.

Maguire, you're around the bend.

So?

I'll even tell you the code name.

Operation Jackhammer.

Yeah?

Yeah!

Call all the officers and non-coms here immediately.

There's a big do on.

Scoudy, Dou, Dou, Dou!

From the chief of staff to Private Andy L. Shaeffer

is a long haul.

But the word gets through.

Private Shaeffer's reaction is forthright.

Operation Jackhammer.

I don't think I'll go.

The movement begins.

The army of the United States swings into action.

Armor from the Desert Training Center.

Artillery from Fort Bliss and Sill.

Aircraft.

The engineers.

The transportation core.

All are a part of the vast maneuvers.

And the most important of all,

the finest fighting machine in the nation's arsenal,

the American foot soldier.

Now, our territory immediately to the east of where

we're now standing is held by aggressive forces.

Our job will be to act as reconnaissance

for our troops.

So we'll come by air and by sea

to try to push the enemy out of his occupied positions.

Now, H hour will be 0700 hours.

Since this is a combined training exercise,

naval units will lay down a preparatory barrage of fire

in the area of the air draft at 0645 hours.

They'll use live shells.

Now, here's the target area.

Stay out of it.

Each squad will be furnished a duplicate of this map.

Well, that's about it.

We'll move out in ten minutes.

Any ideas about the squad

to select the company command post?

We're fresh out of non-coms, Captain.

Yeah.

We need a good man.

Sir, you're probably gonna hate this idea.

You're right, Sergeant.

We'll put Shaeffer in charge of the squad.

Make him acting corporal.

Shaeffer? But what about his discharge?

I'm still holding his papers.

Sergeant, go tell Shaeffer to pick his squad.

Yes, sir.

Captain, we can lose the war.

This, then, is it-- the acid test, the challenge.

The separation of the men from the boys.

Shaeffer, if you so much as open your mouth,

I'll throw you in the stockay.

Yes, sir.

Did you duck it?

Well, the smell of gun powder does something to that captain.

Okay. This is the setup.

Pick your squad.

Your job'll be to find a good spot

for the company command post.

It should be easy to defend

and have a good field of observation.

Once you find that, select a good observation post

and lay your wire for communications.

Got it?

Yeah.

I think so.

This is made the order.

It's high.

Easily camouflaged.

Could be defended, you can see the whole smear

from up here.

Now for the observation post.

Hey, do you see that peak

on the other side of the valley?

Yeah.

Yeah, that should do.

That's it.

Preston,

you, Peterson, Partri, Sarmetti--

you lay out the wire.

Why me?

Because you're a born leader of men.

Get somebody else.

Visualize two stripes there, private,

and I'll get the lead out.

Better follow this ridge along the other side.

If I read this map right,

that valley down there is target area.

Here, take this with you.

Meanwhile, me and my brave men

will stay here and defend this position.

Load a man down like a mule.

Why follow this ridge?

Straight line in the shortest distance

between two points.

Let us cut across.

Shaeffer says that's the target area.

We got plenty of time before the shooting starts.

Come on.

Hey, Preston's cutting right across that valley.

You're kidding.

That's where the navy is going to make

with the boom-boom.

Hey, Preston!

Preston!

Look at those old tanks.

I've never seen the inside of a tank.

Let's take a look.

Hello, Big Red.

This is Spider Four.

I have a fire mission for you.

Coordinates, Juliette Oscar, 261.

Papa Charlie, 811.

Fire two. Over.

They're shooting at us. Run for the tank.

Preston's really got it in a sling now.

Those are real shells.

Ain't using buckshot either.

Hey, they're shooting at those tanks.

Tell them to stop.

Use your radio.

Hello. Hello, Banker One calling Banker Six.

Banker One calling Banker Six.

Come in Banker Six.

Hello, anybody.

I can't seem to reach anybody.

Diaz, keep trying, tell them to stop that firing,

tell them to knock it off!

Right.

Somebody's got to get those jerks out of there.

Somebody sure does, Corporal.

Me?

You're in charge.

He's right.

How do I get mixed up in these deals?

Me, Shaeffer, risking my neck for some stupid soldiers.

Get out of there, you meatheads!

Get out! That's an order!

Move!

Andy, I want to thank you for saving my life.

It's okay.

Yeah, thanks a lot, Andy.

Thanks, Andy, it was a close call.

Yeah.

And now there comes another training cycle.

Another contingent of young recruits,

and, for all the army knows,

another Andy Shaeffer among them.

All right, let's go one time!

Let's move!

Here we go! Line it up!

Let's go!

Everybody feel good?

Everybody anxious to excel?

My name is Corporal Shaeffer.

When I say jump, all I want to hear

from you is, "How high?"

There's not a mean bone in my body.

Many people go out of this outfit

thinking of me almost as a friend.

No, it's no sweat getting along with me,

but if you foul up around here,

your behinds will be grass, and I'll be the lawnmower.

Do you read me?

Yes, sir!

First thing I want this barracks to do

is stand tall at all times.

If they do not, there are people up front

who are gonna chew up me, then I'm gonna chew you,

for that's a law of the jungle, the way the cookie crumbles.

Anybody lost?

No, sir!

Good.

Now, as you know, we're having open house today,

since you're newly arrived,

your parents will not be here, but others will.

You will bend every effort to impress these taxpayers

and show them that the United States' army

is a thing of majesty and efficiency.

You will create that impression at all times.

Are you with me?

Yes, sir!

You will be eager, you will be bright eyed,

you will be bushy tailed.

If you are not, the blade of justice will be keen.

Now, when I give the word, you will fall out.

There will be a quick blur of men,

and when the dust settles outside,

I want to see four rows of tall standing corn.

Fall out!

You know, my dear, I think this is the sort of school

we should've sent him to years ago.

I knew the army would just love Andy.