JAG (1995–2005): Season 7, Episode 13 - Code of Conduct - full transcript

MAN:
There he is at our 5:00.

I'm taking her down.

Get ready to go, boys!

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

Let's move!

( rapid gunfire )

I got you!

Get him in here now!

Reese, let's go!

( bullets ricocheting )

We got 'em!



Jody, Jody!

( grunts weakly )

The colonel's in court.

Did you have
an appointment?

No.

Is she an attorney?

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

Yeah, they gave me
a visitor's pass.

I must have put it
in my pocket.

What are you doing?

You think I'm dangerous?

Can I see your pass?

My apologies,
Ms. Reese.

I'm an attorney.



How can I be sure?

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean that.

Is there any way
that I can be of assistance?

My husband was a SEAL.

His commander visited me
last night and told me

that Jody was one
of two unit members

that died during an operation
inside Afghanistan.

Oh, I'm sorry.

He-he thought I-I might
have probate issues,

recommended a legal
assistance attorney.

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

Uh, they're, uh,
one floor below us.

Yes, I've been down there.

They're, they're overloaded.

I had trouble just getting
someone to check me in.

Let me see if I can find

a junior attorney that
might be of some help.

Thank you.

Have a, have a seat.

Let me get your jacket.

( chuckles
softly )

I'll be a moment.

( rock music playing
over car radio )

( car accelerating )

Hey, go Navy!

Hey, so you're
going to speak

at our assembly
today, yeah?

Son, you-you-you
cut the young lady off.

Oh.

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

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

( scoffing ):
I'm-I'm in already.

But it's the right
thing to do.

( laughs )

Hey, ease up, man.

Look, I totally support
what you're doing.

You know, I mean,
I'm signing up

as soon as I'm
out of here.

How long you think
you're going to last?

What?

Navy doesn't judge
its people by, uh,

how many flags they wave.

They have to show some
character, strong values.

( scoffs )

Hey, my father
was a squid.

He was in the Gulf.

Then he knows
what I'm talking about.

( scoffs )

Were you there?
No.

Then screw you...

and your lectures.

Watch your mouth, son.

Freakin' desk jockeys.

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

Fine. I'll move it myself.

Yeah?

What are you going
to do now?

( sighs )

I'll talk
to your father.

( spits )

MAN:
Did you see that?

( school bell ringing )

( sighs )
Are you
filming this?

MAN #2:
Absolutely.

And the moment I get
the signatures,

I'll contact you.

Haven't seen you
all morning.

Hi, Mac.

Uh, this is
Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie.

Mariel Reese.

Hi.
Hello.

I was at your office
earlier looking for help,

but fortunately,
he came along.

Okay.

Congratulations.

Thank you.
When are you due?

Three days ago.

Thank you, again.

It's my pleasure.

Nice meeting you.
You too.

Client of yours?

Her husband died
in a Special Op.

I'm helping her
with the probate.

She seems to be
handling it well.

Yeah.

You could have handed
her off to legal assistance.

What would you
have done?

I would have walked
her to the car.

Excuse me.

ANCHOR #1:
The high-ranking naval official
who struck the student...

ANCHOR #2:
The student who witnessed
Admiral Chegw...

ANCHOR #3:
James Oliphant,
the student in question,

claims the slap was unprovoked.

Admiral Chegwidden could not
be reached for comment,

but the Navy's Office
of Information has told ZNN

that the incident is under
review at the highest levels.

They all have it, A.J.

Serious questions have arisen

about the admiral's
curious behavior...

( TV shuts off )

Mr. Secretary.

What happened?

He spit on me.

He denies it.

There was a girl
in a car...

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

Well, they were
at the wrong angle,

and what were they doing there
with a video camera?

They're making a documentary
about their senior year.

They were on their way

to listen to you
speak, at the time.

I want your request
for retirement, immediately.

I can refuse
to comply.

I already memo'd
the CNO.

He called me back
and suggested

the possibility
of a Flag Mast.

Your answer?

( tears paper )

Colorful.

Just in one
of those moods... sir.

So am I.

( sighs )

( door opens )

Hey, where were you?

Getting us breakfast.

Ah, making us breakfast.

What'd you get?

A box of mashed potatoes
and scrapple.

Oh, nice.

You know, you're not
in prison anymore.

What's that?

Oatmeal--
the Rabb specialty.

Oh. That's
prison food.

( laughs )

Nice prison, huh?

So, uh,
where shall I live?

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

in a big hurry
to do this.

I mean, I'm in,
I'm in no big rush

to get you
out of here, brother.

No offense, brother,

but there's
not enough room here,

even for a Russian.

You know...

( sighs )

I've been, uh,
I've been giving this

some thought, and, uh,

there's a Russian enclave
in Arlington, Virginia.

I thought we
could start there.

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

You can go
into work late?

Family business.

( phone ringing )

Rabb.

It's Mariel Reese.

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

I'm not gonna be in till...

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

Says he's investigating
my husband's SEAL team

and wants to see me.

Why would they be involved?

Well, the Army is overseeing

Special Ops in Afghanistan,
ma'am.

Did he say what he was
investigating?

No.

Can you come with me?

Mrs. Reese, I'm not
really authorized

to get involved in this.

Do it unofficially.

( sighs )

Why don't I give him a call?

I need someone there with me.

Please.

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

Sir...

I'm otherwise occupied,
Colonel.

We know about
the Flag Mast, sir.

You and the entire
military community.

I'd like to participate
in your defense.

Colonel...

you will not
place yourself

between the
SECNAV's crosshairs.

I'll be representing
myself.

Admiral, I believe
you need a partner--

someone to
provide feedback,

maybe even an
opposing argument.

Why?

Because you're
being driven

by emotion,
and you'll lose...

sir.

What's your opinion
of the slap?

I think it was
ill-advised, sir.

Then why are...?
I also believe

it was warranted.

You have a plan?

No, sir.

Then come up
with one, Colonel.

( exhales )

BOYETT:
My wife was a week and a half
late with our second child.

Apparently, there's a salad
at a restaurant in Georgetown

that encourages
labor.

I've been there
twice, sir.

No luck.

But thanks for
the thought.

You're welcome.

RABB:
Uh, Colonel, may I ask

why you've called
Mrs. Reese here, sir?

I felt she should be advised
as to an investigation

that I conducted
with General Worsdale.

On my
recommendation,

the general has authorized
a court martial

for Lieutenant Glenn Teague
of Bravo One,

your husband's O.I.C.

He was Jody's best friend.

Well, what are the charges, sir?

Violation of orders
and willful dereliction of duty.

During the mission,
they came under attack.

Petty Officer Tommy Modano
was wounded.

Then, during
the retrieval...

Uh, excuse me, Colonel.
What retrieval?

They went back
for Petty Officer Modano,

against orders.

Why, had the petty officer
been left behind?

Not intentionally.

He fell as he was
being pulled up.

Unfortunately,
he didn't survive.

Excuse me.

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

And lost another man
in the process--

your husband, Mrs. Reese.

CHEGWIDDEN:
Colonel Boyett will be
prosecuting for the Army.

I'm surprised, Admiral.

I really thought this would be
handled in-house.

If Special Operations Command
were composed of SEALS

it might, but the Army's taken
issue with every aspect

of Lieutenant Teague's
decision.

I'm assigning you the defense.

That'll be all.

Sir, I've been spending some
time with Mrs. Reese,

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

a bit of a relationship.

So, given
the circumstances...

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

This is going to be awkward.

Commander...

do you support the SEAL code?

Absolutely.
I would think so,

considering your rescue at sea.

I'm not arguing, sir.

Then, um, then go
to Mrs. Reese

and explain that you
are bound by duty.

Aye, sir.

( clicks heels )

Uh, Admiral?

( sighs )

Sir...

What is it, Commander?

Your Mast is tomorrow.

I'll survive;
thank you for your thoughts.

Is there anything
I can do, sir?

You can defend that SEAL
to the extent I would.

( clicks heels )

Aye, aye, sir.

DRAKE:
A.J.

Admiral.

This is Lieutenant Colonel
MacKenzie.

She'll be representing me.

Welcome, Colonel.
Pleasure, sir.

Please, be seated.

Familiar with Flag Masts?

I can tell you
what I know, Admiral.

Please do.

Rules of evidence
don't apply.

Non-judicial
and informal.

Uh, there's no
prosecuting attorney.

You'll ask questions
of the witnesses,

and hopefully allow me
to cross-examine.

But your final judgment
will be based

not on proof beyond
a reasonable doubt

but on a preponderance
of the evidence--

51% or greater.

That's very good, Counselor.

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

Aye, aye, sir.

Secretary suggested
Commander Lindsey act

as my advisory counsel.

Sir.
Commander.

Good to see you
again, Admiral,

Colonel.

Would you excuse us
for a moment?

Sir?
Of course.

Sir, does the commander
still believe

you're responsible
for his lack of advancement?

Strap yourself in, Colonel.

BOYETT:
This is not the Army-Navy game.

It is a serious proceeding
that requires objectivity.

I trust you understand this

and accept the incumbent
responsibility.

The government will prove
that Lieutenant Glenn Teague,

through his inflexible
obedience to the SEAL code

of never leaving a man behind,

disobeyed a direct order,

and in doing so,
sacrificed the life

of a unit member.

Thank you.

Items to consider:

Bravo One completed its mission
prior to the rescue

of their comrade.

Chief Reese, the SEAL
who died in the retrieval,

fully supported the decision
to go back.

And in going back,

Lieutenant Teague and his men
were, in fact, serving

the highest ideals
of the armed forces.

Have you spoken
to her yet, Lieutenant?

No, sir.

This would
be a good time.

I prefer not to, sir.

Lieutenant Teague,
if it's because

you're feeling guilty...

My prerogative, gentlemen.

Well, then I will.

Commander, could you please
tell her I hold nothing

against her for
being upset with me?

Hi.

The Lieutenant would
like you to know

that he has no hard feelings.

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

Well, I'm surprised
you're here at all,

given your condition.

Are you referring to my grief?

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

Sandy Modano's husband
is gone, too.

Commander, unfortunately,
he's the reason

we buried two bodies.

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

He'd do exactly the same thing.

It's stamped into his brain.

BOYETT:
Petty Officer Gandy,

are you a member
of SEAL unit Bravo One?

I am, sir.

Can you explain the
circumstances under which

Petty Officer Modano
and Chief Reese died?

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

We were in the process
of finishing up when we came

under fire from the ridge above.

( rapid gunfire )

TEAGUE:
Ajax Nine, this is Nine Alpha!
We're under heavy fire!

Request immediate extraction!

Will provide cover! Over!

Team Two, move!

Modano!

Pick him up! Pick him up!

Go, go, go, go!

( screams )

I got Modano! Take us up!

Go, go, go!

GANDY:
Modano!

How far did
Petty Officer Modano fall?

About 55 feet, sir.

What happened?

A stray bullet probably
popped his snap link, sir.

Did you go back
for him right away?

Not at that
point, sir.

We were being pulled
up at the time,

and we were scheduled
to rendezvous

with a Ranger platoon.

When did it come up?

After we briefed
the Rangers, sir.

Lieutenant Teague
got us together,

told us now that
the mission was complete,

he wanted to go back.

No one disagreed.

BOYETT:
Did the others know

that the petty officer
was dead?

I made a point of it, sir,

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

Did the lieutenant radio
for permission

from Special Operations
Command Central?

Yes, sir.
They denied our request.

BOYETT:
Did they say why?

GANDY:
According to Lieutenant
Teague, they felt

it was too risky.

They were concerned
that his body would already be

in the enemy's possession,

or they would use it
to coax us back.

Was the lieutenant upset
by their response?

GANDY:
We all were, sir.

Who decided to go ahead
with the retrieval mission?

Lieutenant Teague, sir.

DRAKE:
What happened next, son?

I mean, I felt bad
about it, sir.

So I went to the girl
in the other car.

Her name is Karen,
and she even said

it wasn't that
big a deal.

Why push it?

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

Well, I was already out
of the car, sir.

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

How'd the admiral react?

He kept pushing me
to do it, sir.

DRAKE:
Did that annoy you?

Yes, sir.

I was like, you know,
"Back off already."

Were you angry?

I was, sir.

I mean, I love the Navy.

I was really excited
that he was there.

And here he is, you know,

treating me
like a criminal.

Did you spit
at him?

No, sir.

Did you provoke him?

No, sir...

DRAKE:
Thank you.

( whispering )

Mr. Oliphant...

DRAKE:
Excuse me, Colonel,
I have another question.

Did Admiral Chegwidden
provoke you in any way?

Yes, sir.

I had flags on my car...

and he accused me
of being a phony patriot.

Anything else?

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

to tell my dad about it.

Were you afraid how
your father would react?

My father died
in the Service, sir.

GANDY:
I was the first one

to take a look at Petty
Officer Modano's body, sir.

He was dead.

And it was because of the fall?

It sure looked that way, sir.

How did Chief Reese die?

He was the last one
in the helo, sir.

Took a round to the back.

And what was the reaction?

Silence, sir.

It wasn't a time for words...

except for Chief Reese
who exchanged a few

with Lieutenant Teague
before he passed on.

BOYETT:
Did you or anyone
disagree

with Lieutenant Teague's
decision to go back?

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

We're SEALs.

But didn't you initially
extract under heavy fire?

Now you had only
four able members.

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

when you returned?

I regret we lost
Chief Reese, sir.

But we all knew
what was at stake.

More loss of life.

Yes, sir.

Violation of direct orders.

Yes, sir.

All so you could fulfill
your obligation

to the SEAL
code of behavior.

That code is what keeps
us united, sir.

With it, there's
no question

we'll be there
for each other.

Were you there
for your superiors,

who expected you
to act in accordance

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

Were you there for your country
by sacrificing a good warrior

in the retrieval of a dead one?

Objection. Argumentative.

Sustained.

BOYETT:
No more questions.

RABB:
Petty officer Gandy,
isn't the point

that a strong unit
is a proficient unit,

and a proficient unit serves
the interests of everyone?

Yes, sir.

Lieutenant Teague also made
the point that it was important

to get Petty Officer
Modano's body

home to his wife
and children.

Yes, sir.

He was afraid of
what might happen

if the body were left
on the canyon floor.

He was, sir.

He was afraid Petty
Officer Modano's body

would be skinned
and put on display.

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

In Arlington
Cemetery, sir,

where his family can visit him.

Thank you.

Redirect, Your Honor.

Petty Officer, when you were
discussing going back,

what was the general feeling
about your disobeying orders?

I'm sorry, sir?

Were there concerns?

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

Did you discuss it at all?

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

Are you saying it wasn't
important to you?

Petty Officer?

No, sir.

Not at that moment.

ANCHOR:
And in a new development,

James Oliphant,
the young man slapped by

the Navy's
Judge Advocate General,

revealed on his way
back to his classes

that his father had given
his life for his country

in Operation Desert Storm.

Admiral Chegwidden has not yet
made a statement on the issue,

but pressure builds
on the Pentagon to act

on what is quickly becoming
it's greatest

public relations debacle
in recent memory...

Please.

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

And what would
that be, Colonel?

You can tell them
you appreciate their support.

I'm embarrassed by it.

But, sir...

I was sent to represent
the military

to high school students
terrorized by world events.

Instead, I presented

an image of naval
officers as impulsive,

overly-aggressive
bullies.

None of you would have
slapped that kid.

And don't tell me
you weren't mortified

by the fact that
that kid's father

was a fallen
veteran.

Something you didn't know
at the time.

It makes no difference.

It changes everything.

It changes your-your strategy.

You didn't even
cross-examine him.

It would have made us
look insensitive, sir.

Absolutely!

( sighs )

So now what?

Well, Admiral Drake
was kind enough

to give us time to respond.

Translation: retire.

I won't let you do that, sir.

Colonel...

you have nothing to work with.

There are
other avenues, sir.

You honestly see
a way out of this?

I will, sir.

REPORTER:
Talk with us, Admiral.

Why'd you do it,
sir?

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

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

James Oliphant
says the slap

was intentional, sir.
You have any...

Miss Reese?

Uh, I'm A.J. Chegwidden.

I know who you are,
Admiral.

Um, ma'am, I'm a former SEAL,
and I wanted to express

my deepest sympathies
for your loss.

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

Yes, ma'am. I do.

Then we disagree.

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

He died defending the principles
of this country.

And I believe he died

defending the principles
of his SEAL unit.

May I ask how he felt
about those principles?

Jody and I disagreed
about the concept

of not leaving
your men behind.

He believed it was
his sworn duty.

I believed it was
peer pressure.

In what way?

Admiral, these men
all liked each other.

They were extremely
well-trained.

They didn't need
their unit leader imposing some

macho dictum on
them to feel bonded

and trusting
of each other.

In the heat of battle,

these principles
can be challenged.

Codes are designed to provide
psychological strength.

The idea that military men

could even agree
to defy their orders...

that suggests indoctrinated
behavior to me.

Well, without
being privy

to that experience...

With all due respect, Admiral,

I have a master's degree
in clinical psychology.

I can experience it
from right here.

May I?

( sighs )

Please understand,
I'm not trying

to diminish your right
to feel the way you do,

but I was wondering,

do you believe in
the basic principle

of retrieving a
body for burial?

Yes.

I know what
it would have meant

for Sandy Modano
to have buried an empty casket.

Then I guess
my question is:

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

would you have
wanted them

to bring his body
back to you?

Yes.

But you should also
ask Sandy Modano

if she would have
wanted her husband

to give his life
for my privilege.

Ma'am...

if there is anything I can do

in any way...

I'm sure you have more
pressing matters at hand.

Maybe more pressing,

but certainly not
more important.

Do you have
a moment, sir?

Yes.

Sir, if you consider
this inappropriate,

let me know,
but I thought

I might be of help.

Seems I'm unable
to prevent anyone

from that impulse.

Have a seat.

Have you considered

addressing the media, sir?

No.

May I ask why?

Because I'm unwilling
to allow them

to manipulate the situation
any more than they already have.

But, sir, I think

the point of such an exercise

is to take control
of the situation.

And forcing your way
past the microphones

will only serve to quicken
their curiosity, sir.

What would I say?

"Tensions created
by world events

"have affected
all of us

in ways we barely
recognize or understand..."

Well, it allows you
to address the issues

without accepting
personal culpability or blaming

the young man.

How would this work?

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

I'll go out and set it up.

Thank you, Commander.

You're welcome, sir.

Admiral.

I've got news, sir.

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

Sorry, sir.

Uh, I know I didn't tell
you I was gonna do this,

but after we
spoke yesterday,

I initiated a conversation
with Commander Lindsey.

You did?

Yes, sir.

Uh, he's authorized
to speak

for both the
CNO and SECNAV.

( chuckles )

How did such
a mediocre officer

become so powerful?

If I had to guess, sir,
I'd say it's because

he doesn't put himself or
his values on the line.

Well, Colonel,
in an ideal world,

that would be
a prescription for failure.

So, what came
of this meeting?

I believe we reached

an acceptable
compromise, sir.

If you agree to
publicly apologize

to James Oliphant
for the incident,

the Flag Mast
and all pressure

to retire
will go away.

Sir?

Colonel, I was
prepared to apologize

the day it happened.

Why didn't you, Admiral?

Because the young man
lied about it.

Are you going to
turn me down, Admiral?

I'm going to consider
my options.

Sir, we spent half the night

wrestling this
thing to the ground.

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

And I appreciate your efforts.

Mac,

sincerely.

( door closes )

Have a seat.

Lieutenant, your case

is wavering somewhere
between alive and dead.

Getting past
the orders violation

was never going
to be easy,

but now we're forced
to beat both charges

on the emotional
issues alone.

And that will
be difficult?

Not if you present the members

with the passion
of your convictions.

These are your peers.

Three have seen combat.

All implicitly understand
the notion of solidarity,

comradeship.

Especially
in a time of war.

RABB:
You need to look them
in the eye.

Talk to them as though they were
ones you were going back for.

We want you
to take the stand.

No.

Lieutenant, if you're found
guilty on both charges,

you're looking at dismissal,
forfeiture of pay,

minimum six months confinement.

I'm aware of that, sir.

Look, you're
not helping yourself.

It has nothing
to do with me, sir.

Please, respect my decision.

Commander, if you will
please excuse me.

You're excused.

( door opens )

( door closes )

RABB:
What don't we have, Bud?

ROBERTS:
An effective spokesman,

convincing motive
for disobeying orders.

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

why a man would sacrifice
his life for a body.

What about recon data?

Is there any indication
opposing forces had moved on?

None available, sir.

We-we suggest that Bravo One
assumed a less hostile response

when they showed up
to retrieve the body?

Why would they, sir?

What about GPS coordinates?

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

between the mission
and retrieval.

Maybe the Al Qaeda were
transporting Modano's body.

How else do you explain
the body being moved?

Sir?

Petty Officer Gandy,

was Petty Officer Modano alive
before he fell?

According to Chief
Reese, yes, sir.

And later, when you examined him
aboard the helo?

He was dead, sir.

You testified earlier

you believed he died
as a result of the fall.

That's right, sir.

RABB:
How do you know?

GANDY:
It was 55 feet, sir.

That's an assumption,
Petty Officer.

It's a pretty
good one, sir.

Defense exhibit "A," Your Honor.

Petty Officer Modano's
autopsy report,

which indicates not only

internal injuries,

but significant blood loss
from his wound.

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

The government has a similar
question, Your Honor.

Enlighten us,
Commander, or move on.

Defense exhibit "B," Your Honor.

A comparison of GPS positions

recorded by
Lieutenant Teague.

The first indicates where
Petty Officer Modano fell.

The second, where his body
was later recovered.

There's a 90 meter difference.

Your Honor, objection.

Special Op Command's refusal

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

is based on the assumption

that Petty Officer Modano
died in the fall.

There is evidence to suggest

that he did indeed survive
the fall, sir,

had crawled toward
some nearby rocks

to seek cover
and await rescue.

Are you arguing
that it's more likely

SOCCENT would have
allowed Bravo One

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

Yes, sir, I am.

But no one knew, Your Honor,

nor could they know.

Hence the code, Your Honor.

The obligation to return for
one's comrade must supersede

assumptions
for it to be effective.

Approach.

Your Honor,
this is not only speculation,

it's irrelevant.

Petty Officer Modano
was dead

when they found him.

RABB:
Had Bravo One not had

to spend valuable time
trying to secure

permission to return, sir,

they may very well
have found him alive.

Bravo One spent valuable time
pursuing their mission

and briefing a platoon
of Rangers.

Beyond that...
No.

Colonel's right, Commander.

Petty Officer Modano
could have died

during that part of the mission,

which then would mean
he was dead

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

Your Honor...

Your strategy
is unique

but flawed.

Back away, gentlemen.

The objection is sustained.

The witness is excused.

( sighs )

( knock on door )

BOONE:
Enter.

Comfortable.

Not sure it matters.

I may not be here long.

I can relate to that.

So, I suppose,

can every citizen
in this country.

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

We're not?

Well, the ads
say we are.

You can get a free flag

with every car wash.

But I don't think
it's happening.

Well, you're angry.

It colors your
perspective.

How did you feel
underneath that microscope?

Large.

You're not going
to retire, are you?

Your boss wants me to.

Oh, well...

well, he's scared.

Doesn't want to
lose public support.

Would you
have slapped that kid?

No, I'd have slugged him.

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

Until what point?

You remember when...

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

And then was relieved
of his command.

Until he was reinstated

and led the Third Army
to victory.

So, I wait?

You keep
fighting.

Thank you.

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

So was I.

I apologize for the subterfuge.

I didn't think either of you

would choose to be
in the same room together,

unless I manipulated
the situation.

Mrs. Reese,
if you would indulge me.

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

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

I didn't think
it was appropriate, sir.

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

You and her husband
were very close.

You two know each other.

Why wouldn't you want
to try to explain,

make things better?

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

Or, Lieutenant, is it because

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

that you don't want her to know?

Is that why you
won't take the stand?

What is it, Glenn?

Please, don't
lie to me.

Does it involve Jody?

He confessed something to me
just before he died.

When I handed Tommy to him...

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

Let's go! Go, go, go, go!

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

Oh, God, no, no...

But he lost his grip.

He dropped him.

I told him it wasn't his fault.

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

When will you be willing
to make a statement?

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

How many of you've served?

I don't know how to explain this

to those who have never worn
the uniform or tried in some way

to defend their country.

We do that
through a free press, Admiral.

Why'd you slap the boy?

Reason doesn't
matter.

I responded in a way
that was not consistent

with the behavior
of a military officer.

Do you intend
to apologize to him?

I'd...

I'd like to apologize
to everyone

who's come to my aid

and had to face an irritable

and noncompliant attitude.

Will you apologize
to the boy, sir?

Sir, can you elaborate
on that, sir?

What do you say
to the argument, Lieutenant,

that military hierarchies
were created

to protect fighting men
from wasting their efforts?

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

knowing their sacrifices
were not judged worthy

of their country's best efforts.

What if you're dead, Lieutenant?

Many would argue the body
is nothing more

than a shell for the soul.

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

After battles, bodies
are left to rot.

I wouldn't do that
to road kill.

Well, what does it matter,
Lieutenant,

in the Great Beyond?

I believe in an afterlife, sir.

Jesus himself had to be
commended to his grave

before he could be resurrected.

But you disobeyed orders,
Lieutenant.

TEAGUE:
To retrieve a
unit member, sir,

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

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

was meant for me.

How could I not go back for him?

Would you do it again?

For any man wearing the uniform
of this country-- yes, sir.

Just so he can be buried?

So he can be valued, sir.

Otherwise, they're just numbers
in a newspaper.

But not Petty Officer Modano?

No, sir.

He occupies a space of his own,

in the land he died defending.

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

Starting now.

Your remarks
irritated me.

They were meant to.

But in response,
I checked a source

that I'd taken for granted.

James Oliphant's
father did not die

in Service.

He was dishonorably
discharged in '89.

Divorced his wife
shortly after.

He's living in a
trailer park in Florida.

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

Just so you know.

DUNSTON ( over TV ):
...did not in fact die
in the Gulf War

and is in fact living
in the state of Florida.

Would you care to comment?

OLIPHANT:
Look, I don't give a damn

what you think you know.

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

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

Get the hell out of my face!

BOONE:
Been waiting long?

Just got here.

The news is good.

CNO has dumped the Flag Mast,

considers the issue dead.

And that's it?

He, as well as
the rest of country,

is assuming the kid was also
lying about the spitting.

What about your boss?

Ask him yourself.

WAITRESS:
Hi, can I take

your drink order?

Stoli on the rocks.

Bourbon straight up, please.

Same.
WAITRESS:
Mm-hmm.

JUDGE:
Accused and counsel will rise.

Will the senior member
publish the findings?

Lieutenant Glenn Teague,
United States Navy,

on the charge and specification
of disobeying a lawful order,

this court finds you guilty.

On the additional charge
of willful dereliction of duty,

we find you not guilty.

This court is in recess
pending sentence.

We're in good shape,
Lieutenant.

Colonel Boyett

has agreed to help us argue

for a punitive
letter of reprimand.

There should be no confinement
or dismissal.

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

I think so.

It's a miracle, sir.

( baby fussing )

Ah, no, Lieutenant,
that is a miracle.