JAG s07e13 Episode Script

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-- 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.