JAG s07e15 Episode Script
Head to Toe
( motor scooter passing ) ( car horn honking ) ( people speaking Arabic ) I think I know this woman.
Lieutenant Donato? Major Winters, Air Force Security Police.
You know me, sir? I checked you in the day you arrived from Masirah.
Oh, right.
Nice shirt, sir.
Thank you.
May I join you? DONATO: You hungry, sir? I can order for two.
You're not ordering, Lieutenant.
You're going to quietly follow me to your car, get in the back seat, and allow me to drive you back to the base where you can change into appropriate attire.
This is appropriate in Brooklyn, sir.
We could send you back there.
Be smart about this, Lieutenant.
There's a Muslim cleric watching your every move.
That's because he can see me, sir.
WINTERS: I'm ordering you to do as instructed, Lieutenant, or face punitive action.
Your answer? How are the salads here, sir? ( knocking ) Come in, Congresswoman.
How did you know it w? "Congresswoman Latham, a long-time advocate "of women's rights in the armed forces "believes that Navy Lieutenant "Stephanie Donato's defiance of female dress codes, "driving regulations and mandatory male accompaniment "illustrates the need to establish increased "constitutional protection for female members of the military.
" Have you gotten to the part where I talk about banging down the doors of people in the position to effect a change? Well, not in time to reinforce my hinges.
( chuckles ) I'm not here to lobby you, Admiral.
Simply on a fact-finding mission.
Okay.
Here are the facts: Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie are defending the lieutenant.
Now we're on the same page.
Their initial assessment? Not in yet.
And when they know something? I'll give you a call.
Thank you.
And remind you that this office serves a judicial, not a legislative, function.
( knocking ) Enter.
Excuse me, sir, I'm sorry.
Commander.
Congresswoman.
Well, I was just leaving.
Thank you very much for your time, Admiral.
You mind walking me out? Not at all.
If I remember, you're a former submariner.
That is correct.
Well, then that explains why you haven't surfaced till now.
( chuckles ) I-I've been busy.
Well, when you feel you have some time, why don't you come over and see me? I'll show you around.
Well, one doesn't just drop by the Capitol these days, Congresswoman.
I'm friendly with the doorman.
RABB: Why'd you ignore the regulations, Lieutenant? Because they're ridiculous, sir.
Was it worth the trouble you're in? Think about it, sir.
I'm on trial for eating lunch.
You can't remove the argument from the context, Lieutenant.
This is Saudi Arabia.
But, ma'am, I'm a citizen of the United States.
Under orders prescribed by the DOD, Lieutenant.
"While traveling off base, "unless serving an active military function, "female personnel must wear an abaya "or Muslim robe and head scarf.
"They must be accompanied by a male at all times.
"They may not drive.
They must ride in the rear seat of the vehicle.
" Congratulations, Lieutenant.
You went four-for-four, not even a sacrifice fly.
Five-for-five, sir.
The base commander requires us to wear veils as well.
You think that this is funny, Lieutenant? No, sir.
I'm just trying to make clear what it's like for us out here.
The restrictions aren't even confined to off base, sir.
We have to keep our sleeves rolled down so we won't offend any Saudi males who might be around.
( chuckles ): It just got to be too much.
MACKENZIE: Frustration is a lousy reason for disobeying standing orders, Lieutenant.
History informs me it's one of the best ones, ma'am.
Look, I understand that absolute constitutional rights do not apply in the armed forces, but these circumstances are just so intolerable Lieutenant, we're not here to debate policy.
You're facing an Article 32 hearing.
We should be spending this time coming up with a game plan.
Now, why don't you give us something we can work with? Sir, I realize I flouted regulations and disobeyed a service officer, but these rules aren't fair, and that's what you have to argue.
In my opinion.
RABB: You know, these policies have been in place since 1995, Lieutenant.
If you didn't feel you could tolerate them, why didn't you protest your assignment to the Air Force in the first place? You could have stayed on with the Navy in Masirah.
Ma'am, the Air Force base commander told me the policy was under review.
MAN: That was my impression at the time.
RABB: What changed, General? The world.
As a result of September the 11th, we've been in negotiation with the Saudis about expanding our use of their bases.
American women in uniform is a sensitive issue.
Couldn't you appreciate the lieutenant's distress, sir, when she discovered that nothing was going to change? I assumed that she would exhibit the flexibility I've come to expect from my own officers, Commander.
Sir, Lieutenant Donato claims she also protested through other channels.
Is that correct? She wrote eight letters to her congressman, Colonel.
Openly petitioned the Secretary of Defense.
For all I know, she's tried to get an audience with the pope.
Did she ever request a transfer back to the naval base, sir? No, Commander.
But it makes me wonder if flying or griping is her first priority.
Lieutenant.
Your squadron commander told me I could find you out here.
Commander.
Can we talk? I'm going up, sir.
Relief drop, Afghanistan.
I'm afraid it's going to have to wait.
Unless you're interested in giving those wings a morning stretch.
Find me some flight gear.
Yes, sir.
RABB: You ever think of flying something smaller, Lieutenant? And trade my condor for a wasp? No, thank you, sir.
Tell me something.
If you're so constrained by the policies in this region, why are you still here? MAN: I've been asking Brooklyn the same question for months.
I mean, I'm of Lebanese descent, and I don't even like it here.
So, what's your answer, Lieutenant? DONATO: One moment, sir.
Clambake, this is Streetcar 3-5, inbound.
MAN ( over radio ): Streetcar 3-5, this is Clambake.
D.
Z.
Green, wind calm, clear to drop.
Roger that, 2-5-3.
Speed, 160 knots.
Holding at altitude steady.
DONATO: Release point in ten seconds.
Ready.
Ready.
( beep ) Green light.
We just dropped two tons of food packets, blankets and medicine.
That's why I stay, sir.
Enjoy your flight? Yeah, the lieutenant is quite a pilot.
Lieutenant, uh, Stephanie Donato, this is Lieutenant Colonel Sara Coffey, base staff judge advocate.
Ma'am.
COFFEY: Been familiarizing myself with your file, Lieutenant.
You have two allies here.
You should be very grateful.
Thanks to some back-channel negotiating, we've come up with a proposal.
Yes, ma'am? All charges will be dropped if you agree to stop pushing the dress-code issue.
Understood, ma'am.
No letters, no petitions, no complaints.
Agreed, ma'am.
There's a Saudi Muslim cleric who saw you drive yourself to the cafe.
And he wants her to apologize? General Sawyer believes it'll put the matter to rest.
What would I say, ma'am? "In regard to the incident of last week" DONATO: I would like to tender my deepest and most sincere apology.
My actions showed a disrespect for the cultural customs and religious tenets of your faith, and my behavior was unacceptable for an officer in the United States Navy.
I in no way meant to cause any pain or discomfort for you or the people of Saudi Arabia.
And if I have done so, I am truly sorry.
Your apology is accepted.
And may I say, it is refreshing to see a young American woman showing proper deference and speaking with a mature mind instead of an unrestrained tongue.
Excuse me, sir, but are you saying that American women are not mature? By our standards.
( scoffing ): Pardon me? Lieutenant I would like to know what the young lady said.
I implied that these standards are old, sir.
Ancient, like your Bible.
My Bible doesn't tell me to oppress women, sir.
CLERIC: What may seem to you as oppression is regarded in this country as exalted respect.
So, if I were to prevent you from participating in your world, you would feel respected? Let's call it a cultural gulf and put it aside, shall we? Call it what it is, sir.
All right.
I'll call it impertinence.
A woman who has been given the privilege of controlling men should at least be capable of controlling her tongue.
And a man who doesn't treat women any better than the camels in his garage doesn't deserve to be in their company.
That's enough, Lieutenant.
Yes, sir.
Sorry, sir.
( door slams ) See you in court, Lieutenant.
Sir, ma'am, I apologize.
I don't even know is he has a garage.
DONATO: Does anyone plan to say anything, other than me? I'll start.
What were you thinking in there? My father calls it the bigger-trigger, sir.
I can't back down in front of somebody who thinks they're bigger than me.
Oh, good.
We'll present that as our defense.
I hear your frustration, ma'am, but my career is not worth rolling over for that sanctimonious polyp.
I can't blame you if you want to walk away.
Look, nobody is walking away, Lieutenant.
Our job is to defend you, and that is what we're going to do.
You have a strategy, sir? Well, I'm considering duct tape.
Maybe we should take advantage of my big mouth and put me up on the stand, sir.
Lieutenant, why don't you go back to duty.
We'll, uh, we'll come up with something.
That'll be all.
Aye, aye, sir.
You're giving her false hope, Harm.
I support her on the issues, Mac.
The lieutenant has no sense of propriety, Harm.
She's the worst possible spokesperson for the issues.
And even if I agreed with you, I wouldn't know where to start.
I mean, how would you get past the orders violation? Well, we have to prove that the orders are unlawful by holding them up to the light of the Constitution.
You expecting the Chief Justice to be in attendance? I agree with you, Mac.
We can't win this case on the facts.
We have to put the policies on trial.
This is an aviator thing, isn't it? Pilot bonding? She's a misguided firebrand until you go up with her, and then when you come down, you're on her side.
Ah, no, no, no, no.
This is about your tendency to overcompensate when faced with a female client.
Here is a woman who broke the rules for perfectly valid reasons, but you insist on holding her legal feet to the fire.
Because she didn't protest lawfully.
Neither did the suffragettes, Mac.
They went to jail, Harm.
Hope you don't plan on basing our defense on their example.
TURNER: Move this paragraph to begin the second subheading, and that should be it.
Yes, sir.
You two still here? Uh, we'll be leaving shortly, sir.
Plans for the weekend? SIMS: Yes, sir.
Bud and I are going out this Saturday for the first time in months.
We have a baby-sitter, dinner reservations and everything.
And you, Commander? Looking forward to kicking back, sir.
Mm alone? That was the plan, sir.
Walk me out.
Yes, sir.
Have a good weekend, sir.
CHEGWIDDEN: Lieutenant.
Called Congresswoman Latham yet? Sir? Just curious.
Well, I've considered it, sir, but to be honest with you, the idea of dating a politician Afraid she wants your vote? No, sir, but, uh Look, this is probably none of my business, but you spend a lot of time here.
Might not be a bad thing, go out and have some fun.
Just a suggestion.
Do you generally take this kind of interest in the personal lives of your staff, sir? At my peril.
Well, I'll consider it.
Thank you, Admiral.
Good night, Commander.
Captain Tobak, you were assigned to the same squadron as Lieutenant Donato? Yes, ma'am.
We've flown missions together.
How do you feel about DOD policy regarding off-base behavior for women? The regs are inconvenient, ma'am, but I follow them.
Why? Standing orders.
Is that the only reason? No, ma'am.
I'm a guest here.
I don't feel I have the right to impose my country's tastes on the people of the host nation.
COFFEY: So, you don't consider not being able to drive or having to wear an abaya to be a violation of your rights? It doesn't bother me, ma'am.
In fact, without an abaya, I'd stand out in a crowd, get looks from people on the street.
Thank you, Captain.
MacKENZIE: Captain, are you Christian? Yes, ma'am, Catholic.
Like Lieutenant Donato? That's right, ma'am.
The wearing of an abaya by women is a tenet of the Islamic faith, is it not? It is, ma'am.
Are we to believe that you don't consider having to wear one an infringement of your First Amendment right to practice religion freely without the imposition of another faith? The way I look at it, ma'am, it's like when my husband and I go to my friend's house for Passover, and he puts on a yarmulke.
Does your friend make your husband wear the yarmulke? No.
She does make us eat that fish stuff with the horseradish, though.
But the point is that your husband chooses to wear it, correct? Yes, ma'am.
But I think he'd be okay with it even it if it was a requirement.
It's not like we're going to stop believing in the Holy Trinity by the end of the seder.
General Sawyer, what is the purpose of current regulations regarding female personnel? They're designed to avoid cultural conflict.
We also want to protect our women from harassment by the mutawa, the religious police, and attacks from terrorist cells.
Sir, has Lieutenant Donato expressed her displeasure with these regulations? Yes.
What were her exact words, General? That they were ludicrous and fraught with hypocrisy.
So, when Lieutenant Donato, alone and in civilian dress, drove herself to a café, sir, do you believe she was acting in defiance of set policies? Calls for speculation, Your Honor.
Sustained.
COFFEY: No further questions.
General, when the Air Force speaks of cultural sensitivity, sir, aren't we pandering to the Saudis? You Honor I'll rephrase, You Honor.
Sir, is it not true that this policy has a political component? Politics are inextricably linked to military objectives these days, Commander.
We need to keep the Saudis on our side.
Even if that means, sir, degrading our woman by subjecting them to policies that back home would be deemed unconstitutional? We aren't back home.
No, sir, but we are defending our constitution as well as our country, are we not? At the moment, Commander, we're defending our citizens.
Including those under my command.
Safety is the primary rationale.
General, there is an editorial by former Secretary of Defense Daniels in which he states, "The policy serves no legitimate military purpose or end.
" Would you agree with that, sir? By strict definition, yes.
Thank you, sir, that will be all.
But when Osama Bin Laden summoned the fundamentalist Islamic world to join him, he cited the presence of American military personnel on sacred Saudi soil as cause for jihad.
Our intention is not to repress our women.
It's to repress the terrorist propaganda that was created by their presence.
( sighs ) The constitutional arguments aren't working.
Well, we've got to rethink.
You say it like we haven't done that already.
( phone rings ) Rabb.
Colonel Coffey.
Oh, is that right? Where are you now? Is that off base? What's the address? All right, well, we'll, uh, see you in an hour.
Okay.
( sighs ): Got to love this job.
Just when you're about to plummet to the earth, your opponent throws you a parachute.
MacKENZIE: What do you think the colonel will want? To turn our client into a civilian.
That will save her from losing her benefits.
Probably our best option.
Do you really want to do that to her, Mac? She's doing it to herself, Harm.
Mac You know, she came here to serve her country, not express her opinions.
Mac It's not ours to choose which orders to obey.
Mac.
What? I have to drive; we're going off base.
( sighs ) Do you see her? You're kidding, right? ( grunts ) Commander.
Colonel.
Colonel.
Sorry you had to come to me.
I'm involved in the current Status of Forces discussions with the Saudis, but I wanted to put this on the table before the hearing resumes tomorrow.
What is your role in these discussions, may I ask? I'm assisting the lead negotiator.
They let you talk? Can we stay on point, please? ( sighs ) Your move.
One offer, nonnegotiable.
Well, so far, it doesn't sound too attractive, Colonel.
It's generous under the circumstances.
Dismissal as adjudged, no forfeitures or confinement.
We'll plead to the charge, and we'll accept a non-punitive letter of reprimand.
You're negotiating, Commander.
Well, I guess I can't help myself.
Dismissal is the cornerstone of our position.
Lieutenant Donato is a disruptive presence.
She has to go.
We'll discuss it with our client.
No.
I'm sorry, no deal, Colonel.
We're recommending to the lieutenant that the matter be decided in court.
MacKENZIE: Can we stop talking about this? Yeah, as soon as you give me an answer I can accept.
I was beginning to lean towards your deal: dismissal without punishment.
I mean, you're the one who was so convinced we couldn't defeat the prosecution's case in the first place.
I changed my mind.
Without informing me.
I'm sorry.
It was an impulse.
You heard it when I felt it.
Felt what? The sense of isolation you get when you wear one of these things! You cease to exist.
I know you were there.
Yeah, but you didn't know what I was feeling.
Come on.
You've worn one of these things before.
Hell, your grandmother's Iranian.
She probably never went anywhere without one.
She never wore a veil, Harm.
It changes everything.
You speak, but you're not heard.
Well, I heard Lieutenant Colonel Coffey.
Yeah, because she had information for us.
But if you weren't interested in what she had to say, she would have been less present than the plant next to her.
What does this all have to do with Lieutenant Donato's case? Everything.
The regulations force the lieutenant to separate herself from men, which weakens her authority, diminishes her ability to be taken seriously.
That's her issue: the policy makes women ineffective.
All right, so how do we make this point? We let the lieutenant make it herself.
No.
Just hear me out.
After you've had a cold shower.
This entire case is about free expression.
How do we stand for those principles and deny our client the right to defend herself? When you turn The only way we're going to sway the hearing officer at this point, is to let the lieutenant take the stand and tell her story.
Oh, you mean the one about how she violated orders.
Yes.
She can argue her emotional reasons behind the decision.
If the lieutenant has anything going for her, Harm, it's the depth of her feelings.
LATHAM: So, what made you decide on an Afghan restaurant? TURNER: I like the food.
I thought it might be because we're allies now.
No.
Good evening.
Follow me, please.
You know, we're having a hell of a time with the transitional government in Kabul.
It's feudal and-and faction-rich.
I mean, I think we're not going to approach stability Boy, this is low.
( chuckles ) Let me take your coat.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Let me help you there.
I think I'm going to need it.
( laughs ): Okay.
Just Why don't I just Whoo! All right.
Whoo! Oh! I am so sorry.
( laughs ) No, I'm fine.
Just Here we go.
Here we go.
Can you give me a little boost? Okay.
Oh! Thank you.
Just Try to get my into a more comfortable Mm-hmm.
( gasps ): Oh! Gosh, I'm sorry.
Are you all right? Yeah, I'm okay.
I'm all right.
I'm sorry.
Just Don't worry about it.
let me get a little closer.
( grunts ) ( sighs ) ( sighs ): Okay.
( laughs ) This is probably not what you had in mind.
Oh, falling, no, eating, yes.
Okay.
( sighs ) Hmm Ooh.
Bulani Katchalu flat-bread stuffed with stewed leeks.
Hmm You know, we-we can always go somewhere else.
There's-there's a No, no, I really want to try this.
Well, maybe afterwards, we can do something else, and your choice.
All right.
Um, do you like salsa music? Okay.
RABB: Lieutenant, prior to your arrival from Masirah, were you aware of regulations concerning female behavior off base? Yes, sir, but I was under the impression those regulations were being rethought.
When you discovered, Lieutenant, that they weren't, why didn't you transfer back to the naval base? Because once inside, sir, I realized I might be in a position where I can do something about them.
Why bother? None of the other female personnel seemed to mind.
They do mind, sir, but most feel they don't have a voice in the matter.
Based on what I've seen, sir, it's pretty much that way for all women in this region.
What have you seen, Lieutenant? A lot of sick mothers, children and elderly, sir.
See, the trick about dropping supplies, sir, is to get them to the neediest.
Does that happen? If they aren't hoarded or seized by troops on the ground first.
That happens more often than it should, in my opinion.
Does that bother you, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.
The reason why I wanted to be a part of this was so I can help people in need.
Is that because of your upbringing? Yes, sir, it is.
I grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, sir.
The only girl in five.
All of us were taught to serve.
One of my brothers is a cop.
The other's in the Coast Guard, and two are firemen.
Do you regret, Lieutenant, having defied base regulations? I regret the controversy, the bad press and the conflicts with my superiors, sir.
But I'm not sorry for fighting a policy that disrespects women.
Thank you, Lieutenant.
Nothing further.
Lieutenant, you claim to be concerned for refugees, but you came here to fly, did you not? Yes, that's what I do, ma'am.
According to your base commander in Masirah, that is the one and only reason you jumped at this assignment.
Objection.
Hearsay and facts not in evidence.
Sustained.
You needn't respond, Lieutenant.
COFFEY: Lieutenant, did you write letters or file protests regarding Saudi off-base regulations prior to coming here? No, ma'am.
Isn't that because they were of absolutely no concern to you until they directly affected your life? And the lives of every woman I've met on and off base.
That would include you, ma'am.
LATHAM: So, you would think given the state of their military readiness, they'd be more likely to agree.
I don't mean to change the subject, but I don't think you ever told me where you're from.
Detroit.
The, uh, district I represent.
Have you always lived there, or did you return? No.
I-I returned to, um, help my mother with some local civil rights initiatives.
This will interest you.
The state legislature at the time Are you close with your mother? Yeah, we talk often.
It's important to have that touchstone.
I think so.
In fact, um, I was having a conversation with her this morning about, uh, Lieutenant Donato, the Navy lieutenant in Saudi Arabia who's fighting the off-base, uh, codes of behavior.
Are you familiar with that? Yes, I am.
Do you have any interest in politics, Commander? Uh, yes, I do.
But you just don't seem to want to go there.
I'm sorry, but I just don't know very much about you.
I assumed I was telling you.
You're telling me what you do, which I agree is an insight into how you think, but I'm also curious into how you feel.
And to be honest, I don't usually talk shop outside the office.
That's all I do.
You know what they say, if there'd been no cloakroom, there'd be no Constitution.
I wonder what they say about relationships.
Commander? It is him.
Well, hello.
Hey, we saw you through the window.
It's great to see you, Congresswoman.
Hi.
I-I'd stand, but I don't think I can.
How are you guys? We're good now.
The baby-sitter was late, we got stuck in a traffic jam.
Yeah, we lost our reservations.
Sorry to hear that.
What are you gonna do? SIMS: I don't know.
We were just looking for a restaurant.
This place looks really interesting.
Have you guys eaten? Yes, but we'd love to stay and have coffee and dessert with you.
Well, that would be great.
Yes.
Please, join us.
You know, you look very nice.
Well, thank you very much.
So We had no idea.
About what, Lieutenant? Uh, that you two First date.
SIMS: Oh, well, are you sure you two don't want to be alone? Yes.
We're sure.
Colonel, Commander.
Hello, Colonel.
We were just considering going to dinner.
Care to put on a shapeless black dress and join us? Emotional arguments aside, this case will go to court-martial, and your tactics will just prolong the agony for all involved.
What do you have for us, Colonel? DONATO: Clambake, Streetcar 3-5.
Job completed.
Heading home, over.
MAN ( over radio ): Roger that, Streetcar 3-5.
Clambake out.
( explosion ) Whoa! Fire warning light on two.
DONATO: Condition lever two, feather.
Two feathered.
Fire handle, pull.
Fire agent, discharge.
Roger that, Lieutenant.
Max power on one, three and four.
One, three, four max.
She's not behaving, Lieutenant.
Gear down.
Back me up on the rudders and the aileron.
Utility boost pump off.
Off.
One and two engine hydraulic pumps off.
One and two off.
Pull circuit breaker on utility suction pump.
Sarge.
Done, Lieutenant.
Where's the nearest field, Alex? There's a dirt strip a mile south of us.
Emergency landing, boys! Lock yourselves in! Final offer: base commander will agree to a non-punitive letter of caution and a transfer back to Masirah.
The Lieutenant goes quietly into the night, and all is forgotten.
If it doesn't involve flying, the lieutenant won't be going quietly anywhere.
RABB: The lieutenant keeps flying and she stays in Saudi Arabia.
Why are you taking such a hard line on this? Because we can, Colonel.
Know any prayers, Alex? I'm already on it, Lieutenant.
I'm already on it.
Beautiful, Brooklyn, beautiful.
She can fly, but her Air Force fit-rep reflects her conduct and she gets a non-punitive letter of caution.
Well, we'll discuss it with her.
The lieutenant is shy, but I'm sure we can coax an answer out of her.
I just hope she realizes how fortunate she is.
She may be strong-willed, Colonel, but she's not stupid.
Check the landing gear, Sergeant, and number three and number four engines.
Right away, Lieutenant.
DONATO: We've got company.
Lieutenant.
( man shouting in Arabic over speakers ) It's okay, Lieutenant.
They're local boys.
We'll need your Arabic, Alex.
( men chattering in Arabic ) He wants you to wear an abaya.
We don't have one with us.
This is his solution.
Tell him regulations say I don't have to cover up while operating military equipment.
( grunts ) ( speaking Arabic ) Easy, boys, easy.
Translate that, Lieutenant.
Whoa, whoa.
You really did it this time, Lieutenant.
You were free and clear.
We negotiated your punishment down to a paragraph in your service record.
And now? RABB: Now prosecution will argue, effectively, that you can no longer be trusted by the Air Force and Navy to represent their interests in this part of the world.
( sighs ) Commander, Colonel, I'm sorry.
If you want to bail out on this one We're not bailing, but that doesn't mean the boat isn't sinking.
We're going to have to come up with a new game plan.
ALEX: Sir, ma'am, Lieutenant Donato saved our lives and a $40-million aircraft.
Instead of offering help, the Saudis tried to humiliate her.
Can't that be your argument? The hearing officer will only buy so many excuses, Lieutenant.
Well, you can still claim that the regulations are unfair.
We've done that, ad nauseam.
ALEX: From the woman's perspective only, sir.
You see, Lieutenant Donato is the kind of person who refuses to drag people into her own affairs, so I'm sure she hasn't told you everything.
Alex, what are you doing? These regs are inconsistent with the principles of good order and discipline, sir, ma'am.
And I'm not the only man on base who thinks this way.
Hey, Bud, I was balancing our checkbook, and I came across this.
For the baby-sitter.
What's $55, though? Ten dollars an hour.
She was the only one available.
We spent most of that time sitting in traffic.
Not to mention having to sit with two people who didn't talk to each other for an hour and a half.
Really, sir? We didn't notice.
No, sir.
It was fine.
And the meal was interesting.
I'm sorry, sir.
What was the problem? Still working on that, Lieutenant.
With all due respect, sir, it was the first date.
Maybe you should try it again.
Lieutenant Kragen, you're a pilot in Lieutenant Donato's squadron, is that right? Yes, ma'am.
Do you and the others have a good relationship with the lieutenant? We do, ma'am.
Lieutenant Donato's popular.
Do you all hang out? On base, ma'am.
Not off? The lieutenant chooses not to join us, ma'am.
Is that because she has to wear an abaya and a veil? That's right, ma'am.
Still, we always ask.
Did you ask her to join you on January 9? Yes, ma'am.
A bunch of us thought it would be funny if we showed up at her quarters wearing abayas and veils, so we bummed some off some female personnel, knocked on her door, and when she answered it, we were standing there looking like something from the Osama Experience.
Was the lieutenant amused? No, ma'am.
The joke backfired.
She was very upset, and we apologized, explained to her this was just our adolescent way of showing solidarity.
So, what time was this? About 12:30, ma'am.
An hour prior to the incident at the cafe.
Yes, ma'am.
Did you feel in some way responsible for what the lieutenant did? I believe in taking full responsibility for one's actions, ma'am, but I regret we weren't more sensitive as to how she felt about things.
Lieutenant Zahar, you're Lieutenant Donato's copilot, correct? Yes, sir.
Please tell the court what happened the first week that Lieutenant Donato arrived on the base.
We were preflighting, sir.
It was about 110 on the asphalt.
The crew chief and I tied our flight suits around our waist, but when Lieutenant Donato tried to do the same, a group of Saudi workman who we're on a lunch break, began protesting.
What was their problem? Disrespect of Islamic law, sir.
How did the lieutenant react? She was cool about it, sir.
Asked, through me, if she could at least unzip her collar.
RABB: Was this acceptable to them? ALEX: No, sir.
One of them threw a piece of fruit at her.
Did you stand up to them, Lieutenant? We started to, sir, but the lieutenant ordered us off.
Why? She didn't want to create an incident, sir.
And although she didn't say as much, I think she was trying to protect us from getting into any trouble.
This doesn't sound like a woman who openly flouted off-base regulations.
Five months of being zipped up will do that to you, sir.
It's got to wear you down.
How do you feel about all this, Lieutenant? Confused, sir.
In the air, Lieutenant Donato is an officer and an exceptional pilot.
And on the ground, she's faceless and dependent.
After months of watching women being subjugated, you almost start to buy into it.
For example, you realize that you don't have to salute a woman wearing an abaya if you don't know what rank she is.
In my opinion, sir, the regs erode unit cohesion.
( TV playing ) ( phone rings ) Yes.
Hi, Bobbi, it's Sturgis.
It's a little late, isn't it? I know.
I-I apologize.
I just had to take a break from this brief, and, uh, I've been thinking about our evening together.
And what have you concluded? That I'm still attracted to you.
Why? We have absolutely nothing in common.
I don't think that's true.
You'd probably be surprised to learn we agree on most women's issues.
Like the Donato case? I support what she did.
As an attorney? As a member of a perceived underclass.
I assume you're not talking about submariners.
( chuckles ) Uh, look, Sturgis, this is probably more my problem than yours, so why don't we just write it off as the right people at the wrong moment? I don't think I want to do that.
I'd, uh, I'd like to give it another shot.
How do you even know we can agree on an activity? How about this? How does a quiet evening in a cozy, neutral environment sound to you? Acceptable.
Is that a yes? Okay.
One more thing.
Do you like kids? Your Honor, in past wars, field officers were told to remove their bars, because their superiors were more interested in protecting them from sniper bullets than in hurting their feelings.
By disobeying a standing order, Lieutenant Donato offended our hosts and made herself a target for terrorists.
In doing so, she lost sight of the bigger picture and seriously damaged the maintenance of good order and discipline that is so vital in wartime.
Your Honor, good order and discipline have no productive application without unit cohesion.
You heard men from Lieutenant Donato's squadron express their frustration over a policy that weakens the bond between our brothers- and sisters-in-arms.
The defense asks, sir, that you simply acknowledge what the men of Prince Sultan Airbase already understand: that asking anyone, sir, to withhold their identity and reduce their stature in the eyes of others is inconsistent with the very values our fighting men and women have been sent here to defend.
Now, if he wants something to drink Half juice, half water in a sippy cup.
I'm on it.
Have a good time.
And you have our cell number? Memorized.
You're going to lose your reservations.
Bye, sweetheart.
A.
J.
: Bye-bye.
Thanks.
TURNER: Good night.
Okay.
Where are we? Olive Owl is lost.
Oh.
Well, let's get her home.
"'Where is my Mommy?' asked Olive.
"The tree turned its leaves up facing the moon above.
'Have you asked Mr.
Moon?'" Yeah.
( chuckles ) JUDGE: Will Lieutenant Stephanie Donato and counsel please rise? After reviewing the evidence, I've determined that although a clear violation of orders occurred, circumstances mitigate against recommending this matter to court-martial.
I don't want to see you back here, Lieutenant.
This hearing is adjourned.
( pounds gavel ) Sir.
Ma'am, thank you.
You realize, Lieutenant, that this probably won't change anything.
I know, sir.
If you'd told us about the tarmac incident earlier You would have thought me a wuss, ma'am.
Lieutenant, congratulations.
Thank you, ma'am.
Maybe you can take comfort in the fact Air Force beat Navy in the big game this year.
You underestimate me, Lieutenant.
I just spoke to General Sawyer, and he asked me to inform you that if you persist in speaking in opposition to standing policy, you will be grounded.
RABB: I think I see your first challenge, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Donato, Joshua Sparks, Navy Today.
A few questions? Direct them to me, Mr.
Sparks.
Okay.
What's her reaction to the verdict? COFFEY: The lieutenant regrets her actions and accepts the obligation to her oath.
She now realizes that military personnel must sometimes sacrifice certain freedoms so that others might one day enjoy them.
SPARKS: That sounds like a contradiction, Colonel.
And it will remain so until the Department of Defense realizes that short-term solutions cause long-term problems.
Lieutenant Donato looks forward to the day that not one member of the armed forces will be forced to suffer disrespect as a price for victory.
You did prosecute this case, didn't you? As ordered, Mr.
Sparks.
Lieutenant Donato? Major Winters, Air Force Security Police.
You know me, sir? I checked you in the day you arrived from Masirah.
Oh, right.
Nice shirt, sir.
Thank you.
May I join you? DONATO: You hungry, sir? I can order for two.
You're not ordering, Lieutenant.
You're going to quietly follow me to your car, get in the back seat, and allow me to drive you back to the base where you can change into appropriate attire.
This is appropriate in Brooklyn, sir.
We could send you back there.
Be smart about this, Lieutenant.
There's a Muslim cleric watching your every move.
That's because he can see me, sir.
WINTERS: I'm ordering you to do as instructed, Lieutenant, or face punitive action.
Your answer? How are the salads here, sir? ( knocking ) Come in, Congresswoman.
How did you know it w? "Congresswoman Latham, a long-time advocate "of women's rights in the armed forces "believes that Navy Lieutenant "Stephanie Donato's defiance of female dress codes, "driving regulations and mandatory male accompaniment "illustrates the need to establish increased "constitutional protection for female members of the military.
" Have you gotten to the part where I talk about banging down the doors of people in the position to effect a change? Well, not in time to reinforce my hinges.
( chuckles ) I'm not here to lobby you, Admiral.
Simply on a fact-finding mission.
Okay.
Here are the facts: Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie are defending the lieutenant.
Now we're on the same page.
Their initial assessment? Not in yet.
And when they know something? I'll give you a call.
Thank you.
And remind you that this office serves a judicial, not a legislative, function.
( knocking ) Enter.
Excuse me, sir, I'm sorry.
Commander.
Congresswoman.
Well, I was just leaving.
Thank you very much for your time, Admiral.
You mind walking me out? Not at all.
If I remember, you're a former submariner.
That is correct.
Well, then that explains why you haven't surfaced till now.
( chuckles ) I-I've been busy.
Well, when you feel you have some time, why don't you come over and see me? I'll show you around.
Well, one doesn't just drop by the Capitol these days, Congresswoman.
I'm friendly with the doorman.
RABB: Why'd you ignore the regulations, Lieutenant? Because they're ridiculous, sir.
Was it worth the trouble you're in? Think about it, sir.
I'm on trial for eating lunch.
You can't remove the argument from the context, Lieutenant.
This is Saudi Arabia.
But, ma'am, I'm a citizen of the United States.
Under orders prescribed by the DOD, Lieutenant.
"While traveling off base, "unless serving an active military function, "female personnel must wear an abaya "or Muslim robe and head scarf.
"They must be accompanied by a male at all times.
"They may not drive.
They must ride in the rear seat of the vehicle.
" Congratulations, Lieutenant.
You went four-for-four, not even a sacrifice fly.
Five-for-five, sir.
The base commander requires us to wear veils as well.
You think that this is funny, Lieutenant? No, sir.
I'm just trying to make clear what it's like for us out here.
The restrictions aren't even confined to off base, sir.
We have to keep our sleeves rolled down so we won't offend any Saudi males who might be around.
( chuckles ): It just got to be too much.
MACKENZIE: Frustration is a lousy reason for disobeying standing orders, Lieutenant.
History informs me it's one of the best ones, ma'am.
Look, I understand that absolute constitutional rights do not apply in the armed forces, but these circumstances are just so intolerable Lieutenant, we're not here to debate policy.
You're facing an Article 32 hearing.
We should be spending this time coming up with a game plan.
Now, why don't you give us something we can work with? Sir, I realize I flouted regulations and disobeyed a service officer, but these rules aren't fair, and that's what you have to argue.
In my opinion.
RABB: You know, these policies have been in place since 1995, Lieutenant.
If you didn't feel you could tolerate them, why didn't you protest your assignment to the Air Force in the first place? You could have stayed on with the Navy in Masirah.
Ma'am, the Air Force base commander told me the policy was under review.
MAN: That was my impression at the time.
RABB: What changed, General? The world.
As a result of September the 11th, we've been in negotiation with the Saudis about expanding our use of their bases.
American women in uniform is a sensitive issue.
Couldn't you appreciate the lieutenant's distress, sir, when she discovered that nothing was going to change? I assumed that she would exhibit the flexibility I've come to expect from my own officers, Commander.
Sir, Lieutenant Donato claims she also protested through other channels.
Is that correct? She wrote eight letters to her congressman, Colonel.
Openly petitioned the Secretary of Defense.
For all I know, she's tried to get an audience with the pope.
Did she ever request a transfer back to the naval base, sir? No, Commander.
But it makes me wonder if flying or griping is her first priority.
Lieutenant.
Your squadron commander told me I could find you out here.
Commander.
Can we talk? I'm going up, sir.
Relief drop, Afghanistan.
I'm afraid it's going to have to wait.
Unless you're interested in giving those wings a morning stretch.
Find me some flight gear.
Yes, sir.
RABB: You ever think of flying something smaller, Lieutenant? And trade my condor for a wasp? No, thank you, sir.
Tell me something.
If you're so constrained by the policies in this region, why are you still here? MAN: I've been asking Brooklyn the same question for months.
I mean, I'm of Lebanese descent, and I don't even like it here.
So, what's your answer, Lieutenant? DONATO: One moment, sir.
Clambake, this is Streetcar 3-5, inbound.
MAN ( over radio ): Streetcar 3-5, this is Clambake.
D.
Z.
Green, wind calm, clear to drop.
Roger that, 2-5-3.
Speed, 160 knots.
Holding at altitude steady.
DONATO: Release point in ten seconds.
Ready.
Ready.
( beep ) Green light.
We just dropped two tons of food packets, blankets and medicine.
That's why I stay, sir.
Enjoy your flight? Yeah, the lieutenant is quite a pilot.
Lieutenant, uh, Stephanie Donato, this is Lieutenant Colonel Sara Coffey, base staff judge advocate.
Ma'am.
COFFEY: Been familiarizing myself with your file, Lieutenant.
You have two allies here.
You should be very grateful.
Thanks to some back-channel negotiating, we've come up with a proposal.
Yes, ma'am? All charges will be dropped if you agree to stop pushing the dress-code issue.
Understood, ma'am.
No letters, no petitions, no complaints.
Agreed, ma'am.
There's a Saudi Muslim cleric who saw you drive yourself to the cafe.
And he wants her to apologize? General Sawyer believes it'll put the matter to rest.
What would I say, ma'am? "In regard to the incident of last week" DONATO: I would like to tender my deepest and most sincere apology.
My actions showed a disrespect for the cultural customs and religious tenets of your faith, and my behavior was unacceptable for an officer in the United States Navy.
I in no way meant to cause any pain or discomfort for you or the people of Saudi Arabia.
And if I have done so, I am truly sorry.
Your apology is accepted.
And may I say, it is refreshing to see a young American woman showing proper deference and speaking with a mature mind instead of an unrestrained tongue.
Excuse me, sir, but are you saying that American women are not mature? By our standards.
( scoffing ): Pardon me? Lieutenant I would like to know what the young lady said.
I implied that these standards are old, sir.
Ancient, like your Bible.
My Bible doesn't tell me to oppress women, sir.
CLERIC: What may seem to you as oppression is regarded in this country as exalted respect.
So, if I were to prevent you from participating in your world, you would feel respected? Let's call it a cultural gulf and put it aside, shall we? Call it what it is, sir.
All right.
I'll call it impertinence.
A woman who has been given the privilege of controlling men should at least be capable of controlling her tongue.
And a man who doesn't treat women any better than the camels in his garage doesn't deserve to be in their company.
That's enough, Lieutenant.
Yes, sir.
Sorry, sir.
( door slams ) See you in court, Lieutenant.
Sir, ma'am, I apologize.
I don't even know is he has a garage.
DONATO: Does anyone plan to say anything, other than me? I'll start.
What were you thinking in there? My father calls it the bigger-trigger, sir.
I can't back down in front of somebody who thinks they're bigger than me.
Oh, good.
We'll present that as our defense.
I hear your frustration, ma'am, but my career is not worth rolling over for that sanctimonious polyp.
I can't blame you if you want to walk away.
Look, nobody is walking away, Lieutenant.
Our job is to defend you, and that is what we're going to do.
You have a strategy, sir? Well, I'm considering duct tape.
Maybe we should take advantage of my big mouth and put me up on the stand, sir.
Lieutenant, why don't you go back to duty.
We'll, uh, we'll come up with something.
That'll be all.
Aye, aye, sir.
You're giving her false hope, Harm.
I support her on the issues, Mac.
The lieutenant has no sense of propriety, Harm.
She's the worst possible spokesperson for the issues.
And even if I agreed with you, I wouldn't know where to start.
I mean, how would you get past the orders violation? Well, we have to prove that the orders are unlawful by holding them up to the light of the Constitution.
You expecting the Chief Justice to be in attendance? I agree with you, Mac.
We can't win this case on the facts.
We have to put the policies on trial.
This is an aviator thing, isn't it? Pilot bonding? She's a misguided firebrand until you go up with her, and then when you come down, you're on her side.
Ah, no, no, no, no.
This is about your tendency to overcompensate when faced with a female client.
Here is a woman who broke the rules for perfectly valid reasons, but you insist on holding her legal feet to the fire.
Because she didn't protest lawfully.
Neither did the suffragettes, Mac.
They went to jail, Harm.
Hope you don't plan on basing our defense on their example.
TURNER: Move this paragraph to begin the second subheading, and that should be it.
Yes, sir.
You two still here? Uh, we'll be leaving shortly, sir.
Plans for the weekend? SIMS: Yes, sir.
Bud and I are going out this Saturday for the first time in months.
We have a baby-sitter, dinner reservations and everything.
And you, Commander? Looking forward to kicking back, sir.
Mm alone? That was the plan, sir.
Walk me out.
Yes, sir.
Have a good weekend, sir.
CHEGWIDDEN: Lieutenant.
Called Congresswoman Latham yet? Sir? Just curious.
Well, I've considered it, sir, but to be honest with you, the idea of dating a politician Afraid she wants your vote? No, sir, but, uh Look, this is probably none of my business, but you spend a lot of time here.
Might not be a bad thing, go out and have some fun.
Just a suggestion.
Do you generally take this kind of interest in the personal lives of your staff, sir? At my peril.
Well, I'll consider it.
Thank you, Admiral.
Good night, Commander.
Captain Tobak, you were assigned to the same squadron as Lieutenant Donato? Yes, ma'am.
We've flown missions together.
How do you feel about DOD policy regarding off-base behavior for women? The regs are inconvenient, ma'am, but I follow them.
Why? Standing orders.
Is that the only reason? No, ma'am.
I'm a guest here.
I don't feel I have the right to impose my country's tastes on the people of the host nation.
COFFEY: So, you don't consider not being able to drive or having to wear an abaya to be a violation of your rights? It doesn't bother me, ma'am.
In fact, without an abaya, I'd stand out in a crowd, get looks from people on the street.
Thank you, Captain.
MacKENZIE: Captain, are you Christian? Yes, ma'am, Catholic.
Like Lieutenant Donato? That's right, ma'am.
The wearing of an abaya by women is a tenet of the Islamic faith, is it not? It is, ma'am.
Are we to believe that you don't consider having to wear one an infringement of your First Amendment right to practice religion freely without the imposition of another faith? The way I look at it, ma'am, it's like when my husband and I go to my friend's house for Passover, and he puts on a yarmulke.
Does your friend make your husband wear the yarmulke? No.
She does make us eat that fish stuff with the horseradish, though.
But the point is that your husband chooses to wear it, correct? Yes, ma'am.
But I think he'd be okay with it even it if it was a requirement.
It's not like we're going to stop believing in the Holy Trinity by the end of the seder.
General Sawyer, what is the purpose of current regulations regarding female personnel? They're designed to avoid cultural conflict.
We also want to protect our women from harassment by the mutawa, the religious police, and attacks from terrorist cells.
Sir, has Lieutenant Donato expressed her displeasure with these regulations? Yes.
What were her exact words, General? That they were ludicrous and fraught with hypocrisy.
So, when Lieutenant Donato, alone and in civilian dress, drove herself to a café, sir, do you believe she was acting in defiance of set policies? Calls for speculation, Your Honor.
Sustained.
COFFEY: No further questions.
General, when the Air Force speaks of cultural sensitivity, sir, aren't we pandering to the Saudis? You Honor I'll rephrase, You Honor.
Sir, is it not true that this policy has a political component? Politics are inextricably linked to military objectives these days, Commander.
We need to keep the Saudis on our side.
Even if that means, sir, degrading our woman by subjecting them to policies that back home would be deemed unconstitutional? We aren't back home.
No, sir, but we are defending our constitution as well as our country, are we not? At the moment, Commander, we're defending our citizens.
Including those under my command.
Safety is the primary rationale.
General, there is an editorial by former Secretary of Defense Daniels in which he states, "The policy serves no legitimate military purpose or end.
" Would you agree with that, sir? By strict definition, yes.
Thank you, sir, that will be all.
But when Osama Bin Laden summoned the fundamentalist Islamic world to join him, he cited the presence of American military personnel on sacred Saudi soil as cause for jihad.
Our intention is not to repress our women.
It's to repress the terrorist propaganda that was created by their presence.
( sighs ) The constitutional arguments aren't working.
Well, we've got to rethink.
You say it like we haven't done that already.
( phone rings ) Rabb.
Colonel Coffey.
Oh, is that right? Where are you now? Is that off base? What's the address? All right, well, we'll, uh, see you in an hour.
Okay.
( sighs ): Got to love this job.
Just when you're about to plummet to the earth, your opponent throws you a parachute.
MacKENZIE: What do you think the colonel will want? To turn our client into a civilian.
That will save her from losing her benefits.
Probably our best option.
Do you really want to do that to her, Mac? She's doing it to herself, Harm.
Mac You know, she came here to serve her country, not express her opinions.
Mac It's not ours to choose which orders to obey.
Mac.
What? I have to drive; we're going off base.
( sighs ) Do you see her? You're kidding, right? ( grunts ) Commander.
Colonel.
Colonel.
Sorry you had to come to me.
I'm involved in the current Status of Forces discussions with the Saudis, but I wanted to put this on the table before the hearing resumes tomorrow.
What is your role in these discussions, may I ask? I'm assisting the lead negotiator.
They let you talk? Can we stay on point, please? ( sighs ) Your move.
One offer, nonnegotiable.
Well, so far, it doesn't sound too attractive, Colonel.
It's generous under the circumstances.
Dismissal as adjudged, no forfeitures or confinement.
We'll plead to the charge, and we'll accept a non-punitive letter of reprimand.
You're negotiating, Commander.
Well, I guess I can't help myself.
Dismissal is the cornerstone of our position.
Lieutenant Donato is a disruptive presence.
She has to go.
We'll discuss it with our client.
No.
I'm sorry, no deal, Colonel.
We're recommending to the lieutenant that the matter be decided in court.
MacKENZIE: Can we stop talking about this? Yeah, as soon as you give me an answer I can accept.
I was beginning to lean towards your deal: dismissal without punishment.
I mean, you're the one who was so convinced we couldn't defeat the prosecution's case in the first place.
I changed my mind.
Without informing me.
I'm sorry.
It was an impulse.
You heard it when I felt it.
Felt what? The sense of isolation you get when you wear one of these things! You cease to exist.
I know you were there.
Yeah, but you didn't know what I was feeling.
Come on.
You've worn one of these things before.
Hell, your grandmother's Iranian.
She probably never went anywhere without one.
She never wore a veil, Harm.
It changes everything.
You speak, but you're not heard.
Well, I heard Lieutenant Colonel Coffey.
Yeah, because she had information for us.
But if you weren't interested in what she had to say, she would have been less present than the plant next to her.
What does this all have to do with Lieutenant Donato's case? Everything.
The regulations force the lieutenant to separate herself from men, which weakens her authority, diminishes her ability to be taken seriously.
That's her issue: the policy makes women ineffective.
All right, so how do we make this point? We let the lieutenant make it herself.
No.
Just hear me out.
After you've had a cold shower.
This entire case is about free expression.
How do we stand for those principles and deny our client the right to defend herself? When you turn The only way we're going to sway the hearing officer at this point, is to let the lieutenant take the stand and tell her story.
Oh, you mean the one about how she violated orders.
Yes.
She can argue her emotional reasons behind the decision.
If the lieutenant has anything going for her, Harm, it's the depth of her feelings.
LATHAM: So, what made you decide on an Afghan restaurant? TURNER: I like the food.
I thought it might be because we're allies now.
No.
Good evening.
Follow me, please.
You know, we're having a hell of a time with the transitional government in Kabul.
It's feudal and-and faction-rich.
I mean, I think we're not going to approach stability Boy, this is low.
( chuckles ) Let me take your coat.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Let me help you there.
I think I'm going to need it.
( laughs ): Okay.
Just Why don't I just Whoo! All right.
Whoo! Oh! I am so sorry.
( laughs ) No, I'm fine.
Just Here we go.
Here we go.
Can you give me a little boost? Okay.
Oh! Thank you.
Just Try to get my into a more comfortable Mm-hmm.
( gasps ): Oh! Gosh, I'm sorry.
Are you all right? Yeah, I'm okay.
I'm all right.
I'm sorry.
Just Don't worry about it.
let me get a little closer.
( grunts ) ( sighs ) ( sighs ): Okay.
( laughs ) This is probably not what you had in mind.
Oh, falling, no, eating, yes.
Okay.
( sighs ) Hmm Ooh.
Bulani Katchalu flat-bread stuffed with stewed leeks.
Hmm You know, we-we can always go somewhere else.
There's-there's a No, no, I really want to try this.
Well, maybe afterwards, we can do something else, and your choice.
All right.
Um, do you like salsa music? Okay.
RABB: Lieutenant, prior to your arrival from Masirah, were you aware of regulations concerning female behavior off base? Yes, sir, but I was under the impression those regulations were being rethought.
When you discovered, Lieutenant, that they weren't, why didn't you transfer back to the naval base? Because once inside, sir, I realized I might be in a position where I can do something about them.
Why bother? None of the other female personnel seemed to mind.
They do mind, sir, but most feel they don't have a voice in the matter.
Based on what I've seen, sir, it's pretty much that way for all women in this region.
What have you seen, Lieutenant? A lot of sick mothers, children and elderly, sir.
See, the trick about dropping supplies, sir, is to get them to the neediest.
Does that happen? If they aren't hoarded or seized by troops on the ground first.
That happens more often than it should, in my opinion.
Does that bother you, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.
The reason why I wanted to be a part of this was so I can help people in need.
Is that because of your upbringing? Yes, sir, it is.
I grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, sir.
The only girl in five.
All of us were taught to serve.
One of my brothers is a cop.
The other's in the Coast Guard, and two are firemen.
Do you regret, Lieutenant, having defied base regulations? I regret the controversy, the bad press and the conflicts with my superiors, sir.
But I'm not sorry for fighting a policy that disrespects women.
Thank you, Lieutenant.
Nothing further.
Lieutenant, you claim to be concerned for refugees, but you came here to fly, did you not? Yes, that's what I do, ma'am.
According to your base commander in Masirah, that is the one and only reason you jumped at this assignment.
Objection.
Hearsay and facts not in evidence.
Sustained.
You needn't respond, Lieutenant.
COFFEY: Lieutenant, did you write letters or file protests regarding Saudi off-base regulations prior to coming here? No, ma'am.
Isn't that because they were of absolutely no concern to you until they directly affected your life? And the lives of every woman I've met on and off base.
That would include you, ma'am.
LATHAM: So, you would think given the state of their military readiness, they'd be more likely to agree.
I don't mean to change the subject, but I don't think you ever told me where you're from.
Detroit.
The, uh, district I represent.
Have you always lived there, or did you return? No.
I-I returned to, um, help my mother with some local civil rights initiatives.
This will interest you.
The state legislature at the time Are you close with your mother? Yeah, we talk often.
It's important to have that touchstone.
I think so.
In fact, um, I was having a conversation with her this morning about, uh, Lieutenant Donato, the Navy lieutenant in Saudi Arabia who's fighting the off-base, uh, codes of behavior.
Are you familiar with that? Yes, I am.
Do you have any interest in politics, Commander? Uh, yes, I do.
But you just don't seem to want to go there.
I'm sorry, but I just don't know very much about you.
I assumed I was telling you.
You're telling me what you do, which I agree is an insight into how you think, but I'm also curious into how you feel.
And to be honest, I don't usually talk shop outside the office.
That's all I do.
You know what they say, if there'd been no cloakroom, there'd be no Constitution.
I wonder what they say about relationships.
Commander? It is him.
Well, hello.
Hey, we saw you through the window.
It's great to see you, Congresswoman.
Hi.
I-I'd stand, but I don't think I can.
How are you guys? We're good now.
The baby-sitter was late, we got stuck in a traffic jam.
Yeah, we lost our reservations.
Sorry to hear that.
What are you gonna do? SIMS: I don't know.
We were just looking for a restaurant.
This place looks really interesting.
Have you guys eaten? Yes, but we'd love to stay and have coffee and dessert with you.
Well, that would be great.
Yes.
Please, join us.
You know, you look very nice.
Well, thank you very much.
So We had no idea.
About what, Lieutenant? Uh, that you two First date.
SIMS: Oh, well, are you sure you two don't want to be alone? Yes.
We're sure.
Colonel, Commander.
Hello, Colonel.
We were just considering going to dinner.
Care to put on a shapeless black dress and join us? Emotional arguments aside, this case will go to court-martial, and your tactics will just prolong the agony for all involved.
What do you have for us, Colonel? DONATO: Clambake, Streetcar 3-5.
Job completed.
Heading home, over.
MAN ( over radio ): Roger that, Streetcar 3-5.
Clambake out.
( explosion ) Whoa! Fire warning light on two.
DONATO: Condition lever two, feather.
Two feathered.
Fire handle, pull.
Fire agent, discharge.
Roger that, Lieutenant.
Max power on one, three and four.
One, three, four max.
She's not behaving, Lieutenant.
Gear down.
Back me up on the rudders and the aileron.
Utility boost pump off.
Off.
One and two engine hydraulic pumps off.
One and two off.
Pull circuit breaker on utility suction pump.
Sarge.
Done, Lieutenant.
Where's the nearest field, Alex? There's a dirt strip a mile south of us.
Emergency landing, boys! Lock yourselves in! Final offer: base commander will agree to a non-punitive letter of caution and a transfer back to Masirah.
The Lieutenant goes quietly into the night, and all is forgotten.
If it doesn't involve flying, the lieutenant won't be going quietly anywhere.
RABB: The lieutenant keeps flying and she stays in Saudi Arabia.
Why are you taking such a hard line on this? Because we can, Colonel.
Know any prayers, Alex? I'm already on it, Lieutenant.
I'm already on it.
Beautiful, Brooklyn, beautiful.
She can fly, but her Air Force fit-rep reflects her conduct and she gets a non-punitive letter of caution.
Well, we'll discuss it with her.
The lieutenant is shy, but I'm sure we can coax an answer out of her.
I just hope she realizes how fortunate she is.
She may be strong-willed, Colonel, but she's not stupid.
Check the landing gear, Sergeant, and number three and number four engines.
Right away, Lieutenant.
DONATO: We've got company.
Lieutenant.
( man shouting in Arabic over speakers ) It's okay, Lieutenant.
They're local boys.
We'll need your Arabic, Alex.
( men chattering in Arabic ) He wants you to wear an abaya.
We don't have one with us.
This is his solution.
Tell him regulations say I don't have to cover up while operating military equipment.
( grunts ) ( speaking Arabic ) Easy, boys, easy.
Translate that, Lieutenant.
Whoa, whoa.
You really did it this time, Lieutenant.
You were free and clear.
We negotiated your punishment down to a paragraph in your service record.
And now? RABB: Now prosecution will argue, effectively, that you can no longer be trusted by the Air Force and Navy to represent their interests in this part of the world.
( sighs ) Commander, Colonel, I'm sorry.
If you want to bail out on this one We're not bailing, but that doesn't mean the boat isn't sinking.
We're going to have to come up with a new game plan.
ALEX: Sir, ma'am, Lieutenant Donato saved our lives and a $40-million aircraft.
Instead of offering help, the Saudis tried to humiliate her.
Can't that be your argument? The hearing officer will only buy so many excuses, Lieutenant.
Well, you can still claim that the regulations are unfair.
We've done that, ad nauseam.
ALEX: From the woman's perspective only, sir.
You see, Lieutenant Donato is the kind of person who refuses to drag people into her own affairs, so I'm sure she hasn't told you everything.
Alex, what are you doing? These regs are inconsistent with the principles of good order and discipline, sir, ma'am.
And I'm not the only man on base who thinks this way.
Hey, Bud, I was balancing our checkbook, and I came across this.
For the baby-sitter.
What's $55, though? Ten dollars an hour.
She was the only one available.
We spent most of that time sitting in traffic.
Not to mention having to sit with two people who didn't talk to each other for an hour and a half.
Really, sir? We didn't notice.
No, sir.
It was fine.
And the meal was interesting.
I'm sorry, sir.
What was the problem? Still working on that, Lieutenant.
With all due respect, sir, it was the first date.
Maybe you should try it again.
Lieutenant Kragen, you're a pilot in Lieutenant Donato's squadron, is that right? Yes, ma'am.
Do you and the others have a good relationship with the lieutenant? We do, ma'am.
Lieutenant Donato's popular.
Do you all hang out? On base, ma'am.
Not off? The lieutenant chooses not to join us, ma'am.
Is that because she has to wear an abaya and a veil? That's right, ma'am.
Still, we always ask.
Did you ask her to join you on January 9? Yes, ma'am.
A bunch of us thought it would be funny if we showed up at her quarters wearing abayas and veils, so we bummed some off some female personnel, knocked on her door, and when she answered it, we were standing there looking like something from the Osama Experience.
Was the lieutenant amused? No, ma'am.
The joke backfired.
She was very upset, and we apologized, explained to her this was just our adolescent way of showing solidarity.
So, what time was this? About 12:30, ma'am.
An hour prior to the incident at the cafe.
Yes, ma'am.
Did you feel in some way responsible for what the lieutenant did? I believe in taking full responsibility for one's actions, ma'am, but I regret we weren't more sensitive as to how she felt about things.
Lieutenant Zahar, you're Lieutenant Donato's copilot, correct? Yes, sir.
Please tell the court what happened the first week that Lieutenant Donato arrived on the base.
We were preflighting, sir.
It was about 110 on the asphalt.
The crew chief and I tied our flight suits around our waist, but when Lieutenant Donato tried to do the same, a group of Saudi workman who we're on a lunch break, began protesting.
What was their problem? Disrespect of Islamic law, sir.
How did the lieutenant react? She was cool about it, sir.
Asked, through me, if she could at least unzip her collar.
RABB: Was this acceptable to them? ALEX: No, sir.
One of them threw a piece of fruit at her.
Did you stand up to them, Lieutenant? We started to, sir, but the lieutenant ordered us off.
Why? She didn't want to create an incident, sir.
And although she didn't say as much, I think she was trying to protect us from getting into any trouble.
This doesn't sound like a woman who openly flouted off-base regulations.
Five months of being zipped up will do that to you, sir.
It's got to wear you down.
How do you feel about all this, Lieutenant? Confused, sir.
In the air, Lieutenant Donato is an officer and an exceptional pilot.
And on the ground, she's faceless and dependent.
After months of watching women being subjugated, you almost start to buy into it.
For example, you realize that you don't have to salute a woman wearing an abaya if you don't know what rank she is.
In my opinion, sir, the regs erode unit cohesion.
( TV playing ) ( phone rings ) Yes.
Hi, Bobbi, it's Sturgis.
It's a little late, isn't it? I know.
I-I apologize.
I just had to take a break from this brief, and, uh, I've been thinking about our evening together.
And what have you concluded? That I'm still attracted to you.
Why? We have absolutely nothing in common.
I don't think that's true.
You'd probably be surprised to learn we agree on most women's issues.
Like the Donato case? I support what she did.
As an attorney? As a member of a perceived underclass.
I assume you're not talking about submariners.
( chuckles ) Uh, look, Sturgis, this is probably more my problem than yours, so why don't we just write it off as the right people at the wrong moment? I don't think I want to do that.
I'd, uh, I'd like to give it another shot.
How do you even know we can agree on an activity? How about this? How does a quiet evening in a cozy, neutral environment sound to you? Acceptable.
Is that a yes? Okay.
One more thing.
Do you like kids? Your Honor, in past wars, field officers were told to remove their bars, because their superiors were more interested in protecting them from sniper bullets than in hurting their feelings.
By disobeying a standing order, Lieutenant Donato offended our hosts and made herself a target for terrorists.
In doing so, she lost sight of the bigger picture and seriously damaged the maintenance of good order and discipline that is so vital in wartime.
Your Honor, good order and discipline have no productive application without unit cohesion.
You heard men from Lieutenant Donato's squadron express their frustration over a policy that weakens the bond between our brothers- and sisters-in-arms.
The defense asks, sir, that you simply acknowledge what the men of Prince Sultan Airbase already understand: that asking anyone, sir, to withhold their identity and reduce their stature in the eyes of others is inconsistent with the very values our fighting men and women have been sent here to defend.
Now, if he wants something to drink Half juice, half water in a sippy cup.
I'm on it.
Have a good time.
And you have our cell number? Memorized.
You're going to lose your reservations.
Bye, sweetheart.
A.
J.
: Bye-bye.
Thanks.
TURNER: Good night.
Okay.
Where are we? Olive Owl is lost.
Oh.
Well, let's get her home.
"'Where is my Mommy?' asked Olive.
"The tree turned its leaves up facing the moon above.
'Have you asked Mr.
Moon?'" Yeah.
( chuckles ) JUDGE: Will Lieutenant Stephanie Donato and counsel please rise? After reviewing the evidence, I've determined that although a clear violation of orders occurred, circumstances mitigate against recommending this matter to court-martial.
I don't want to see you back here, Lieutenant.
This hearing is adjourned.
( pounds gavel ) Sir.
Ma'am, thank you.
You realize, Lieutenant, that this probably won't change anything.
I know, sir.
If you'd told us about the tarmac incident earlier You would have thought me a wuss, ma'am.
Lieutenant, congratulations.
Thank you, ma'am.
Maybe you can take comfort in the fact Air Force beat Navy in the big game this year.
You underestimate me, Lieutenant.
I just spoke to General Sawyer, and he asked me to inform you that if you persist in speaking in opposition to standing policy, you will be grounded.
RABB: I think I see your first challenge, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Donato, Joshua Sparks, Navy Today.
A few questions? Direct them to me, Mr.
Sparks.
Okay.
What's her reaction to the verdict? COFFEY: The lieutenant regrets her actions and accepts the obligation to her oath.
She now realizes that military personnel must sometimes sacrifice certain freedoms so that others might one day enjoy them.
SPARKS: That sounds like a contradiction, Colonel.
And it will remain so until the Department of Defense realizes that short-term solutions cause long-term problems.
Lieutenant Donato looks forward to the day that not one member of the armed forces will be forced to suffer disrespect as a price for victory.
You did prosecute this case, didn't you? As ordered, Mr.
Sparks.