Original subtitles

Captain, you're departing from the mission plan, sir. I know what we're

Gunny. I saw the intel report, Captain. If your plan is to intercept Colonel

McConaughey here... Objection noticed, Gunnery Sergeant.

150 meters from the bus. Nose to the west.

Elvespore. Request immediate suppressive fire. LZ Alpha 2. Request emergency

medevac. I've got casualties.

The White House still has no comment on Friday's events in Sierra Leone when six

U .S. Marines were killed in an ambush.

The attack was orchestrated by the rebel warlord Colonel Muhammad Makhani, who's

been waging a brutal civil war.

The bodies of the dead men have been recovered, except for the helicopter

William Shepard led the failed attack.

He's been charged with exceeding his orders.

How, sir?

Have a seat.

The captain split off and went in pursuit of Colonel McConaughey.

He thought he could ambush him.

But the rebels turned the tables.

Do we know the reason the captain deviated from the mission plan, sir?

No. And his division commander wants us to find out why.

Colonel, I want you to handle this matter.

Commander, I'm giving you the Captain Frutt case, the Mystic Disturbance

Quantico.

Admiral... Commander, um... Well, there's no easy way to say this.

You've had a recent run of bad luck, and maybe it's time to take... Take a

little break.

Sir, if you're referring to my last few cases...

They were hardly winnable.

I don't think I need a break, sir.

Look, if we're expecting any trouble from Washington over this, I am not

influence on the Hill, sir. That Marine was an aviator, Admiral.

That Marine was a Marine.

No offense, Colonel. I thought you might enjoy a little time in Quantico.

As an aviator, I thought you might enjoy some fresh air.

You know, Colonel, I hate to say this, but he may be right. We may need his

friends in Washington.

That would leave you with a front case.

What is it, sir?

Peeping Tom.

Colonel Plesko is the commanding officer of the Marine Expeditionary Unit. You

were Captain Shepard's commanding officer.

What is your opinion of the captain?

Captain Shepard's an MCP officer. Came up through the ranks.

Seasoned. Maybe a bit cocky, but he's seen his share of action.

He's a good company commander.

Did Captain Shepard exceed orders, Colonel?

The Marine Expeditionary Unit is there to support UN peacekeepers and protect

convoys. Is that a yes, sir?

The captain made a bad choice.

His helo took ground fire.

That's no excuse for leading men into an ambush.

It does what he did rise to the level of court -martial.

I'm not the convening authority, but in my opinion, the answer is no.

Six men died, Colonel.

It's called the fog of war, Commander.

To distinguish flying crosses, you of all people should understand.

You get shot at. Your instincts are to shoot back.

I can't excuse what the captain did, but I can understand it.

I tried to warn Captain Shepard, sir.

What did you say to him?

I reminded him of our mission, sir.

Our op orders were to stay with the U .N. relief convoy. We were to engage

Colonel McConaughey and his rebels.

Only if we thought they posed a real threat.

That wasn't the case.

We did take fire from Colonel McConaughey and the rebels, sir. Do you

Captain Shepard exceeded his orders when he went after Colonel McConaughey?

That's not for me to say, sir.

Has Captain Shepard exceeded orders before?

Twice this month, sir, the same thing happened.

We were following a convoy. We broke off to pursue Colonel McConaughey and the

rebels. But this was a pattern.

Sir, every day we fly in there and the rebels pop off their AKs. Now, sooner or

later, somebody was going to get killed because we have to wait till we're in

some rebels' crosshairs before we could respond.

Colonel McConaughey was the problem, sir.

Everybody knew that.

You're telling me this is the peeping Tom, Captain Fret?

Yes, ma 'am, Captain Frett. As in forward, remote on -man tracking and

transmission. Now, we didn't realize that the unit was UA until we'd gotten a

call that someone had taken it for a joyride.

A woman caught the unit surveilling her 17 -year -old daughter Saturday night.

Surveilling?

Observe.

Now, the signal can transmit to any receiver if you know what you're doing.

Uh -huh.

Look at that. I think he likes it. Yeah, I can see that. Can a good captain

stand down now, please? Sure. Sorry.

How was the captain apprehended?

Well, the mother of the 17 -year -old got in a lucky shot with a broom.

Let's hope our enemies don't have the same technology.

Look out!

Sorry, ma 'am. Sir?

We're still trying to work out the bugs on that one.

Oh, sir. Captain Shepard's here. He's up in the conference room waiting for you.

Okay.

FYI and his OQR.

Captain served in the Gulf as a corporal in a recon unit. Later, he did

peacekeeping in Somalia and the Balkans.

Last month, he was sent to Sierra Leone. Now, I spoke to some of his former COs,

and they said that he's a fine officer, but that he is prone to showing

excessive initiative.

How can initiative be excessive?

During the Gulf War, then -Corporal Shepard decided to attack a column of

Republican guards, and get this.

He walks up to their tanks, and in one hand, he has a bullhorn, and in the

other, he has a M16.

Then he orders the Iraqis to surrender. They jump out of their turrets and run.

He calls in a strike, destroying all their tanks.

Sounds like a cowboy to me, sir.

Afternoon, sirs.

I found something this weekend, Commander. It may be of use to you, sir.

Really? Well, I know the last few cases haven't quite gone your way.

Well, sir, we all have times of trouble when we need a helping hand.

It's the song, isn't it?

Here, sir.

I want you to have this.

It's, uh...

Pretty Velcroed for your dash, sir.

What is it?

Saint Ivo of Cremartin, sir.

Patron Saint of lawyers.

What?

Sometimes, Commander, even the best lawyer has to make that higher appeal,

Thanks, Doctor.

You're welcome, sir.

Oh, you have a visitor, Commander.

That'll be all.

Aye, sir.

Be on to this.

So, Captain Shepard, I'll be with him in a few minutes, all right? Aye, aye,

sir.

Make yourself at home.

Well, I used to be on the Appropriations Committee. It's a tough habit to break.

I actually came to steal you for a little event tomorrow night.

I am not registering voters at the DMV, if that's what you're asking.

No party at the Willard.

A defense contractor is unveiling a new missile.

You're kidding.

Please don't make me beg.

Oh, I'll be there.

Good. It's a date.

Oh, say, listen, I've got a friend who needs an escort.

Can you help me out?

Yeah, I think I know just the guy.

So far, the Pentagon's requests for the body of Captain Sauter have gone

unheeded. This morning, Janet Sauter, the mother of the slain helicopter

made a plea to Colonel McConaughey.

All I'm asking is that my son's body be returned to me so that I can give him a

proper burial.

This whole thing's going to blow up.

That's what happens when they desecrate the body of the U .S. serviceman on live

TV.

Are you handling the investigation?

Come on, Bobby, you know I am. It's your committee that's overseeing the entire

peacekeeping operation.

Don't try to oversee me.

Listen, I wouldn't even try to tell you how to arrange your socks, but let me

tell you this.

Some of us who believe that we need to be in Sierra Leone are worried.

About what?

About Captain Shepard, what he did.

Colonel Klesko's already been recalled for Q &A on the Hill. The Congress may

pull the plug on the whole operation.

Maybe we shouldn't have been there in the first place, Bobby. I'm sure a lot

people are wondering why we're peacekeeping in Africa when our own

under attack.

If we pull back from our responsibilities in the world harm, then

win.

Don't tell me you're going to excuse what Captain Shepard did.

Hey, if Captain Shepard is guilty, I'll be the first in line to prosecute.

See you tomorrow night.

I'll be there.

We were flying over the relief convoy that night.

That's before everything went to hell.

We saw the rebels. They were in technicals, pickups with 50 cows, and

hitting the convoy.

Was Colonel Connie with the rebels?

Yes, sir.

So you responded?

We fired over their heads.

They began to run.

That's when one of them took a pot shot, so I decided to go after them.

Did they continue firing?

They continued to run, sir.

Sounds to me, Captain, like you were looking to start something.

That would be your opinion, sir.

The rules of engagement were quite clear.

You could employ deadly force only in the event of a hostile act or hostile

intent.

We took fire.

A bullet came right through the helo. I considered that hostile.

One pot shot does not justify a full -out counterattack, Captain.

Six men are dead as a direct result of a decision you made.

Six of my men, sir.

Are you aware of the kind of trouble you're in, Captain?

I did what I was asked to do.

My men put up a hell of a fight, sir.

Your orders were clear, Captain.

You were to safeguard the relief convoy no more.

My orders... Those weren't my

only orders, sir.

Are you telling me that Colonel Klesko ordered you to go after Colonel

McConaughey? I'm saying he suggested it, sir.

How do you suggest an order, Captain?

Last month, there was a briefing on our LHA, the Buckner Bay.

That's our assault ship off the coast of Sierra Leone.

On board, Colonel Klesko briefed us on our orders.

Later, he called me aside.

What did he say?

Colonel Klesko said if you can get a clean shot of McConaughey within

distance of the rules of engagement, go for it.

The two prior missions that failed attempts to capture Makani?

I was following orders, sir.

He went in without armored support, Captain. You knew the risks?

Yes.

And I've had to live with the results.

I was making cinnamon swirls when I saw it.

That thing, hovering like some kind of a possessed insect right outside my

little girl's window. Mom, what's the big deal? The big deal is your virtue.

Well, my virtue could care less if some creep wants a picture for his wall.

Vanessa, has anyone made any unwanted overtures recently?

Guys make overtures all the time, especially at construction sites.

I'll bet it's one of those pimply perverts from the video store.

If only your daddy wasn't in the Indian Ocean.

Mom.

Any particular pimply pervert, Mrs. Dupre?

What was the name of that boy that came over?

that did the magic tricks where he was smelling the magazine.

This is nice, Mom.

Besides, he's visiting his aunt in Sioux City.

Colonel, how far can that remote go?

Sioux City's a bit of a stretch.

Well, I want this sicko brought up on charges.

I want you to find him, and when you do, I want you to throw the book at him.

I will certainly see what I can do.

Sir, I was at the bookstore yesterday, and if ever there was a book with your

name all over it, it's this one.

It's signed.

Commander of the fleet.

Oh, I got this one, too.

On sale.

Nine secrets of highly effective lawyers.

Sir, I think you'll find the part about eye contact and voice projection really

helpful. Is there something wrong with my vocal projection?

No, sir. You have great timbre.

The eyes, then? No.

No, sir. You have very clear, sharp eyes.

So it's the seven other secrets?

No, sir. I just overheard some of the staff talking. You know, you've had a

little bad luck in the courtroom lately, so I thought... On second thought, sir,

you don't even need this. I'll just take it back. No, no, no. I'll find a use

for it.

Very thoughtful of you. Thank you. You're welcome, sir.

Sir.

Oh, hey.

I have this book.

Harriet gave it to me after I lost my first case.

I pulled Colonel Klesko's record, sir.

It's impeccable. He won the Navy Marine Corps Medal in Lebanon. His recon

company spearheaded the rescue mission for the wounded Marines in the barracks

bombings. And he personally helped set up a medical triage at the airport in

Beirut and spent 72 hours without sleep helping the medevacs.

So we've got a highly decorated war hero's ward versus a cowboy who appoints

16th. Thanks.

Captain's case looks kind of weak, sir. But I did find one thing out. Colonel

Klusko was summoned to the National Security Subcommittee in a closed -door

hearing last month.

What about?

Well, it's a closed -door hearing, but isn't that Congresswoman Latham's

committee, sir?

I find it hard to believe you lost any precincts. Well, this isn't exactly my

get -out -the -vote outfit.

I wouldn't sell the electorate short, Bobby.

In that outfit, you'd get my ballot.

Hi.

So I understand that Colonel Klesko appeared before your committee last

Can't a girl have any secrets?

The Marines had casualties, and committee members were worried we were

in too deep.

So how did you make it go right?

The colonel promised that he'd put an end to all casualties by reducing our

vulnerability rebel attacks.

Just how did he propose doing that?

We didn't ask, and he didn't say.

Captain Shepard tells me that Colonel Kolesko ordered him to go after Makani.

was just thinking that would be one way to stop the attacks.

Harm, I know the colonel. He'd never issue an order like that.

The colonel's more credible.

That's what I put on my report anyway.

Good. Then you're doing the right thing.

Senator Pick.

Amanda. Lovely to see you this evening, ma 'am. Thank you. Hello.

Commander. Evening.

Do you know Congresswoman Latham, Commander Turner?

No. Miss Latham.

It's Bobby.

Pleasure.

Well, I hope we're not interrupting you and the senator I'm in.

Commander, Turner and I were just discussing events in Sierra Leone.

Marine Captain loses a few men and already we're thinking pullout.

Sorry, but what is the point of a military if we don't use it? Well,

don't think a Marine Captain marching into an ambush is a good example of

our military.

Don't you agree, Commander Rapp?

Well, I agree we'll never settle this this evening.

No doubt.

If you will all excuse me, I see someone that I need to speak to.

Commander Turner, do you mind?

Not at all.

Bobby. Commander. Ma 'am.

May I say, you look stunning in that dress, Congresswoman. Incoming.

Ah, thank you.

Thank you.

You know, I'm thinking maybe bourbon's a little more my speed.

Anyone for the bar?

No, we're fine.

Here you go, sir.

Bourbon, please.

Oh, right away.

Well, there you are.

Commander Rabb.

Bourbon?

Major, he will.

It's mister now.

I'm working for the Grefg Corp.

Consulting. Ah, crossed over to the dark side, huh?

We all do eventually.

I read about this Africa thing.

Heard you're doing the investigation.

I bet everybody's laying the blame right at that Marine captain's doorstep.

You know, Frank, blame usually flies with someone, huh?

I wouldn't be so sure.

You didn't serve with Colonel Klesko, did you?

Yeah.

He was my company commander.

The peacekeeping operation in Lebanon.

83? Year of the barracks bombing.

Sure was.

During your time under him, did he ever...

Suggest that you operate outside the rules of engagement.

Things happened in the Bacaw Valley.

After the barracks bombing, people wanted some payback.

Colonel Kolesko one of those people?

Well, he was a man who could get things done.

I'm sure it served him very well on his climb up the ladder.

Whatever happened in Lebanon, would you be willing to make a statement?

No, I'm not opening that can of worms.

I got two ex -wives and a kid that hates me to look for.

You know, an officer's career is at issue here, I could subpoena you.

Then this chat never happened.

I gotta go.

Call me when you lose the uniform.

Commander.

Grab. Got some information for you.

Yes, sir.

Commander, got your report.

As the convening authority, he's decided to initiate court -martial proceedings

against Captain Deppard.

But, sir, I recommended a letter of reprimand and non -judicial punishment.

Commander. Six men died. People saw it on television.

Accountability has to be adrift in a public forum.

The convening authority doesn't have a choice.

Well, what are the charges, sir?

Willful dereliction and negligent homicide.

Six counts of negligent homicide, Admiral. You could be looking at 18

Leavenworth. It's at the discretion of the convening authority, Commander.

I'll see you in the morning.

You look like a cat died.

You're going to court -martial Captain Shepard.

Well, don't tell me you're surprised.

I'm surprised.

You wrote the report on him.

Yeah.

Thinking maybe I made a mistake.

Now you're going to defend the man?

With Captain's consent, that's exactly what I'm going to do.

So now you want to defend Captain Shepard.

He's being scapegoated, Admiral.

Six Marines who died in Sierra Leone may have been killed in Captain Shepard's

raid, but not on his orders. And you're basing this theory on a drunk in a hotel

men's room?

At the bar, sir.

With your strategy, you can't prove a verbal order was given.

No, sir, but if Captain Shepard received an order from Colonel Kolesko off the

record, I'm betting others have received a similar order.

I understand.

The body of Marine Captain Marcus Sauter was laid to rest.

His mother's week -long campaign for the return of her son's remains came to a

close yesterday when the rebels acquiesced.

His son's finally come home.

This is the sixth funeral at Arlington in the past two weeks.

Gunnery Sergeant, is it your testimony that Captain Shepard chose to launch an

attack on Colonel McConaughey?

Yes, sir. Were the rebels engaging at the time?

No, sir. By the time we chased them, they had ceased firing.

According to your op order, what were the rules of engagement?

That we were to fire only when fired upon or when hostilities were imminent.

So in going after the rebels well after they ceased to engage, was the captain

exceeding his orders?

Yes, sir, I believe he was.

Can you tell us why he did so?

The captain wanted to get Colonel McConaughey. We had chased him twice

but he had gotten away.

Captain Shepard was frustrated.

How was this evident?

He pinned up wanted posters in the company office with the colonel's face

them. We had a bounty. Went up every week. It was kind of a joke.

We actually got up to 90 bucks.

90 bucks.

90 bucks.

It cost six lives.

Thank you, Gunnery Sergeant.

Gunnery Sergeant, these wanted posters that you talked about.

Were they on display in the company office?

Yes, sir.

Did Colonel Klesko see them?

Yes, sir. Everyone saw them.

Did the colonel object to them?

Not that I know of, sir.

You mentioned two previous missions where Captain Shepard pursued Colonel

McConaughey. Did Colonel Klesko know about them?

Yes, sir. I was there when Captain Shepard reported to the colonel. Did he

report that on these two earlier missions, he continued to pursue the

even after they ceased to engage?

Yes, sir. He reported everything.

Did Colonel Klesko reprimand Captain Shepard for this?

No, sir.

Thank you, Gunnery Sergeant. That'll be all.

Colonel Klesko, what were your orders?

Our orders for the mission were to protect the relief convoys with Cobra

gunships in the air and Marines on the ground.

Did you give Captain Shepard any commands, verbal or otherwise, that

countermanded those orders?

I did not.

Were you aware of any previous attempts to capture Colonel Makani?

And you have no missions with that expressed intent, no.

When Captain Shepard led the attack on Colonel McConaughey, did you feel he

exceeded his orders?

Yes, I do.

Thank you, Colonel.

Commander Rabb?

Your Honor, I have no questions at this time, but I would like the right to

recall this witness at a later date, ma 'am.

Granted.

We'll recess and reconvene here at 0900 tomorrow.

I talked with Staff Sergeant Stipple at the main gate. He checked the log.

You were the last to leave Friday after stowing all the equipment.

Well, that's right, ma 'am, but I don't know how the toy got away from the toy

makers. And, you know, to be quite honest, these tech guys tend to be a

bit flaky. Major, I have a very good nose for when people are lying to me.

Colonel, I am not a peeping Tom.

My nose is twitching, Major.

Colonel, the last time I so much as looked at a 17 -year -old, I was 17.

Okay, 20.

But believe me, I would not surveil a 17 -year -old girl.

What kind of car do you drive?

Ma 'am?

Ford Explorer.

This afternoon I was talking to one of the flaky tech guys. He was testing an

infrared camera on Friday evening. He saw a Marine carrying a box to a white

Ford Explorer.

She's been sneaking out late at night and her grades have been slipping. I was

just borrowing the unit. I just wanted to catch her. So you set up a

surveillance cam?

I was going to.

I put the unit in the car. Someone broke in and stole it.

I did not spy on any teenage girl.

Who has access to your car?

Well, I have a wife, four kids and a dog. They all have access.

Anyone in that group that you could single out for me?

Only important in high tech.

Son, we need to talk.

Commander, as the Buckner Bays Airboss, you oversee air operations?

That's correct.

Sir, did you oversee the loading of air -to -ground rocket pods on the Super

Cobra gunships? Yes, I did.

Who gave that order, Commander?

There was no written order.

Colonel Klesko suggested it.

Well, did he give any kind of explanation as to why, sir?

He said there was a possibility the boys might see some action.

Sir, can you explain why internal fuel bags were loaded onto the Hueys?

Colonel Klesko wanted to maximize the helo's range.

Why would you need so much range on a peacekeeping mission, sir?

The colonel said he wanted the helos to have the flexibility to fly deeper in

country. Was there a written order for that, Commander?

No. That's the way he wanted the aircraft configured.

Hmm.

The colonel didn't like to leave a paper trail, did he, sir?

Objection.

Withdraw.

It was easy. Just dial the frequency on my dish and voila.

Voila felony?

This isn't a video game, Brad.

Why is it so out of focus?

What were you thinking?

I see Vanessa every day.

She's smart, pretty. Guess I just wanted to hang out.

You mean hover?

It's what happens now.

You're grounded, mister.

Unplug the computer.

For the next two months, you're going low -tech.

I'll have a talk with the girl's mother, but I think you'll need to apologize.

Can I just email her? No.

You're going to have to face the music like a man.

Your dad's right.

If you want, I can drive over there with you.

Captain Shepard, why did you lead the attack on Colonel McConaughey today in

question?

McConaughey had fired on my men, sir.

Is that the only reason you launched an attack?

I felt that was reason enough, sir.

Captain, did anybody order you to go after Colonel McConaughey?

Yes, sir.

I received a verbal directive.

From whom did you receive a verbal directive, Captain?

Colonel Clasco, sir.

And what did Colonel Clasco ask you to do?

He wanted me to capture Makani. Now, didn't this contradict the rules of

engagement for the operation?

Colonel Clasco said that if I could get a clean shot at Makani, I should go for

it. And you understood this verbal directive, Captain, to be in order?

That was my understanding, sir. In fact, the naval officer's guide is quite

clear on that point, isn't it, Captain?

Would you please read for the members the highlighted portion, Captain?

When a senior says, I desire or I wish or would you please, remember that the

expressed desires or wishes of a senior, by custom and tradition, are equivalent

to an order.

And, Captain, by this definition, when you attacked Colonel McConaughey and the

Rebel, you believed you were following orders. Is that correct?

Yes, sir.

Thank you, Captain. Nothing further, ma 'am.

I believe the officer's guide also calls for one to seek clarification when

receiving such verbal orders.

Did you get clarification, Captain?

I didn't see anything unclear about the directive, sir.

So then you heard what you wanted to hear.

Rejection, argumentative.

Withdrawn. Captain, did you want to capture Colonel Makani?

Yes, I did.

We all did, sir.

Of course you did. You even put up your unwanted posters, didn't you? I was

lighting a fire under my men.

I wanted to execute my orders, sir.

Ah, yes, the famous verbal orders. I find it odd.

No other company commander reported receiving any verbal orders from Colonel

Klesko. Certainly not orders to attack a warlord.

Can you explain that, Captain?

No, sir.

Try, Captain.

Why do you think you alone received this verbal directive?

I guess none of the other commanders had experience under fire, ma 'am.

Ten years, Counselor.

My client's not doing time, Sturgis.

We'll plead to dereliction, dismissal of the judge, but no confinement.

We are talking negligent homicide.

Careful, Hart. Don't overreach.

I'll present it to him, but you Southern members were reaching just fine.

Colonel, you ordered your Cobra's arm with missiles and your Hueys to carry

extra fuel. Is that correct?

Yes, that's right.

Why would you arm your helos for combat, sir, on a peacekeeping mission?

I was in Lebanon when the barracks was bombed.

People worried that our men were trigger -happy, so sentries had rifles with

empty magazines.

We know what happened.

283 Marines died.

I vowed never to let such a tragedy occur on my watch.

Based on intel reports, did you expect Captain Shepard to encounter Colonel

McConaughey the night of the raid, sir?

There was a strong possibility.

Did you want McConaughey captured, Colonel?

Yes, as long as it could be done within the rules of engagement.

Within spitting distance of the rules of engagement. Those were your words,

weren't they, Colonel?

Yes. And didn't you also tell Captain Shepard, sir, that if he could get a

shot at Colonel McConaughey, he should take it?

I said something to that effect.

So, Colonel, you were, in fact, widening the rules of engagement. Rules are open

to interpretation.

Thank you, Colonel. That will be all, then.

Redirect, Your Honor.

Proceed, Counselor.

Colonel, please define for us what you mean by a clean shot.

A clean shot means acting aggressively, but safely, in the best interest of your

people.

It doesn't mean charging into an ambush on some quest for vengeance.

But you can't meet me in my office.

You're defending the man who killed my son.

Ma 'am, I... You're just doing your job, Commander. I know that.

It's your client I'm questioning.

When they came to my door, in their uniforms, with their hats in their hand,

asked him one thing.

Why did my son have to die for nothing?

He was on a peacekeeping mission.

I'm sorry.

Commander, I don't need your apologies.

I want an answer.

At least one person was willing to try and give me an answer.

Had the decency to... Read that letter.

You want to know the saddest part?

Congresswoman Bobby Latham isn't even in the military.

There was no reason for her to feel that she had to apologize to me and my

family.

She didn't have to write me that letter.

No, she didn't.

All right, bud, go ahead.

Mr. I spoke with the communications officer from the Buckner Bay.

Colonel Klesko received a series of encrypted messages, speak hats, from

Congresswoman Latham. Did you get copies?

Yes, sir. They were sent through the Flint Hill comms. They're being

now. Well, I'll make the call to the judge, bud. Looks like we'll be adding

another name to that witness list. Nice work, Lieutenant.

Morning, Frank.

What do you want?

You had a pretty promising career going in the Marine Corps.

Whatever happened in Lebanon, you were the one that Colonel sent in, weren't

you? Wow, you're quick.

What did Colonel Klesko ask you to do, Frank?

You probably spent the last 20 years with nightmares, Frank.

Don't have somebody else spend 18 years in Lebanon for the same reason.

I'm not helping you, Commander.

Then help yourself.

Help yourself, Frank.

Our peeping Tom turned out to be a hormonal 13 -year -old. I'm recommending

non -punitive letter of caution for Major Milan. He did intend to return the

drone unit to the base.

What about the boy?

I'm afraid he's facing a more serious punishment.

You haven't met the mother of the girl he spied on.

You subpoenaed me to testify.

Well, Colonel Klesko did appear before your committee. I thought you might have

some additional information you wanted to share.

We have no secrets, Harm. You know what I know.

I'll do what I have to, Bobby.

Well, then consider me a hostile witness.

Congresswoman Latham, when Colonel Klesko appeared before your committee

month, he promised to cut casualties in Sierra Leone. Did he say, ma 'am, how he

planned to do that? No. Did you have any suggestions for the colonel?

It's out of my hands, Commander.

Well, it's certainly not out of your sphere of influence, is it?

Do you know what a speedcat communicates, ma 'am? Special attention

eyes only. Yes, I'm familiar with speedcats.

I know you are. You've sent several to Colonel Kolesko over the past month. We

obtained them through the Naval Communications Center in Maryland.

For October, Colonel, it's clear that McConaughey has become a problem. If we

can take him without going in as an occupying force, let's do it.

6 October. Colonel, this most recent failure to capture Colonel McCartney is

causing unrest in the committee.

10 October.

Colonel, polls indicate capturing McCartney would give our cause a PR

You were applying pressure to capture Colonel McCartney, weren't you? There

many who wanted to see McCartney arrested.

The U .N. Secretary General among them. Yes, but the U .N. Secretary General

can't help a colonel's career quite like a powerful congresswoman can.

Objection. Withdrawn.

Nothing further, ma 'am.

Congresswoman, did you ever order Colonel Klesko to take any action

Colonel McConaughey? I'm a civilian commander.

Giving orders is not in my job description.

Thank you, Congresswoman.

Congresswoman, you're excused.

The defense would like to recall Colonel Klesko at this time, ma 'am.

Colonel, do you recall receiving messages from Congresswoman Latham? Yes.

Did they have any bearing on your decision -making, sir?

I don't let politicians determine field decisions, Commander.

Despite the fact, Colonel, that your mission in Africa was highly dependent

Congressional support.

Congressional support is important.

So much so, sir, that you promised Congress to limit casualties in Sierra

didn't you, sir? Yes.

How did you plan to do that, Colonel? Did you cut back on missions?

I chose more proactive measures.

Like configuring helos for combat.

I thought it was a good policy.

Now, Congresswoman Latham wrote to you, Colonel.

Polls indicate capturing Makani would give our cause a PR boost.

Some PR to have Congresswoman Latham standing next to Colonel Makani in

handcuffs, wouldn't it?

Almost worth sending Captain Shepard on a hunting expedition.

Objection. I'd like to respond to that.

Please.

Commander. I encourage my people to be aggressive.

But if you're asking if I ever gave Captain Shepard a verbal order to hunt

Colonel Makani, the answer's no.

Are you familiar, Colonel, with an incident in Lebanon in 1983 in the

Valley where a Marine recon unit was sent to attack a Hezbollah guerrilla

in his home?

He was killed along with his family.

Objection, Your Honor. Relevant?

Colonel's career in Lebanon has no bearing here. It goes to pattern of

Colonel Klesko opened this avenue, ma 'am, in previous testimony when he spoke

of his tour in Lebanon.

I'll allow it.

I remember such an incident.

The second lieutenant under your command, sir, while you were captain,

Sewell, led the attack on the Hezbollah leader on verbal orders from you, sir.

Isn't that correct?

I can call Frank Sewell in here now, and he will testify to that fact, sir.

That won't be necessary.

I ordered Lieutenant Sewell to attack the Hezbollah leader.

The man was responsible for bombing the Marine barracks, for killing 283 of our

people. According to our intelligence, he was supposed to be alone.

I regret that he wasn't.

Colonel, right or wrong, it was an unprovoked attack in violation of the

of engagement.

I did what I thought was necessary.

But, Colonel, you just testified that you would never tell your men to do

anything that would contravene a standing order.

Now, that wasn't exactly true in Lebanon, was it, sir? Not exactly, no.

No, sir, and despite previous testimony, it wasn't true in Sierra Leone, either,

was it?

No. When Captain Shepard led the raid on Colonel Makani, he did so at your

expressed desire and your complete knowledge, didn't he, Colonel?

Yes. Thank you, sir. Nothing further.

I did what I thought was necessary.

The accused and counsel will rise.

You may publish your finding.

Captain William Shepard.

On the charge and specification of willful dereliction of duty, this court

you not guilty.

On the charge and specification of negligent homicide, this court finds you

guilty. This court is dismissed.

Thank you, Commander.

Congratulations, Captain. Now go home and spend time with your family. It's an

order. Aye, aye, sir.

Thank you so much.

Congratulations, Tom.

I don't mind too much losing this one.

Cheers.

Good job. Thank you.

I

defended

my client. It's the only picture I'm allowed to see.

Peacekeeping may be unpopular harm, but it's the right thing to do. Colonel

Klesko was one of the few who understood that. This wasn't a campaign stop,

Congresswoman Latham.

You're his friend.

Maybe you can talk some sense into him.

With all due respect, ma 'am, I agree with him.

You can't do peacekeeping when there's no peace to be kept.

Look, I'm not against humanitarian missions, Bobby, but I am against...

Politician, sending people into combat and not giving them the chance to defend

themselves. I'm not apologizing for what I did harm. Do you think the military

is the only place where superiors suggest courses of action and leave you

interpret the rest?

Are you telling me that somebody else told you to send those messages?

I know you had a job to do, Commander.

There's going to be an inquiry.

Yes, sir, I've heard.

I might need a good lawyer.

You know where to find me, Colonel.

Sir, I was thinking of stopping by the Oak Club on the way home. Can I buy you

drink?

No, thanks, Commander.

I have five more visits to make.

Well, if you'd like some company, Colonel.

This is one mission that can't be delegated or shared commander.

We'll have that drink someday.