Defense recalls Colonel Nathan Jessup.

Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, Commanding officer, Marine Ground Forces, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Thank you, sir, would you have a seat, please.

Colonel, you said that you told Kendrick to order his men not to touch Santiago, is that right?

That's right.

And Kendrick was clear on what you wanted?

Crystal.

Any chance Kendrick ignored the order?

Ignored the order?

Any chance he just forgot about it?

No.

Any chance Kendrick left your office and said, "The 'old man's' wrong"?

No.

When Kendrick spoke to the platoon and ordered them not to touch Santiago, any chance they ignored him?

Have you ever spent time in an infantry unit, son?

No sir.

Ever served in a forward area?

No sir.

Ever put your life in another man's hands, asked him to put his life in yours?

No sir.

We follow orders, son. We follow orders or people die. It's that simple. Are we clear?

Yes sir.

Are we clear?

Crystal.
(speaks with the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you're about to drop your opponents) Colonel, I have just one more question before I call Airman Dawson and Airman Downey: If you gave an order that Santiago wasn't to be touched, and your orders are always followed, then why would he be in danger, why would it be necessary to transfer him off the base?

Private Santiago was a sub-standard marine. He was being transferred off the base because--

(pause) Yes. That's correct, but--

You said, "He was in danger". I said, "Grave danger". You said--

Yes, I recall what--

I can have the Court Reporter read back your--

I know what I said. I don't need it read back to me like I'm a damn--

Then why the two orders? (beat) Colonel? (beat) Why did you--

Sometimes men take matters into their own hands.

No sir. You made it clear just a moment ago that your men never take matters into their own hands. Your men follow orders or people die. So Santiago shouldn't have been in any danger at all, should he have, Colonel?

You snotty little bastard.

I'd like an answer to the question, Judge. (beat) If Kendrick told his men that Santiago wasn't to be touched, then why did he have to be transferred?

(looking at DAWSON and DOWNEY)
(says nothing)

Colonel? Kendrick ordered the code red, didn't he? Because that's what you told Kendrick to do. And when it went bad, you cut these guys loose. You had Markinson sign a phony transfer order-- You doctored the log books. I'll ask for the fourth time. You ordered the code red didn't you?

You want answers?

I think I'm entitled to them.

You want answers?!

I want the truth.

You can't handle the truth!
(continuing) Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: That Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. (beat) You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall (boasting) We use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. (beat) I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it. I'd prefer you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand at post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to.

(quietly) Did you order the code red?

(beat) I did the job you sent me to do.

(in his face) Did you order the code red?

(barking at Kaffee) You're goddamn right I did.
Silence. From everyone. Kaffee can’t believe what he’s just heard.
(seems strangely, quietly relieved.)