In 1962, three young men from South Dakota fly to San Diego and enter Marine Corps Boot Camp together. Butch and Danny, his best friend, survive the rigorous training and the physical and psychological torment by submissively following orders and by staying out of harm's way. However, the third member of trio, Jim O'Donnell, an arrogant and insubordinate college dropout, incurs the immediate wrath of Sergeant "Teddy Bear" Taddy, a violent and seemingly mentally unstable drill instructor, who dislikes Jim intensely and derisively calls him "College Boy." At the Rifle Range, Sergeant Taddy ultimately pushes the abuse and humiliation of Private O'Donnell too far. As a result, Butch, fearing for Jim's very life, must decide whether or not to get involved.