A Few Good Men

The court calls Downey as a witness. In an aside, Markinson reads a letter he’s written to Santiago’s parents in which he apologizes that he was not “strong enough” (88) to prevent their son’s death. In the courtroom, Kaffee asks Downey about the Code Red given to Santiago. Downey reiterates that Kendrick ordered the Code Red. However, Ross points out that Downey did not hear the order directly from Kendrick, as he was not at the meeting due to an issue with his vehicle. When Ross tries to get Downey to admit that Dawson told him about Kendrick’s order for the Code Red, Galloway tries to halt the line of questioning. Downey is hesitant to answer, so he looks to Dawson for guidance. Dawson tells him to be honest. Downey says that Dawson gave him the order for the Code Red.

Later, Galloway and Weinburg discuss the worsening trial. Kaffee enters in a surprisingly good mood. He’s drunk. As Galloway plots their tactics, Kaffee reveals that Markinson killed himself. Though Kaffee is resigned to losing the case, Galloway thinks that they can win. She suggests that they call Jessup as a witness. Kaffee is reluctant, but Galloway tries to convince him that they can force Jessup to confess. However, Kaffee is convinced that he’ll be court-martialed if he tries to force a decorated and respected man like Jessup to be a witness in a frivolous defense. Kaffee throws a box of documents on the floor tells Galloway to leave. As Weinburg cleans up, Kaffee continues to drink and complains that his father was never proud of him. Weinburg tries to assure Kaffee that he’s done well with his life. He makes an off-hand comment about “socks and underwear” (94) which inspires a thought in Kaffee’s mind. He realizes that Santiago knew he wouldn’t receive a transfer, so he never bothered to empty his locker. Kaffee plans to call Jessup as a witness and force him to admit that he ordered the Code Red. Kaffee seeks out Galloway and apologizes for his outburst. He praises her plan to call Jessup as a witness.

In court, Jessup takes the witness stand. Kaffee questions him, mentioning that Markinson is dead. Jessup reiterates that he ordered Kendrick to tell the men that “Santiago wasn’t to be touched” (98) and that Santiago was to be transferred immediately. Kaffee points out that Santiago did not expect a transfer before his death. Jessup dismisses any such concerns, saying that he can’t explain the reasons why Santiago did not pack or contact anyone. Jessup stands to leave, but Kaffee tells him to sit down. Jessup rankles at the display of insubordination but returns to the witness box. Kaffee asks Jessup whether Kendrick would ever disobey a direct order. Jessup insists that all his orders are followed to the letter. Kaffee points out the inconsistency, as Jessup’s order that Santiago not be touched was not followed, but Jessup changes the subject. He asks Kaffee whether he’s ever served in a dangerous situation. Kaffee admits that he hasn’t. Jessup insists that his men “follow orders or people die” (104).

When Kaffee asks why Jessup would need to issue an order protecting Santiago if he was about to receive a transfer, Jessup has no answer. Kaffee presses on with his questions, interrupting and angering Jessup. When Jessup suggests that the men sometimes act on their own, Kaffee returns to Jessup’s insistence that his men follow orders exactly or people die. As Jessup sneers an insult at Kaffee, Ross calls for a break. Kaffee continues to press. Jessup asks what Kaffee wants; Kaffee says that he wants “the truth” (105). Jessup says that Kaffee can’t handle the truth. To Jessup, the truth is that the world is a dangerous place guarded by men with guns. These men allow people like Kaffee to live comfortable lives and, sometimes, people die to preserve this freedom. He thinks that Santiago’s death “while tragic, probably saved lives” (106). Jessup thinks that he was doing his job. He admits to ordering the Code Red. Kaffee immediately moves to dismiss the case. Ross and the judge agree. Jessup rages against the court as he’s taken into custody.

The court finds Dawson and Downey “not guilty” (108) of Santiago’s murder but guilty of conduct unbecoming for a US Marine. They’ll serve time in the brig and then receive dishonorable discharge. Downey can’t understand why he’s been discharged if he was following Jessup’s orders. Dawson tries to comfort him as they’re led from the courtroom. Ross congratulates Kaffee on winning the case. Weinburg leaves to be with his family. Galloway offers to take Kaffee out for a drink, but he claims that he wants to start immediately on his next case. He agrees to meet up with her later.