Out Standing (2025) Movie Script
(Birds chirping)
(Dog whimpering)
(Footsteps)
(Dog continues whimpering)
(Gun clicking)
(Gunshot)
(Sighing)
(Man on radio):
Control, inbound from Croatia.
We're now at 1,000 feet.
CFB, Trenton Tower.
Requesting permission to land.
You are cleared to land
on Runway 09.
Welcome back home, folks.
(Man on PA): Attention please,
Captain Perron,
please identify yourself
to the military police
as soon as
you leave the aircraft.
Captain Perron,
come with us, please.
What's going on?
This way.
(Man): Dig your heels in.
Keep the cadence!
Left, right.
Left, right, left!
Just watch your back, OK?
Can you smile and pretend
to be happy about this,
at least until I've gone in?
I'm thrilled.
Very convincing.
If there's one woman
who can do it, it's you.
Unless you meet a spider
along the way.
Hey, not a word to anyone.
That stays under the radar.
Right, under the radar
in a platoon full of guys?
There'll be other girls.
(Man continues
talking in distance)
You have custody till I'm back.
Got it.
Take care of the old lady.
(Chuckling)
You're gonna have to
teach me how to fold like that.
Years of practice.
Mmm! Like father,
like daughter.
You're a military brat?
Yeah.
Born in Manitoba,
moved to Quebec when I was 2,
and then Ontario, BC,
Alberta, Winnipeg,
then back to Quebec,
and then 5 years
as an officer in logistics.
Wow!
I was a waitress in Halifax.
(Men talking in distance,
indistinct)
Bunch of chicks.
They don't seem too
thrilled to have us.
We're the first ones.
They'll come around.
(Men laughing,
chatting in distance)
Can I have the top bunk?
Sure.
Nice!
(Man in distance):
All right, hurry up!
Come on, come on!
Go!
(Man continues, indistinct)
Shit.
Hey, wake up! Get dressed!
What's going on?
(Door opening)
Sandra, what's going on?
Get dressed!
Come on, Susan,
they're outside!
Susan, get dressed!
Shit!
Why didn't they tell us?
Why are they already outside?
Why didn't they tell us?
It's 3:00 in the morning!
I don't know.
What do we need?
They're in full gear!
Webbing, rifle...
Helmet.
We need to go!
We gotta go, we gotta go!
Come on, come on!
Let's go. They're waiting!
Oh, shit!
Fuck, fuck, fuck!
Well, how nice of you
to finally join us.
(Breathing heavily)
What was the problem?
Not enough time to do your hair?
Didn't hear the call, Warrant.
- Langford!
- Sir!
On me.
What do you see, Langford?
Women, sir.
Wrong answer.
Now, I'll repeat the question.
What do you see?
Well, I see
Officer Cadet Schneider,
Officer Cadet Lewinberg,
Officer Cadet Thomas
and Officer Cadet Perron.
That's Captain Perron.
Now tell me, Langford,
why did these soldiers
not hear the call?
I mean, we passed the word
around the barracks, sir.
You passed the word around.
OK. Is this broken
fucking telephone? Huh?
No, I thought--
Are you too fucking lazy,
too fucking stupid
or too fucking crippled?
No, sir!
See, that was not
a yes or no question.
Do I need to find another
platoon senior, Langford?
Don't fucking look at me.
No, sir!
All right!
Hands on the bars.
Drop your kit and weapons.
Let's go.
Yes, sir!
Move it!
Move! Move!
Move!
This is what happens
when you do not follow orders!
Everyone pays!
Now, we may have
some special trainees this year,
but this is still
our nation's infantry.
At least a dozen of you pussies
will give up and go home
after this phase.
If you think that might be you,
do it now and save yourself
a world of hurt.
Volunteers!
No, Warrant!
Perron.
Yes, sir!
Now, is this everything
you hoped it would be and more?
Yes, Captain!
Then don't fuck it up.
No, sir!
(Gunshots)
You smiling?
Hey, Smith, are you smiling?
Better wipe that smile
off your face.
Move it, move it, move it!
Let's go!
Keep up, girl scout.
Fuck off!
My jacket's too big.
(Scoffing)
Fucking weekend warrior.
You got that right.
What was Captain Perron up to
before the infantry?
Logistics.
Close as I could
get to the field. You?
Football. Screwed up my back.
By the time it healed,
I lost my spot.
Not good enough for football,
but just fine for the infantry.
- Mm-hmm.
- Look at him.
He's made for this.
Except he farts
in the tent.
Don't know why your wife
hasn't divorced you yet.
True love, my friend.
What would you
know about it, hmm?
Markers, move your lazy asses.
Let's go!
You know Captain Pritchett?
He was my
parachute instructor in cadets.
Why would anyone want to jump
out of a perfectly good plane?
It's useful when you
want to become a paratrooper.
Heard crazy shit
about him.
Keep up the pace,
motherfuckers,
or I'll give you something
to whine about.
He's a psycho?
- Yeah.
- Hmm.
(Gunshots)
Let's go, let's go!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
This is the infantry!
This is what you wanted!
Faster!
(Sighing)
Go, go, go!
Go, go, go!
Come on!
On your feet!
That's it.
(Man shouting, indistinct)
Enjoying the view?
(Breathing heavily)
Go on, Sanchez!
Get 'em all fucking back!
(Grunting)
- Oh!
- Ball!
You idiot.
You're out!
Minus two, down to 28.
Who's next?
(Breathing heavily)
(Gunshot)
(Men shouting, indistinct)
Let's go, let's go!
Down to 23!
Not even a fucking platoon.
Next up, go, up!
Push! Push!
Come on! Come on, guys!
(Gunshots)
(Door opening)
(Footsteps, door closing)
Sergeant Monroe.
Please have a seat.
I'll stand if you don't mind.
It was a long flight.
It says here
you put in for your release.
Soldiers usually leave
without a formal exit interview
by the military police.
Indeed, Captain.
Aren't you the first woman
to lead an infantry platoon?
Yes, Sergeant.
Can we just skip to the part
where you explain
what I'm doing here?
Please sit.
People, politicians
and the public
are asking us
a lot of questions right now.
That boy that died in Somalia
while on our base
has upset a lot of folks.
You may have heard there's
an inquiry on TV every day.
Yes, there was
a lot of talk on tour.
But I was in Croatia,
not Somalia.
What's your point?
We're investigating
any rumour of misconduct.
There was never any misconduct
in my regard, Sergeant.
Captain Pritchett
was in charge
during your
infantry training, right?
Yes.
A Rambo type?
Pritchett was intense,
but he was a good instructor.
So intense that he snapped
during your prisoner exercise.
He was also in Somalia
when the boy died.
Maybe this is
where impunity leads.
So, no impropriety here?
No need for further inquiry?
No, Sergeant.
Execute the prisoner!
Your boyfriend,
Captain Kevin Moran,
seems to tell the contrary
in this statement from May '92.
Ex-boyfriend.
He couldn't deal
with his girlfriend
coming home from work
with bruises.
The details in this report
are pretty damning.
It says here that
you deny any wrongdoing.
Do you still
have the same opinion?
That was years ago.
What's done is done.
So, nothing happened in
Gagetown during training, right?
No, Sergeant.
Why did you quit?
Soldiers leave all the time.
Not those with medals
and commendations.
Unless you're going
to arrest me, I...
(Chair moving)
That'll be all for now.
Welcome home, Captain Perron.
(Men talking, indistinct)
- Hey.
- Hey!
Give me that.
I don't think your figure
can afford it, Russo.
(Laughing)
Oh man, you don't want
to mess with Perron.
She's a captain.
Huh?
Captain Pepperoni!
(Men laughing)
Never heard that, Langford.
Original.
Stick around for another
30 years, Langford.
They might make you
a captain too.
Oh, look who's
a pepperoni lover!
Wow!
You jealous?
(Men laughing)
No.
I'm kind of curious, actually.
What's going on over here, huh?
You guys think
being nice to her
is going to get you,
like, laid or something?
Huh? Seriously.
Anyways, I'd rather
be with the one
with the cocksucking lips.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, definitely.
She's got the...
Oh, come on!
Seriously?
Relax. It's a joke.
Yeah!
It's a fucking
compliment, too.
(Men laughing)
No? Isn't it? What?
Shut up!
You shut up, man.
You don't get tired of
hearing yourself speak?
Eat your fucking soup.
Don't fucking talk to me.
Again.
It's just a joke.
Wasn't funny the first time.
Susan, don't quit.
Guys had more respect for me
when I was bartending.
You know, how does
this not bother you?
I've wanted to be here
since I was 14.
Yeah, well, I hope it's
worth it for you, but...
I'm done.
Fuck them and fuck the army!
Good luck, Sandra.
200 metres ahead!
On your line!
On target, fire!
(Gunshots)
Line up for final declaration!
You get caught with
any ammunition, you're out.
No worries. Take your time.
I have no live rounds or empty
casings in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds
or empty casings
in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds or empty
casings in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds
or empty casings
in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds or empty
casings in my possession, sir.
Did you check all your
pockets, Ms. Perron?
Yes, Sergeant.
Next!
I have no live rounds
or empty casings
in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds or empty
casings in my possession, sir.
(Sighing)
At ease.
Sir?
You'll be getting an
excellent grade for this phase.
Thank you, sir.
Yeah, your name's even been
tossed around several times
for, uh, top candidate.
But since you're the first woman
training to be
an infantry officer,
we all felt that, uh,
it would make you an easy target
for the next phase.
I don't want to
stand out, sir.
That's my ride.
Happy birthday, birthday boy!
Wow, that's amazing.
Wow, thank you!
(All talking, indistinct)
Oh!
Almost.
One more.
Where do you put the sugar?
I can't find anything
in this hole.
- Oh!
- Gotcha!
Don't run!
Another one, soldier.
Stop with the stupid game.
She needs both hands
to hold her gun.
She's tough.
She's my daughter.
Are you tired, ma belle?
It's intense, but I love it.
Je t'aime.
Kids, everyone at the table now!
Listen to Grandma, come!
- Thank you.
- Let's go, guys, everybody.
(All talking, indistinct)
Guys!
Guys, I want a moment, please.
Hey, everybody!
- Grandpa has something to say.
- Everybody, guys.
Listen to Grandpa.
Sandra, I'm very proud of you.
You've worked so hard
to make it this far.
You're gonna make it
all the way.
Let's all raise a glass.
To you, Captain Perron.
Thank you.
(All talking, indistinct)
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
Well, tonight isn't about me.
It's, uh, Kevin's
birthday, so...
Oh, it's a little bit
about you, too.
OK, um...
Look, I know you'll get deployed
right after training, and...
the regiment will send
me God knows where.
But when the army does decide
that we can be
in the same place...
will you marry me?
(Whispering):
Ring. Ring.
Ring. Ring.
(Whispering):
Say something. Anything.
Yes, yes!
(All cheering, laughing)
Oh, man...
I love you.
I love you too.
Oh, they look so beautiful.
I love them so much!
I can't wait to have
another grandchild.
OK, let's get more wine!
(Phone ringing)
Hello?
(Man breathing heavily)
Hello?
Who is this?
(Heavy breathing continues)
Oh, don't worry.
I just want to have fun.
Who the fuck is this?
Oh, you're made for fucking,
not for fighting.
It's not funny.
(Line clicking)
(Door opening, closing)
Hey, do you want to
go for a run tomorrow?
I got to burn off
those 3 pieces of cake.
Yeah.
(Man): Welcome back,
welcome back, boys!
I'll be here...
(Sighing)
(Humming fanfare )
(Knocking)
Come on, Pepperoni.
Leave's over.
Time to hit the gym.
Yeah, got to work off
my mom's lasagne.
Tell me about it.
I lost two abs in a week.
We're gonna drop our bags.
I'll meet you guys there, OK?
- Cool. See you there.
- Later, Cap.
(Weights clanging)
(Breathing heavily)
(Talking, indistinct)
(Grunting)
Hello?
(Man breathing heavily)
Who is this?
(Grunting)
Who the fuck is this?
Oh, don't worry.
I just want to have fun.
(Man laughing)
Oh, you're made for fucking,
not for fighting.
Fucking.
Fucking.
Fucking!
Not for fighting.
Clear!
- Clear!
- Clear!
Fuck!
Calm the fuck down, Langford!
(Grunting)
Fuck!
Oh, fuck! Ah!
Fucking bitch.
Go cry outside.
Fuck!
Gas, gas, gas!
(Men shouting in distance)
Let's go, let's go!
Let's get the fuck out!
Let's get the fuck out, come on!
Faster! Everyone, move faster!
Gas clear!
Gas clear! Gas clear!
Gas clear!
Strip down to
the waist for decon!
That means now!
Faster! Faster, you pussies!
You've just been exposed
to mustard gas!
Sulfur mustard
is burning your skin!
It's in your eyes!
Get your fucking clothes off!
Hey! Keep it on.
Put your shit over there!
Over to the side!
Well, you're all dead.
Too slow to mask up
and too slow to get out.
(All groaning)
This is what death feels like.
This is what death
and incompetence feels like.
What, you don't like it?
Guys, they don't
seem to like it.
(Laughing)
(Shuddering)
How many times
do I have to fucking kill you
before you learn
how to stay alive?
Wrap this up.
All right, get dressed.
Regroup at the bivouac.
Ah, God...
(Insects chirring)
Want a rematch
tomorrow, Langford?
She was lucky they
called a gas attack, man.
Come on, bro.
We all died in that anyways.
Let it go.
Holy Christ, Sanchez!
You fall off a truck?
Prisoner exercise.
I heard he went through
half an hour of hell.
- You OK, buddy?
- Mmm.
- Good night, guys.
- Good night, Perron!
Sleep tight.
(Rain pattering on tent)
Are you in there, Perron?
(Men laughing)
Open the fucking zipper, moron.
Hey, fuck off!
Hey, get the fuck out of here!
What the fuck?
Fuck you, bitch!
Let's get out of here.
(Men laughing)
What would you have me do,
Captain Perron?
I should be in a tent with
the other trainees, Warrant.
And how's that
going to be any better?
Isolating me sends
the wrong message.
And what's that?
That I'm not
like everyone else.
It's pretty clear
that you're not.
Warrant, if I'm to
lead a platoon,
I have to be with the soldiers,
not away from them.
First, let's see if you
even make it through this phase.
Dismissed, Captain.
(Laughing)
(Laughing)
Have a good sleep, Captain?
(Man talking, indistinct)
Sandra, are you OK?
Captain.
Hey!
(Breathing heavily)
(Dog barking)
(Car starting)
Captain Perron!
I just passed your place.
I have a few more miles.
Captain Perron.
Captain Perron, I just want
a few minutes of your time
to talk about your resignation.
We've been through this.
Captain, are you playing
some kind of game with us?
I don't follow.
In my line of work,
coincidences are red flags.
Meaning?
This showed up
on my desk today.
Doesn't look like
your average exercise.
Are you sure about that?
When was the last time
you were in the field?
All these allegations
about you being mistreated,
and then you resign,
but one and one don't make two?
I've given my life
to the Forces.
That's why I don't get it.
Please leave me alone.
Captain, the way I see it,
either you come clean
or you find out who's using you
to send us a message.
I need answers.
And right now, all the clues
lead back to you.
(Wind howling)
Stop it and keep watch.
(Scoffing)
You can play tough,
Perron, I'll give you that.
But it won't change the fact
that you fuck things up
just by being here.
This isn't prom, OK?
This is real.
Guys will risk their lives
just to save your helpless ass.
I have yet to see you risk
anything for anyone, Langford.
Hey. You have any change?
Hmm?
I want to get a Coke
from the vending machine.
Hey, wake up.
You're hallucinating.
Why didn't you wait
until morning to attack?
I don't know.
It would have made
a lot more sense.
Oh, something weird.
(Gunshots in distance)
Why don't they use
their blackout lights?
Oh, fuck! Shit.
You guys have eyes?
- No.
- Negative.
Fuck...
Can't see shit.
(Grunting)
Get the fuck off!
(Breathing heavily)
Don't worry,
we're right behind you!
Shut up!
Fuck!
(Grunting)
Go!
(Engine rumbling)
(Sandra grunting)
Take her boots off.
Oh, fuck! Bitch!
It's worse
if you struggle.
Come on, man.
Pin her down.
(Grunting)
(Breathing heavily)
Bring me a knife.
I think you need
a little haircut.
(Moaning)
Name and serial number.
Captain Perron.
Alpha 38947607.
Which unit are you from?
Alpha 38947607.
What's the password?
Alpha 38907.
(Screaming)
The radio frequency.
Give it up.
Ah!
(Screaming)
Give me the password!
Name!
Pritchett...
Perron.
(Breathing heavily)
(Screaming)
(Screaming)
(Coughing)
Smile for us.
One more.
One more, one more.
Cheese!
(Laughing)
Get the fuck out of here!
Get out!
John, stop. Please stop.
Please stop.
(Breathing slowly)
(Footsteps)
Hey.
Wake up.
Last chance.
Give me the password.
Give up, Perron, or you'll die.
Password!
Ah...
Fuck you.
Execute the prisoner!
Right here.
Ready? Fire!
(Gunshots)
All right,
pack up the equipment.
Get her boots.
(Groaning)
Go warm up in the truck.
I'm fine.
(Coughing)
(Men talking in distance)
(Coughing)
(Knocking on door)
Shower's all yours!
You OK?
Pritchett gave me a fail
on the prisoner exercise.
(Coughing)
What more
did he want you to do?
Everybody on base is talking
about how tough you were.
Uh, you know, we tried to
mount a counterattack
to get you out of there,
but they wouldn't let us.
You did?
Yeah.
Come on, Pepperoni.
You aced all the other tests.
You'll still pass.
Hey...
Don't quit.
You are totally
kicking our asses out there.
I swear I'll never
fart in the truck again.
(Chuckling, coughing)
Don't make a promise
your ass can't keep, Colin.
Get in the shower.
You stink!
Oh! And stop looking at that.
(Coughing, sniffling)
Hey, you.
Get over here right now.
Come here.
(Laughing)
Hello.
- Hi.
I miss you.
Missed you too.
I got captured by
the Demo Platoon.
How was the drive?
Who did this to you?
It looks worse than it is.
You're covered in bruises.
Hey, come here.
I missed you.
I'm afraid I'm gonna hurt you.
I'm fine.
Pritchett knows what he's doing.
What the fuck?
It's the prisoner exercise.
You know how it goes.
That's bullshit! OK?
You're not supposed to
actually injure the prisoner.
You can get...
You can get charged for this.
Fuck, I swear to God
I'm gonna kill him.
At least he thinks
I can do this.
He's fucking insane.
Kev, I'm almost done.
I'm making it.
Be on my side.
(Coughing)
Captain Perron, we were there.
Yeah, you're
a crazy motherfucker.
You deserve your spot.
Thanks.
(Coughing)
Such a bookworm, Perron.
Studying for
my final exam, Warrant.
Infantry school's deputy
commander wants to see you.
Yes, Warrant.
We don't have all day.
Move it.
What are you going to
whine about this time?
I assure you that any
information you share with us
will be confidential.
Do you understand?
Yes, sir.
Is there anything
you want to tell us
about how the exercise went?
It was the usual
prisoner exercise.
The normal rigour?
I believe so, sir.
You're sure
nothing irregular...
(Man continues, indistinct)
It was tough and it was a
valuable training exercise, sir.
Dismissed.
Of course I reported it.
For fuck's sake, Kevin.
Are you trying to
sabotage my career?
Everyone's gonna think
I ran into my boyfriend's arms
at the first sign of trouble.
It's him I'm going after.
OK, he shouldn't be
allowed to train mall cops,
let alone soldiers.
I told you I was fine!
He proved to everyone
that I can do it.
Sandra...
He tortured you. OK?
Someone had to call him out.
Stop fucking protecting me!
(Coughing)
(Sighing)
Ready for your final test,
Captain Perron?
Yes, sir!
Be sharp.
One-two Alpha, one-two Bravo.
One-two Alpha, do you copy?
One-two... Alpha, do you...
(All laughing)
One-two, Alpha!
Do you hear me?
Fire!
Sustain fire!
Yo, Langford!
What's going on, Perron?
Fuck!
Are you ready
for another spin, Perron?
Langford, grab it!
(All laughing)
Prepare to dismount!
What, are you taking a break?
Come on, let's go!
Mind your feet, Perron!
Come on, move!
Move! Let's go!
Up, up, up, up, up!
- Move it! Let's go!
- Let's go!
Perron! What the hell
are you waiting for?
Move your ass!
You're supposed to be in charge!
- Fuck!
- Let's go!
Nice of you to join the party.
All right, index, index.
Come on, gentlemen.
Fuck!
All right, calm down.
Here.
You're passing me?
What, you'd rather
I flunk you?
Everything got messed up.
The comms were blocked.
OK. So what did you do?
I had to switch
to visual signals.
Yeah, and since your
initial orders were clear,
the fire group
was able to give you
suppressive fire
for the assault.
Now, sure, you weren't able to
join your guys right away,
but everything worked.
Do you know what we call that?
It's called leadership. Yeah.
You can evaluate leadership
by how well your troops perform
when you're not there
to hold their hands.
That's it. You made it.
You're now an infantry officer.
Congratulations,
Captain Perron.
Thank you, sir.
By the way, you're gonna
need a new frag vest.
Oh, we took it for a spin,
for sure.
(Man whistling)
(Men laughing)
(Breathing heavily)
(Sniffling)
Cheers to the first
female infantry officer!
(All chanting):
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
(Chanting continues)
Welcome to the Van Doos.
Je me souviens.
- To all of us!
- Shut up, man!
The famous Captain Perron.
I've heard you're
one tough cookie.
Think you're ready
to be a Van Doos?
Yes, sir.
At ease.
Hey, stop! Stop it! Stop!
Everybody has to
do it, Perron!
Come on!
(All chanting):
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
Stop! No, stop!
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
(All cheering, shouting)
(Gasping)
(Laughing)
- (Man): Let go!
- You wanna be a Van Doos?
(Man laughing)
(Coughing)
(All laughing)
Whoo!
Give her the beer!
Let's go!
(All chanting):
Chug, chug, chug!
(All cheering)
Yeah!
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
(Breathing heavily)
(Journalist):
In an unprecedented
nationwide operation,
the Canadian Armed Forces has
initiated a comprehensive review
of documents in response
to the ongoing Somalia inquiry.
The effort, directed by
military high command,
aims to reshape
public perception
amid allegations of misconduct
within the Forces.
Sergeant Charles Monroe
commented on the effort.
The goal is to provide
all related documents
in order to address these
allegations of cover-up
within the Department
of National Defence.
The military's actions remain
under intense public scrutiny
as the investigation unfolds.
Recent testimony from
Captain Richard Pritchett
sparked controversy after
he revealed his decision
to classify petty theft
by Somali civilians as sabotage,
which he claims justified
the use of deadly force.
(Music on radio )
Now for the weather.
Tonight's forecast calls for
temperatures dipping to...
(Door closing)
...with a partly cloudy sky
and light breezes.
(Banging sound)
I didn't send this.
But I'm glad somebody did.
You're glad
someone's harassing me?
You never wanted to
say anything, Sandra.
You could have put in
a dozen complaints about this.
We've been through this
many times.
- I'm just saying.
- Imagine this gets out.
All my years of service
reduced to this one picture.
I like yours better.
Sandra...
How--how are things?
How do you find the civvy life?
It's a bitch.
You? How's the new place?
Bridget keeps repainting.
Have you set a date?
Next summer.
Congratulations.
(Machine beeping)
Hey, it's Colin.
Haven't heard from you since
you got back from Croatia.
Should I be worried
about you, Pepperoni?
Call me.
(Machine beeping)
Hi, sweetie.
How's the new place?
They need someone
to say a few words
at my retirement ceremony
next month.
Find a couple nice things
to say about your old dad?
Let me know.
(Machine beeping)
This is
General Milton's office,
requesting a meeting
about an urgent matter.
Please call us back as soon
as you receive this message.
(Machine beeping)
Shit!
(Phone ringing)
(Man talking in distance,
indistinct)
Sir?
Sit, Perron.
You know Sergeant Monroe?
You look unconscious
in this photo.
Were you?
Unconscious, Ms. Perron?
It was an exhausting
exercise, sir.
Hmm, right.
So someone
just sent me a picture
of a soldier taking a nap
tied to a tree.
I've been told you took early
release after your last tour.
Why?
To pursue new challenges, sir.
Hmm, right.
This photo on my desk.
Why do you want the world to see
how badly you were mistreated?
General, sir,
we have no concrete evidence.
You haven't been able to
get the job done, Sergeant,
so I had to
come up with my own conclusions.
If this picture gets out...
it would damage the men
who are bravely serving
this country at this time.
General, sir, I did not--
You're going to make
this disappear, for good.
Cease and desist.
Am I clear?
Yes, sir.
Am I clear?
Yes, sir.
That'll be all for now.
Thank you for coming.
One last thing.
Not everyone has
what it takes to be a soldier.
So stop dragging
our name through the mud.
Just get over it.
See yourself out, Ms. Perron.
Captain!
I'm sorry that remark...
I'm sorry.
That was uncalled for.
I can still do something
if you just tell me
who you're trying to protect.
If I sent the picture,
how come I got one too?
So this is going public
one way or another.
You can't blame them
for being concerned.
An exercise that
happened 3 years ago?
Is that why
you think I resigned?
They can pull out
all the photos of me they want,
but the real stuff,
the actual shit I went through,
doesn't show up
in a picture, Sergeant.
Fuck!
A few of the officers
have pled your case.
You have quite the fan club.
How do you mean, sir?
I was going to keep you here
in charge of the rear party,
but it was suggested
you be given a chance
to prove yourself.
And you know what I told them?
No, sir.
I told them
I'd take you overseas.
Just to shut them up.
Will I be leading
a platoon, sir?
Not quite yet, Captain.
Be satisfied that you are
going on your first tour.
Thank you, sir.
You won't regret it.
Mm-hmm.
I thought the pill.
I--I don't know.
We'll figure it out. OK?
Look at me.
This can be a good thing.
(Kevin inhaling deeply,
exhaling)
If I ask for leave now,
my career is over.
So, the army decides
whether or not we have kids?
It's not just me.
You're gone most of the time.
Are you even sure
you want to be a father?
(Sighing)
(Coughing)
Your age?
And your occupation?
I'm an officer
in the Armed Forces.
And have you had
an abortion before?
Sandra, have you had
an abortion before?
Yes.
How old were you?
Take 3 deep breaths.
Have you had an abortion before?
Yes.
How old were you?
19.
This is gonna feel
a little cold.
You're gonna feel
a little pinch.
(Moaning)
(Man shouting in distance)
John, we should study.
Hey, I got you something.
What?
What is it?
- You wanna see it?
- Yeah.
Oh my God!
Don't.
But you want me, don't you?
John, I've never
done this before.
- You're so beautiful.
- Please stop.
(John grunting)
John, stop. Please stop.
You're so beautiful.
It's almost over, sweetie.
(Line ringing)
Oui, all?
All, maman. It's me.
Ah, ma chrie.
Comment a va?
Sorry we didn't
confirm a date for dinner.
I left Kevin messages, but he
hasn't returned any of my calls.
Are you OK?
Oui. He's just a little sad
I'm leaving, that's all.
Your dad has been bragging
about you all week.
He's so proud of his daughter
going on her first tour.
You must be so excited.
Bosnia!
Yeah.
(Sniffling)
Are you OK, sweetie?
Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just
a little tired, that's all.
Are you sure you're all right?
We'll still see you
before you go?
Yeah, of course.
I have to go, Mom.
I love you both.
Love you, too.
(Men talking, indistinct)
It took a day and a half
for the convoy
to get to Fojnica's hospital.
What's the status?
The crew was devastated
by what they saw.
Some of the babies
had died from dehydration.
Send a report to
the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees.
Yes, sir.
Sir, the escort
for the Fojnica convoy
made a request
for additional personnel.
I'd like to join
on my next rotation.
We need our people
in the duty room.
My duty room colleague just
came back from his rotation.
Irrelevant.
Sir, I'm dispatching troops
blind from behind a desk.
I haven't been on the field
or seen the terrain.
I haven't even been
in a checkpoint.
I'm trained to be in the field.
It's 24 hours, sir. Not even--
Request denied.
End of discussion.
(Helicopter blades chopping
in distance)
(Sighing)
(Gunshots in distance)
(Blasts in distance)
202 Russo.
Nice to meet you.
All right, so you
can come with me.
You're gonna see it,
but we set up our tents
in this old factory.
It's much safer
than being outside.
Yeah.
So, how many are you here?
Uh, in Camp Visoko,
at some point,
we were almost 850 men.
A bit crowded.
So who is it exactly
you wanted to speak to?
I've got a couple men
who've been on the field.
Uh, I'd like to talk
with Captain Perron.
Sure.
(Clears throat)
Perron.
Looks like you're the star.
(Sighing)
Tell Con Sign 3
to send me a sitrep.
- She'll be there in a minute.
- Thanks.
This won't take
too much of your time.
If you just stand here,
and we'll get started
right away.
Oh my fucking God!
Captain Perron,
you have the distinction
of being the first woman
in our nation's infantry.
Did being a woman
make things different for you?
I went through the same
training as my brothers in arms.
And did the guys
behave differently with you?
We're all on the same team.
(Men laughing)
Are the locals surprised
when they see a woman
coming out of a patrol tank?
Well, I haven't...
I haven't yet had the
opportunity to go on patrol,
but the locals inside the camp
seem to understand
that I'm just doing my job.
Great.
(Men chatting, laughing)
Oh, look at you, Perron!
Looking all pretty for
the cameras, Mrs. Superstar.
"We're all on the same team."
Give me some sugar, come on!
Whoo, whoo!
Hey, boys, boys,
you know what the fuck this is?
This is fucking Perron, baby.
Captain Perron!
(Laughing)
Whoo!
Whoo-hoo-hoo!
Oh yeah!
(Men laughing)
Did being a woman
make things different for you?
So, the army decides
whether or not we have kids?
(Gunshot)
(Ducks honking)
(Bird cawing)
Nice camouflage, sir.
Works for the birds.
Not an easy place to find.
Well, nobody comes out here.
Got this in the mail.
This is it, huh?
(Birds calling)
Anonymous...
Ah, the sign of valour.
They sent the same threat
to the general.
It's gonna be in the news soon.
Don't worry,
they're after me, not you.
But I'm the one
in the picture.
You're like me, Perron.
You bother people.
Pretty picture, though.
Tasteful.
You know they're
gonna use this
to say women
can't be in combat arms.
And there's not much
you can do about it.
Most people will look
at a picture
of a soldier tied to a tree,
and they'll feel sorry for you.
I was there.
I know what you did.
So what is it, Perron?
You here to tell me
I pushed you too hard?
No one doubted I was
infantry after that.
So, what are you going to do?
I was kind of hoping
it would magically go away.
Listen, Sandra.
Talk if you want.
Don't talk if you don't want.
You're not tied to a tree.
Is that him?
Go give him the letter.
Can we trust that journalist?
He's the only one I know.
Are you sure about this?
I need to tell my side
of the story first.
It's gonna
come out anyway, Colin.
Right.
Preemptive strike,
it's the least bad option.
I'll be right back.
- OK.
Dear Mr. Baker,
here's the anonymous letter
that I received.
This prisoner exercise
was rooted in
Captain Pritchett's belief
that I was tough
and that he would help me
prove it to the world.
I admit it was hard,
beyond hard even.
But Pritchett saw me
as a soldier
when very few others did.
I love serving my country,
and I'll always wear
the uniform like a second skin,
even as a civilian.
I didn't quit the military
because of what
happened that night.
I quit because I always wanted
to fight on the front lines.
But when I finally did,
I never thought the enemy
would be inside my own ranks.
(People talking, indistinct)
- Did you find her parents?
- We're still searching.
Who's taking care of her?
A neighbour.
(People screaming)
(Alarm sounding)
(Man):
Everybody, take cover!
(Man on PA):
Do not engage.
I say again, do not engage.
(Explosion)
(Gunshots)
Let's get them
back in the tents.
Get civilians under cover
right now!
All right, over here!
Smith's still on patrol.
Seven Niner Alpha,
this is Seven Niner.
Let's hear
Echo Tango Alpha, over.
Seven Niner Alpha,
on standby, over.
Seven Niner Alpha, move.
I say again, move.
Over.
Seven Niner Alpha, roger out.
Let's go.
(Gunshots)
It's getting bigger.
We'll set up more tents.
(Explosion)
(People shouting)
(Baby crying)
Calm down, calm down!
Calm down!
(Explosion,
people screaming)
(Horn honking)
This way!
How is it out there?
A lot of dead bodies
on the ground.
They're moving through
with a vengeance.
I want to let a maximum
of refugees in.
Gonzales, 10 more men
at the gate.
Smith, ask the mechanic
to have a tow on standby.
Let's make sure everyone's safe.
(People screaming)
Come on. Let's go.
Yes, ma'am.
Over here.
Over here.
Right here.
One at a time,
one at a time!
(Knocking on door)
You wanted to see me, sir?
Sit down.
You received a special mention
from Major General Delorme.
He liked your work
with the refugees.
Well done.
Thank you, sir.
I've also received word
about your next posting.
Once you're back in Canada,
you're going to be sent
to the combat training centre
at Gagetown.
In what capacity, sir?
You'll be second in command
of phase two infantry training.
What about my request
to transfer to
the airborne regiment?
Denied.
- May I ask why, sir?
- Why what?
Why I'm being given a
junior lieutenant's position
when I'm a senior captain.
I have two 6-month tours
under my belt.
I've commanded troops,
a platoon.
My evaluations
have been excellent.
Captain Perron, I'm sure
you don't run this army yet,
so if you're
being sent to Gagetown,
it's for a good reason.
That's a significant
demotion, sir.
You'll be fulfilling
a very important function.
What's that?
A lot of young officers
don't believe
women belong in the infantry.
Train them from the start,
and they'll grow
to tolerate you.
Tolerate me?
Yes, Captain.
They'll get used to
having a female presence.
I'm being demoted
because some officer cadet
doesn't think I belong
in the infantry.
This is
non-negotiable, Captain.
If you wish to lodge
a formal complaint,
there is a procedure
for that, or...
you can get yourself pregnant.
Permission to leave, sir.
Dismissed.
(Men talking, indistinct)
(Speaking foreign language)
Stay here.
I'll take care of it.
(Dog whimpering)
Shit.
(Whimpering)
You've worked so hard
to make it this far.
You're going to make it
all the way. To you.
It's a significant demotion.
Congratulations,
Captain Perron.
My career is over.
(Gunshot)
(Breathing heavily)
More trouble for
the Canadian Armed Forces.
A new story has emerged
of a hellish night
for a young female officer
at CFB Gagetown,
New Brunswick, in 1992.
(Phone ringing)
Our source reports that
during the combat exercise,
Captain Sandra Perron
was tied to a tree
and beaten repeatedly
before being left without
her boots in the snow overnight.
Shit.
Captain Pritchett,
who's a suspect
in the Somalia affair,
was in charge of the exercise.
The National Defence has
declined a request for comment
and no official
statement has been issued.
Captain Perron
has recently resigned
from the Canadian Armed Forces
and has also refused to comment.
This revelation is
fuelling speculation
about a possible cover-up.
(Phone ringing)
It's Sandra.
Yes.
OK.
OK, I'll meet you there.
(Grunting)
(Talking, indistinct)
Captain Perron!
Been thinking about you
quite a lot today.
You and every other Canadian.
We'll never figure out
who sent that photo.
Not sure it matters
at this point.
It matters to me, Sandra.
I'll keep investigating.
I have a hunch on who
sent it to the press.
- Would you like some coffee?
- Yes, thank you.
Thank you.
I thought if I told them
my side of the story,
what it's been like
for me as a soldier,
how proud I'd always been
to serve...
maybe it would
come out different.
But they
twisted it all up, and...
I thought if they reported
on what really happened,
I would spare
my parents some pain.
I put them through
a lot this year.
It can be hard
to protect those we love.
I've tried to explain it...
even to myself.
It's really hard.
Hey...
Try me.
The past 5 years have
been like water torture.
Every single day, a drop.
Threats, isolation, gossip.
Name-calling...
"Cunt, bitch, slut."
In the moment, I said nothing,
because it seemed so
insignificant, but...
Day after day, drop after drop,
it became unbearable.
I couldn't just be a soldier.
I had to represent
all women all the time.
I had to prove 20 times a day
that I deserved to be there.
I think I did that right.
Did I at least prove
it could be done?
Sandra, you were
a great soldier.
And we should have done
everything in our power
to hold on to you.
And that is a terrible,
terrible shame.
(Sniffling)
Thank you.
(Inhaling deeply, exhaling)
You failed me?
You died, Perron.
You were executed.
What's a soldier's job?
To follow orders.
No, to stay alive.
That's your ultimate
objective in war.
And sometimes that means feeding
the enemy bits of information.
You have to make them believe
it's in their best interest
to keep you alive.
But you gave nothing.
You just took
all the punishment.
You have something to prove.
I get it.
There's one thing
you got to understand.
A soldier
who can't fight anymore
is of no use to anyone.
(People chatting,
indistinct)
Is that Sandra Perron?
It looks like her.
(Violin music on PA )
Want a drink? I'm buying.
Two, please.
Thank you.
Cheers.
This retirement party
is making me nervous.
I'm like you.
I don't like all this attention.
35 years of service.
Just a couple more than me.
Are you that soldier girl
from the TV?
What were they thinking,
putting a pretty girl like you
through all that?
Well, good on you
for leaving, dear.
The army is no place for women.
You're supposed to say:
"Thank you for your service."
Come on...
I'm gonna sit down.
Captain Perron.
Sergeant Monroe.
My granddaughter, Jennifer.
Pleasure to meet you,
Captain Perron.
It's nice to meet you.
My friends and I are
obsessed with you.
I just finished
basic training,
and, Captain,
I really want to thank you.
Thank me?
Yeah, for everything you did.
You know, for women.
Jennifer, I think we've taken
enough of Captain Perron's time.
It's good to see you, Sandra.
It's nice
seeing you, Sergeant.
And now, to tell us about
the newly retired
Lieutenant Colonel Perron,
I would like to invite
his daughter,
the also newly retired
Captain Perron.
(Audience applauding)
When I was asked to prepare
a few words for tonight,
it was strongly suggested
I use the theme:
"Like father, like daughter."
And since the suggestion
came from the army,
I understood
what "strongly suggested" means.
(Audience laughing)
People often say
I remind them of my father.
And when my mother hears this,
she likes to say
we look nothing alike,
but we do have
the same pig-headedness.
Then my father always says that
you need to be a little stubborn
to get what you want in life.
He says that when you
don't have a goal...
When you have a goal, sorry...
(Breathing shakily)
(Man coughing)
I'm so proud of you, Dad.
I'm so proud of everything
you accomplished.
I'm proud
of the example you set.
My greatest hope would have been
to make you proud
in the same way.
Since I was a kid,
I had this image,
this dream...
that one day,
we'd see my daughter off
on her first
peacekeeping mission
with her brothers
and sisters in arms.
You told us we could do
anything we wanted in life
if we worked hard enough.
I believed it.
I really wanted it to be true.
I worked as hard as I could.
That's not always enough.
It's hard when
you're on your own.
But I think I was the first...
but I won't be the last.
(Audience applauding)
(Birds chirping)
Closed Captions: MELS
(Dog whimpering)
(Footsteps)
(Dog continues whimpering)
(Gun clicking)
(Gunshot)
(Sighing)
(Man on radio):
Control, inbound from Croatia.
We're now at 1,000 feet.
CFB, Trenton Tower.
Requesting permission to land.
You are cleared to land
on Runway 09.
Welcome back home, folks.
(Man on PA): Attention please,
Captain Perron,
please identify yourself
to the military police
as soon as
you leave the aircraft.
Captain Perron,
come with us, please.
What's going on?
This way.
(Man): Dig your heels in.
Keep the cadence!
Left, right.
Left, right, left!
Just watch your back, OK?
Can you smile and pretend
to be happy about this,
at least until I've gone in?
I'm thrilled.
Very convincing.
If there's one woman
who can do it, it's you.
Unless you meet a spider
along the way.
Hey, not a word to anyone.
That stays under the radar.
Right, under the radar
in a platoon full of guys?
There'll be other girls.
(Man continues
talking in distance)
You have custody till I'm back.
Got it.
Take care of the old lady.
(Chuckling)
You're gonna have to
teach me how to fold like that.
Years of practice.
Mmm! Like father,
like daughter.
You're a military brat?
Yeah.
Born in Manitoba,
moved to Quebec when I was 2,
and then Ontario, BC,
Alberta, Winnipeg,
then back to Quebec,
and then 5 years
as an officer in logistics.
Wow!
I was a waitress in Halifax.
(Men talking in distance,
indistinct)
Bunch of chicks.
They don't seem too
thrilled to have us.
We're the first ones.
They'll come around.
(Men laughing,
chatting in distance)
Can I have the top bunk?
Sure.
Nice!
(Man in distance):
All right, hurry up!
Come on, come on!
Go!
(Man continues, indistinct)
Shit.
Hey, wake up! Get dressed!
What's going on?
(Door opening)
Sandra, what's going on?
Get dressed!
Come on, Susan,
they're outside!
Susan, get dressed!
Shit!
Why didn't they tell us?
Why are they already outside?
Why didn't they tell us?
It's 3:00 in the morning!
I don't know.
What do we need?
They're in full gear!
Webbing, rifle...
Helmet.
We need to go!
We gotta go, we gotta go!
Come on, come on!
Let's go. They're waiting!
Oh, shit!
Fuck, fuck, fuck!
Well, how nice of you
to finally join us.
(Breathing heavily)
What was the problem?
Not enough time to do your hair?
Didn't hear the call, Warrant.
- Langford!
- Sir!
On me.
What do you see, Langford?
Women, sir.
Wrong answer.
Now, I'll repeat the question.
What do you see?
Well, I see
Officer Cadet Schneider,
Officer Cadet Lewinberg,
Officer Cadet Thomas
and Officer Cadet Perron.
That's Captain Perron.
Now tell me, Langford,
why did these soldiers
not hear the call?
I mean, we passed the word
around the barracks, sir.
You passed the word around.
OK. Is this broken
fucking telephone? Huh?
No, I thought--
Are you too fucking lazy,
too fucking stupid
or too fucking crippled?
No, sir!
See, that was not
a yes or no question.
Do I need to find another
platoon senior, Langford?
Don't fucking look at me.
No, sir!
All right!
Hands on the bars.
Drop your kit and weapons.
Let's go.
Yes, sir!
Move it!
Move! Move!
Move!
This is what happens
when you do not follow orders!
Everyone pays!
Now, we may have
some special trainees this year,
but this is still
our nation's infantry.
At least a dozen of you pussies
will give up and go home
after this phase.
If you think that might be you,
do it now and save yourself
a world of hurt.
Volunteers!
No, Warrant!
Perron.
Yes, sir!
Now, is this everything
you hoped it would be and more?
Yes, Captain!
Then don't fuck it up.
No, sir!
(Gunshots)
You smiling?
Hey, Smith, are you smiling?
Better wipe that smile
off your face.
Move it, move it, move it!
Let's go!
Keep up, girl scout.
Fuck off!
My jacket's too big.
(Scoffing)
Fucking weekend warrior.
You got that right.
What was Captain Perron up to
before the infantry?
Logistics.
Close as I could
get to the field. You?
Football. Screwed up my back.
By the time it healed,
I lost my spot.
Not good enough for football,
but just fine for the infantry.
- Mm-hmm.
- Look at him.
He's made for this.
Except he farts
in the tent.
Don't know why your wife
hasn't divorced you yet.
True love, my friend.
What would you
know about it, hmm?
Markers, move your lazy asses.
Let's go!
You know Captain Pritchett?
He was my
parachute instructor in cadets.
Why would anyone want to jump
out of a perfectly good plane?
It's useful when you
want to become a paratrooper.
Heard crazy shit
about him.
Keep up the pace,
motherfuckers,
or I'll give you something
to whine about.
He's a psycho?
- Yeah.
- Hmm.
(Gunshots)
Let's go, let's go!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
This is the infantry!
This is what you wanted!
Faster!
(Sighing)
Go, go, go!
Go, go, go!
Come on!
On your feet!
That's it.
(Man shouting, indistinct)
Enjoying the view?
(Breathing heavily)
Go on, Sanchez!
Get 'em all fucking back!
(Grunting)
- Oh!
- Ball!
You idiot.
You're out!
Minus two, down to 28.
Who's next?
(Breathing heavily)
(Gunshot)
(Men shouting, indistinct)
Let's go, let's go!
Down to 23!
Not even a fucking platoon.
Next up, go, up!
Push! Push!
Come on! Come on, guys!
(Gunshots)
(Door opening)
(Footsteps, door closing)
Sergeant Monroe.
Please have a seat.
I'll stand if you don't mind.
It was a long flight.
It says here
you put in for your release.
Soldiers usually leave
without a formal exit interview
by the military police.
Indeed, Captain.
Aren't you the first woman
to lead an infantry platoon?
Yes, Sergeant.
Can we just skip to the part
where you explain
what I'm doing here?
Please sit.
People, politicians
and the public
are asking us
a lot of questions right now.
That boy that died in Somalia
while on our base
has upset a lot of folks.
You may have heard there's
an inquiry on TV every day.
Yes, there was
a lot of talk on tour.
But I was in Croatia,
not Somalia.
What's your point?
We're investigating
any rumour of misconduct.
There was never any misconduct
in my regard, Sergeant.
Captain Pritchett
was in charge
during your
infantry training, right?
Yes.
A Rambo type?
Pritchett was intense,
but he was a good instructor.
So intense that he snapped
during your prisoner exercise.
He was also in Somalia
when the boy died.
Maybe this is
where impunity leads.
So, no impropriety here?
No need for further inquiry?
No, Sergeant.
Execute the prisoner!
Your boyfriend,
Captain Kevin Moran,
seems to tell the contrary
in this statement from May '92.
Ex-boyfriend.
He couldn't deal
with his girlfriend
coming home from work
with bruises.
The details in this report
are pretty damning.
It says here that
you deny any wrongdoing.
Do you still
have the same opinion?
That was years ago.
What's done is done.
So, nothing happened in
Gagetown during training, right?
No, Sergeant.
Why did you quit?
Soldiers leave all the time.
Not those with medals
and commendations.
Unless you're going
to arrest me, I...
(Chair moving)
That'll be all for now.
Welcome home, Captain Perron.
(Men talking, indistinct)
- Hey.
- Hey!
Give me that.
I don't think your figure
can afford it, Russo.
(Laughing)
Oh man, you don't want
to mess with Perron.
She's a captain.
Huh?
Captain Pepperoni!
(Men laughing)
Never heard that, Langford.
Original.
Stick around for another
30 years, Langford.
They might make you
a captain too.
Oh, look who's
a pepperoni lover!
Wow!
You jealous?
(Men laughing)
No.
I'm kind of curious, actually.
What's going on over here, huh?
You guys think
being nice to her
is going to get you,
like, laid or something?
Huh? Seriously.
Anyways, I'd rather
be with the one
with the cocksucking lips.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, definitely.
She's got the...
Oh, come on!
Seriously?
Relax. It's a joke.
Yeah!
It's a fucking
compliment, too.
(Men laughing)
No? Isn't it? What?
Shut up!
You shut up, man.
You don't get tired of
hearing yourself speak?
Eat your fucking soup.
Don't fucking talk to me.
Again.
It's just a joke.
Wasn't funny the first time.
Susan, don't quit.
Guys had more respect for me
when I was bartending.
You know, how does
this not bother you?
I've wanted to be here
since I was 14.
Yeah, well, I hope it's
worth it for you, but...
I'm done.
Fuck them and fuck the army!
Good luck, Sandra.
200 metres ahead!
On your line!
On target, fire!
(Gunshots)
Line up for final declaration!
You get caught with
any ammunition, you're out.
No worries. Take your time.
I have no live rounds or empty
casings in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds
or empty casings
in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds or empty
casings in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds
or empty casings
in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds or empty
casings in my possession, sir.
Did you check all your
pockets, Ms. Perron?
Yes, Sergeant.
Next!
I have no live rounds
or empty casings
in my possession, sir.
I have no live rounds or empty
casings in my possession, sir.
(Sighing)
At ease.
Sir?
You'll be getting an
excellent grade for this phase.
Thank you, sir.
Yeah, your name's even been
tossed around several times
for, uh, top candidate.
But since you're the first woman
training to be
an infantry officer,
we all felt that, uh,
it would make you an easy target
for the next phase.
I don't want to
stand out, sir.
That's my ride.
Happy birthday, birthday boy!
Wow, that's amazing.
Wow, thank you!
(All talking, indistinct)
Oh!
Almost.
One more.
Where do you put the sugar?
I can't find anything
in this hole.
- Oh!
- Gotcha!
Don't run!
Another one, soldier.
Stop with the stupid game.
She needs both hands
to hold her gun.
She's tough.
She's my daughter.
Are you tired, ma belle?
It's intense, but I love it.
Je t'aime.
Kids, everyone at the table now!
Listen to Grandma, come!
- Thank you.
- Let's go, guys, everybody.
(All talking, indistinct)
Guys!
Guys, I want a moment, please.
Hey, everybody!
- Grandpa has something to say.
- Everybody, guys.
Listen to Grandpa.
Sandra, I'm very proud of you.
You've worked so hard
to make it this far.
You're gonna make it
all the way.
Let's all raise a glass.
To you, Captain Perron.
Thank you.
(All talking, indistinct)
- Cheers!
- Cheers!
Well, tonight isn't about me.
It's, uh, Kevin's
birthday, so...
Oh, it's a little bit
about you, too.
OK, um...
Look, I know you'll get deployed
right after training, and...
the regiment will send
me God knows where.
But when the army does decide
that we can be
in the same place...
will you marry me?
(Whispering):
Ring. Ring.
Ring. Ring.
(Whispering):
Say something. Anything.
Yes, yes!
(All cheering, laughing)
Oh, man...
I love you.
I love you too.
Oh, they look so beautiful.
I love them so much!
I can't wait to have
another grandchild.
OK, let's get more wine!
(Phone ringing)
Hello?
(Man breathing heavily)
Hello?
Who is this?
(Heavy breathing continues)
Oh, don't worry.
I just want to have fun.
Who the fuck is this?
Oh, you're made for fucking,
not for fighting.
It's not funny.
(Line clicking)
(Door opening, closing)
Hey, do you want to
go for a run tomorrow?
I got to burn off
those 3 pieces of cake.
Yeah.
(Man): Welcome back,
welcome back, boys!
I'll be here...
(Sighing)
(Humming fanfare )
(Knocking)
Come on, Pepperoni.
Leave's over.
Time to hit the gym.
Yeah, got to work off
my mom's lasagne.
Tell me about it.
I lost two abs in a week.
We're gonna drop our bags.
I'll meet you guys there, OK?
- Cool. See you there.
- Later, Cap.
(Weights clanging)
(Breathing heavily)
(Talking, indistinct)
(Grunting)
Hello?
(Man breathing heavily)
Who is this?
(Grunting)
Who the fuck is this?
Oh, don't worry.
I just want to have fun.
(Man laughing)
Oh, you're made for fucking,
not for fighting.
Fucking.
Fucking.
Fucking!
Not for fighting.
Clear!
- Clear!
- Clear!
Fuck!
Calm the fuck down, Langford!
(Grunting)
Fuck!
Oh, fuck! Ah!
Fucking bitch.
Go cry outside.
Fuck!
Gas, gas, gas!
(Men shouting in distance)
Let's go, let's go!
Let's get the fuck out!
Let's get the fuck out, come on!
Faster! Everyone, move faster!
Gas clear!
Gas clear! Gas clear!
Gas clear!
Strip down to
the waist for decon!
That means now!
Faster! Faster, you pussies!
You've just been exposed
to mustard gas!
Sulfur mustard
is burning your skin!
It's in your eyes!
Get your fucking clothes off!
Hey! Keep it on.
Put your shit over there!
Over to the side!
Well, you're all dead.
Too slow to mask up
and too slow to get out.
(All groaning)
This is what death feels like.
This is what death
and incompetence feels like.
What, you don't like it?
Guys, they don't
seem to like it.
(Laughing)
(Shuddering)
How many times
do I have to fucking kill you
before you learn
how to stay alive?
Wrap this up.
All right, get dressed.
Regroup at the bivouac.
Ah, God...
(Insects chirring)
Want a rematch
tomorrow, Langford?
She was lucky they
called a gas attack, man.
Come on, bro.
We all died in that anyways.
Let it go.
Holy Christ, Sanchez!
You fall off a truck?
Prisoner exercise.
I heard he went through
half an hour of hell.
- You OK, buddy?
- Mmm.
- Good night, guys.
- Good night, Perron!
Sleep tight.
(Rain pattering on tent)
Are you in there, Perron?
(Men laughing)
Open the fucking zipper, moron.
Hey, fuck off!
Hey, get the fuck out of here!
What the fuck?
Fuck you, bitch!
Let's get out of here.
(Men laughing)
What would you have me do,
Captain Perron?
I should be in a tent with
the other trainees, Warrant.
And how's that
going to be any better?
Isolating me sends
the wrong message.
And what's that?
That I'm not
like everyone else.
It's pretty clear
that you're not.
Warrant, if I'm to
lead a platoon,
I have to be with the soldiers,
not away from them.
First, let's see if you
even make it through this phase.
Dismissed, Captain.
(Laughing)
(Laughing)
Have a good sleep, Captain?
(Man talking, indistinct)
Sandra, are you OK?
Captain.
Hey!
(Breathing heavily)
(Dog barking)
(Car starting)
Captain Perron!
I just passed your place.
I have a few more miles.
Captain Perron.
Captain Perron, I just want
a few minutes of your time
to talk about your resignation.
We've been through this.
Captain, are you playing
some kind of game with us?
I don't follow.
In my line of work,
coincidences are red flags.
Meaning?
This showed up
on my desk today.
Doesn't look like
your average exercise.
Are you sure about that?
When was the last time
you were in the field?
All these allegations
about you being mistreated,
and then you resign,
but one and one don't make two?
I've given my life
to the Forces.
That's why I don't get it.
Please leave me alone.
Captain, the way I see it,
either you come clean
or you find out who's using you
to send us a message.
I need answers.
And right now, all the clues
lead back to you.
(Wind howling)
Stop it and keep watch.
(Scoffing)
You can play tough,
Perron, I'll give you that.
But it won't change the fact
that you fuck things up
just by being here.
This isn't prom, OK?
This is real.
Guys will risk their lives
just to save your helpless ass.
I have yet to see you risk
anything for anyone, Langford.
Hey. You have any change?
Hmm?
I want to get a Coke
from the vending machine.
Hey, wake up.
You're hallucinating.
Why didn't you wait
until morning to attack?
I don't know.
It would have made
a lot more sense.
Oh, something weird.
(Gunshots in distance)
Why don't they use
their blackout lights?
Oh, fuck! Shit.
You guys have eyes?
- No.
- Negative.
Fuck...
Can't see shit.
(Grunting)
Get the fuck off!
(Breathing heavily)
Don't worry,
we're right behind you!
Shut up!
Fuck!
(Grunting)
Go!
(Engine rumbling)
(Sandra grunting)
Take her boots off.
Oh, fuck! Bitch!
It's worse
if you struggle.
Come on, man.
Pin her down.
(Grunting)
(Breathing heavily)
Bring me a knife.
I think you need
a little haircut.
(Moaning)
Name and serial number.
Captain Perron.
Alpha 38947607.
Which unit are you from?
Alpha 38947607.
What's the password?
Alpha 38907.
(Screaming)
The radio frequency.
Give it up.
Ah!
(Screaming)
Give me the password!
Name!
Pritchett...
Perron.
(Breathing heavily)
(Screaming)
(Screaming)
(Coughing)
Smile for us.
One more.
One more, one more.
Cheese!
(Laughing)
Get the fuck out of here!
Get out!
John, stop. Please stop.
Please stop.
(Breathing slowly)
(Footsteps)
Hey.
Wake up.
Last chance.
Give me the password.
Give up, Perron, or you'll die.
Password!
Ah...
Fuck you.
Execute the prisoner!
Right here.
Ready? Fire!
(Gunshots)
All right,
pack up the equipment.
Get her boots.
(Groaning)
Go warm up in the truck.
I'm fine.
(Coughing)
(Men talking in distance)
(Coughing)
(Knocking on door)
Shower's all yours!
You OK?
Pritchett gave me a fail
on the prisoner exercise.
(Coughing)
What more
did he want you to do?
Everybody on base is talking
about how tough you were.
Uh, you know, we tried to
mount a counterattack
to get you out of there,
but they wouldn't let us.
You did?
Yeah.
Come on, Pepperoni.
You aced all the other tests.
You'll still pass.
Hey...
Don't quit.
You are totally
kicking our asses out there.
I swear I'll never
fart in the truck again.
(Chuckling, coughing)
Don't make a promise
your ass can't keep, Colin.
Get in the shower.
You stink!
Oh! And stop looking at that.
(Coughing, sniffling)
Hey, you.
Get over here right now.
Come here.
(Laughing)
Hello.
- Hi.
I miss you.
Missed you too.
I got captured by
the Demo Platoon.
How was the drive?
Who did this to you?
It looks worse than it is.
You're covered in bruises.
Hey, come here.
I missed you.
I'm afraid I'm gonna hurt you.
I'm fine.
Pritchett knows what he's doing.
What the fuck?
It's the prisoner exercise.
You know how it goes.
That's bullshit! OK?
You're not supposed to
actually injure the prisoner.
You can get...
You can get charged for this.
Fuck, I swear to God
I'm gonna kill him.
At least he thinks
I can do this.
He's fucking insane.
Kev, I'm almost done.
I'm making it.
Be on my side.
(Coughing)
Captain Perron, we were there.
Yeah, you're
a crazy motherfucker.
You deserve your spot.
Thanks.
(Coughing)
Such a bookworm, Perron.
Studying for
my final exam, Warrant.
Infantry school's deputy
commander wants to see you.
Yes, Warrant.
We don't have all day.
Move it.
What are you going to
whine about this time?
I assure you that any
information you share with us
will be confidential.
Do you understand?
Yes, sir.
Is there anything
you want to tell us
about how the exercise went?
It was the usual
prisoner exercise.
The normal rigour?
I believe so, sir.
You're sure
nothing irregular...
(Man continues, indistinct)
It was tough and it was a
valuable training exercise, sir.
Dismissed.
Of course I reported it.
For fuck's sake, Kevin.
Are you trying to
sabotage my career?
Everyone's gonna think
I ran into my boyfriend's arms
at the first sign of trouble.
It's him I'm going after.
OK, he shouldn't be
allowed to train mall cops,
let alone soldiers.
I told you I was fine!
He proved to everyone
that I can do it.
Sandra...
He tortured you. OK?
Someone had to call him out.
Stop fucking protecting me!
(Coughing)
(Sighing)
Ready for your final test,
Captain Perron?
Yes, sir!
Be sharp.
One-two Alpha, one-two Bravo.
One-two Alpha, do you copy?
One-two... Alpha, do you...
(All laughing)
One-two, Alpha!
Do you hear me?
Fire!
Sustain fire!
Yo, Langford!
What's going on, Perron?
Fuck!
Are you ready
for another spin, Perron?
Langford, grab it!
(All laughing)
Prepare to dismount!
What, are you taking a break?
Come on, let's go!
Mind your feet, Perron!
Come on, move!
Move! Let's go!
Up, up, up, up, up!
- Move it! Let's go!
- Let's go!
Perron! What the hell
are you waiting for?
Move your ass!
You're supposed to be in charge!
- Fuck!
- Let's go!
Nice of you to join the party.
All right, index, index.
Come on, gentlemen.
Fuck!
All right, calm down.
Here.
You're passing me?
What, you'd rather
I flunk you?
Everything got messed up.
The comms were blocked.
OK. So what did you do?
I had to switch
to visual signals.
Yeah, and since your
initial orders were clear,
the fire group
was able to give you
suppressive fire
for the assault.
Now, sure, you weren't able to
join your guys right away,
but everything worked.
Do you know what we call that?
It's called leadership. Yeah.
You can evaluate leadership
by how well your troops perform
when you're not there
to hold their hands.
That's it. You made it.
You're now an infantry officer.
Congratulations,
Captain Perron.
Thank you, sir.
By the way, you're gonna
need a new frag vest.
Oh, we took it for a spin,
for sure.
(Man whistling)
(Men laughing)
(Breathing heavily)
(Sniffling)
Cheers to the first
female infantry officer!
(All chanting):
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
(Chanting continues)
Welcome to the Van Doos.
Je me souviens.
- To all of us!
- Shut up, man!
The famous Captain Perron.
I've heard you're
one tough cookie.
Think you're ready
to be a Van Doos?
Yes, sir.
At ease.
Hey, stop! Stop it! Stop!
Everybody has to
do it, Perron!
Come on!
(All chanting):
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
Stop! No, stop!
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
(All cheering, shouting)
(Gasping)
(Laughing)
- (Man): Let go!
- You wanna be a Van Doos?
(Man laughing)
(Coughing)
(All laughing)
Whoo!
Give her the beer!
Let's go!
(All chanting):
Chug, chug, chug!
(All cheering)
Yeah!
Van Doos! Van Doos! Van Doos!
(Breathing heavily)
(Journalist):
In an unprecedented
nationwide operation,
the Canadian Armed Forces has
initiated a comprehensive review
of documents in response
to the ongoing Somalia inquiry.
The effort, directed by
military high command,
aims to reshape
public perception
amid allegations of misconduct
within the Forces.
Sergeant Charles Monroe
commented on the effort.
The goal is to provide
all related documents
in order to address these
allegations of cover-up
within the Department
of National Defence.
The military's actions remain
under intense public scrutiny
as the investigation unfolds.
Recent testimony from
Captain Richard Pritchett
sparked controversy after
he revealed his decision
to classify petty theft
by Somali civilians as sabotage,
which he claims justified
the use of deadly force.
(Music on radio )
Now for the weather.
Tonight's forecast calls for
temperatures dipping to...
(Door closing)
...with a partly cloudy sky
and light breezes.
(Banging sound)
I didn't send this.
But I'm glad somebody did.
You're glad
someone's harassing me?
You never wanted to
say anything, Sandra.
You could have put in
a dozen complaints about this.
We've been through this
many times.
- I'm just saying.
- Imagine this gets out.
All my years of service
reduced to this one picture.
I like yours better.
Sandra...
How--how are things?
How do you find the civvy life?
It's a bitch.
You? How's the new place?
Bridget keeps repainting.
Have you set a date?
Next summer.
Congratulations.
(Machine beeping)
Hey, it's Colin.
Haven't heard from you since
you got back from Croatia.
Should I be worried
about you, Pepperoni?
Call me.
(Machine beeping)
Hi, sweetie.
How's the new place?
They need someone
to say a few words
at my retirement ceremony
next month.
Find a couple nice things
to say about your old dad?
Let me know.
(Machine beeping)
This is
General Milton's office,
requesting a meeting
about an urgent matter.
Please call us back as soon
as you receive this message.
(Machine beeping)
Shit!
(Phone ringing)
(Man talking in distance,
indistinct)
Sir?
Sit, Perron.
You know Sergeant Monroe?
You look unconscious
in this photo.
Were you?
Unconscious, Ms. Perron?
It was an exhausting
exercise, sir.
Hmm, right.
So someone
just sent me a picture
of a soldier taking a nap
tied to a tree.
I've been told you took early
release after your last tour.
Why?
To pursue new challenges, sir.
Hmm, right.
This photo on my desk.
Why do you want the world to see
how badly you were mistreated?
General, sir,
we have no concrete evidence.
You haven't been able to
get the job done, Sergeant,
so I had to
come up with my own conclusions.
If this picture gets out...
it would damage the men
who are bravely serving
this country at this time.
General, sir, I did not--
You're going to make
this disappear, for good.
Cease and desist.
Am I clear?
Yes, sir.
Am I clear?
Yes, sir.
That'll be all for now.
Thank you for coming.
One last thing.
Not everyone has
what it takes to be a soldier.
So stop dragging
our name through the mud.
Just get over it.
See yourself out, Ms. Perron.
Captain!
I'm sorry that remark...
I'm sorry.
That was uncalled for.
I can still do something
if you just tell me
who you're trying to protect.
If I sent the picture,
how come I got one too?
So this is going public
one way or another.
You can't blame them
for being concerned.
An exercise that
happened 3 years ago?
Is that why
you think I resigned?
They can pull out
all the photos of me they want,
but the real stuff,
the actual shit I went through,
doesn't show up
in a picture, Sergeant.
Fuck!
A few of the officers
have pled your case.
You have quite the fan club.
How do you mean, sir?
I was going to keep you here
in charge of the rear party,
but it was suggested
you be given a chance
to prove yourself.
And you know what I told them?
No, sir.
I told them
I'd take you overseas.
Just to shut them up.
Will I be leading
a platoon, sir?
Not quite yet, Captain.
Be satisfied that you are
going on your first tour.
Thank you, sir.
You won't regret it.
Mm-hmm.
I thought the pill.
I--I don't know.
We'll figure it out. OK?
Look at me.
This can be a good thing.
(Kevin inhaling deeply,
exhaling)
If I ask for leave now,
my career is over.
So, the army decides
whether or not we have kids?
It's not just me.
You're gone most of the time.
Are you even sure
you want to be a father?
(Sighing)
(Coughing)
Your age?
And your occupation?
I'm an officer
in the Armed Forces.
And have you had
an abortion before?
Sandra, have you had
an abortion before?
Yes.
How old were you?
Take 3 deep breaths.
Have you had an abortion before?
Yes.
How old were you?
19.
This is gonna feel
a little cold.
You're gonna feel
a little pinch.
(Moaning)
(Man shouting in distance)
John, we should study.
Hey, I got you something.
What?
What is it?
- You wanna see it?
- Yeah.
Oh my God!
Don't.
But you want me, don't you?
John, I've never
done this before.
- You're so beautiful.
- Please stop.
(John grunting)
John, stop. Please stop.
You're so beautiful.
It's almost over, sweetie.
(Line ringing)
Oui, all?
All, maman. It's me.
Ah, ma chrie.
Comment a va?
Sorry we didn't
confirm a date for dinner.
I left Kevin messages, but he
hasn't returned any of my calls.
Are you OK?
Oui. He's just a little sad
I'm leaving, that's all.
Your dad has been bragging
about you all week.
He's so proud of his daughter
going on her first tour.
You must be so excited.
Bosnia!
Yeah.
(Sniffling)
Are you OK, sweetie?
Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just
a little tired, that's all.
Are you sure you're all right?
We'll still see you
before you go?
Yeah, of course.
I have to go, Mom.
I love you both.
Love you, too.
(Men talking, indistinct)
It took a day and a half
for the convoy
to get to Fojnica's hospital.
What's the status?
The crew was devastated
by what they saw.
Some of the babies
had died from dehydration.
Send a report to
the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees.
Yes, sir.
Sir, the escort
for the Fojnica convoy
made a request
for additional personnel.
I'd like to join
on my next rotation.
We need our people
in the duty room.
My duty room colleague just
came back from his rotation.
Irrelevant.
Sir, I'm dispatching troops
blind from behind a desk.
I haven't been on the field
or seen the terrain.
I haven't even been
in a checkpoint.
I'm trained to be in the field.
It's 24 hours, sir. Not even--
Request denied.
End of discussion.
(Helicopter blades chopping
in distance)
(Sighing)
(Gunshots in distance)
(Blasts in distance)
202 Russo.
Nice to meet you.
All right, so you
can come with me.
You're gonna see it,
but we set up our tents
in this old factory.
It's much safer
than being outside.
Yeah.
So, how many are you here?
Uh, in Camp Visoko,
at some point,
we were almost 850 men.
A bit crowded.
So who is it exactly
you wanted to speak to?
I've got a couple men
who've been on the field.
Uh, I'd like to talk
with Captain Perron.
Sure.
(Clears throat)
Perron.
Looks like you're the star.
(Sighing)
Tell Con Sign 3
to send me a sitrep.
- She'll be there in a minute.
- Thanks.
This won't take
too much of your time.
If you just stand here,
and we'll get started
right away.
Oh my fucking God!
Captain Perron,
you have the distinction
of being the first woman
in our nation's infantry.
Did being a woman
make things different for you?
I went through the same
training as my brothers in arms.
And did the guys
behave differently with you?
We're all on the same team.
(Men laughing)
Are the locals surprised
when they see a woman
coming out of a patrol tank?
Well, I haven't...
I haven't yet had the
opportunity to go on patrol,
but the locals inside the camp
seem to understand
that I'm just doing my job.
Great.
(Men chatting, laughing)
Oh, look at you, Perron!
Looking all pretty for
the cameras, Mrs. Superstar.
"We're all on the same team."
Give me some sugar, come on!
Whoo, whoo!
Hey, boys, boys,
you know what the fuck this is?
This is fucking Perron, baby.
Captain Perron!
(Laughing)
Whoo!
Whoo-hoo-hoo!
Oh yeah!
(Men laughing)
Did being a woman
make things different for you?
So, the army decides
whether or not we have kids?
(Gunshot)
(Ducks honking)
(Bird cawing)
Nice camouflage, sir.
Works for the birds.
Not an easy place to find.
Well, nobody comes out here.
Got this in the mail.
This is it, huh?
(Birds calling)
Anonymous...
Ah, the sign of valour.
They sent the same threat
to the general.
It's gonna be in the news soon.
Don't worry,
they're after me, not you.
But I'm the one
in the picture.
You're like me, Perron.
You bother people.
Pretty picture, though.
Tasteful.
You know they're
gonna use this
to say women
can't be in combat arms.
And there's not much
you can do about it.
Most people will look
at a picture
of a soldier tied to a tree,
and they'll feel sorry for you.
I was there.
I know what you did.
So what is it, Perron?
You here to tell me
I pushed you too hard?
No one doubted I was
infantry after that.
So, what are you going to do?
I was kind of hoping
it would magically go away.
Listen, Sandra.
Talk if you want.
Don't talk if you don't want.
You're not tied to a tree.
Is that him?
Go give him the letter.
Can we trust that journalist?
He's the only one I know.
Are you sure about this?
I need to tell my side
of the story first.
It's gonna
come out anyway, Colin.
Right.
Preemptive strike,
it's the least bad option.
I'll be right back.
- OK.
Dear Mr. Baker,
here's the anonymous letter
that I received.
This prisoner exercise
was rooted in
Captain Pritchett's belief
that I was tough
and that he would help me
prove it to the world.
I admit it was hard,
beyond hard even.
But Pritchett saw me
as a soldier
when very few others did.
I love serving my country,
and I'll always wear
the uniform like a second skin,
even as a civilian.
I didn't quit the military
because of what
happened that night.
I quit because I always wanted
to fight on the front lines.
But when I finally did,
I never thought the enemy
would be inside my own ranks.
(People talking, indistinct)
- Did you find her parents?
- We're still searching.
Who's taking care of her?
A neighbour.
(People screaming)
(Alarm sounding)
(Man):
Everybody, take cover!
(Man on PA):
Do not engage.
I say again, do not engage.
(Explosion)
(Gunshots)
Let's get them
back in the tents.
Get civilians under cover
right now!
All right, over here!
Smith's still on patrol.
Seven Niner Alpha,
this is Seven Niner.
Let's hear
Echo Tango Alpha, over.
Seven Niner Alpha,
on standby, over.
Seven Niner Alpha, move.
I say again, move.
Over.
Seven Niner Alpha, roger out.
Let's go.
(Gunshots)
It's getting bigger.
We'll set up more tents.
(Explosion)
(People shouting)
(Baby crying)
Calm down, calm down!
Calm down!
(Explosion,
people screaming)
(Horn honking)
This way!
How is it out there?
A lot of dead bodies
on the ground.
They're moving through
with a vengeance.
I want to let a maximum
of refugees in.
Gonzales, 10 more men
at the gate.
Smith, ask the mechanic
to have a tow on standby.
Let's make sure everyone's safe.
(People screaming)
Come on. Let's go.
Yes, ma'am.
Over here.
Over here.
Right here.
One at a time,
one at a time!
(Knocking on door)
You wanted to see me, sir?
Sit down.
You received a special mention
from Major General Delorme.
He liked your work
with the refugees.
Well done.
Thank you, sir.
I've also received word
about your next posting.
Once you're back in Canada,
you're going to be sent
to the combat training centre
at Gagetown.
In what capacity, sir?
You'll be second in command
of phase two infantry training.
What about my request
to transfer to
the airborne regiment?
Denied.
- May I ask why, sir?
- Why what?
Why I'm being given a
junior lieutenant's position
when I'm a senior captain.
I have two 6-month tours
under my belt.
I've commanded troops,
a platoon.
My evaluations
have been excellent.
Captain Perron, I'm sure
you don't run this army yet,
so if you're
being sent to Gagetown,
it's for a good reason.
That's a significant
demotion, sir.
You'll be fulfilling
a very important function.
What's that?
A lot of young officers
don't believe
women belong in the infantry.
Train them from the start,
and they'll grow
to tolerate you.
Tolerate me?
Yes, Captain.
They'll get used to
having a female presence.
I'm being demoted
because some officer cadet
doesn't think I belong
in the infantry.
This is
non-negotiable, Captain.
If you wish to lodge
a formal complaint,
there is a procedure
for that, or...
you can get yourself pregnant.
Permission to leave, sir.
Dismissed.
(Men talking, indistinct)
(Speaking foreign language)
Stay here.
I'll take care of it.
(Dog whimpering)
Shit.
(Whimpering)
You've worked so hard
to make it this far.
You're going to make it
all the way. To you.
It's a significant demotion.
Congratulations,
Captain Perron.
My career is over.
(Gunshot)
(Breathing heavily)
More trouble for
the Canadian Armed Forces.
A new story has emerged
of a hellish night
for a young female officer
at CFB Gagetown,
New Brunswick, in 1992.
(Phone ringing)
Our source reports that
during the combat exercise,
Captain Sandra Perron
was tied to a tree
and beaten repeatedly
before being left without
her boots in the snow overnight.
Shit.
Captain Pritchett,
who's a suspect
in the Somalia affair,
was in charge of the exercise.
The National Defence has
declined a request for comment
and no official
statement has been issued.
Captain Perron
has recently resigned
from the Canadian Armed Forces
and has also refused to comment.
This revelation is
fuelling speculation
about a possible cover-up.
(Phone ringing)
It's Sandra.
Yes.
OK.
OK, I'll meet you there.
(Grunting)
(Talking, indistinct)
Captain Perron!
Been thinking about you
quite a lot today.
You and every other Canadian.
We'll never figure out
who sent that photo.
Not sure it matters
at this point.
It matters to me, Sandra.
I'll keep investigating.
I have a hunch on who
sent it to the press.
- Would you like some coffee?
- Yes, thank you.
Thank you.
I thought if I told them
my side of the story,
what it's been like
for me as a soldier,
how proud I'd always been
to serve...
maybe it would
come out different.
But they
twisted it all up, and...
I thought if they reported
on what really happened,
I would spare
my parents some pain.
I put them through
a lot this year.
It can be hard
to protect those we love.
I've tried to explain it...
even to myself.
It's really hard.
Hey...
Try me.
The past 5 years have
been like water torture.
Every single day, a drop.
Threats, isolation, gossip.
Name-calling...
"Cunt, bitch, slut."
In the moment, I said nothing,
because it seemed so
insignificant, but...
Day after day, drop after drop,
it became unbearable.
I couldn't just be a soldier.
I had to represent
all women all the time.
I had to prove 20 times a day
that I deserved to be there.
I think I did that right.
Did I at least prove
it could be done?
Sandra, you were
a great soldier.
And we should have done
everything in our power
to hold on to you.
And that is a terrible,
terrible shame.
(Sniffling)
Thank you.
(Inhaling deeply, exhaling)
You failed me?
You died, Perron.
You were executed.
What's a soldier's job?
To follow orders.
No, to stay alive.
That's your ultimate
objective in war.
And sometimes that means feeding
the enemy bits of information.
You have to make them believe
it's in their best interest
to keep you alive.
But you gave nothing.
You just took
all the punishment.
You have something to prove.
I get it.
There's one thing
you got to understand.
A soldier
who can't fight anymore
is of no use to anyone.
(People chatting,
indistinct)
Is that Sandra Perron?
It looks like her.
(Violin music on PA )
Want a drink? I'm buying.
Two, please.
Thank you.
Cheers.
This retirement party
is making me nervous.
I'm like you.
I don't like all this attention.
35 years of service.
Just a couple more than me.
Are you that soldier girl
from the TV?
What were they thinking,
putting a pretty girl like you
through all that?
Well, good on you
for leaving, dear.
The army is no place for women.
You're supposed to say:
"Thank you for your service."
Come on...
I'm gonna sit down.
Captain Perron.
Sergeant Monroe.
My granddaughter, Jennifer.
Pleasure to meet you,
Captain Perron.
It's nice to meet you.
My friends and I are
obsessed with you.
I just finished
basic training,
and, Captain,
I really want to thank you.
Thank me?
Yeah, for everything you did.
You know, for women.
Jennifer, I think we've taken
enough of Captain Perron's time.
It's good to see you, Sandra.
It's nice
seeing you, Sergeant.
And now, to tell us about
the newly retired
Lieutenant Colonel Perron,
I would like to invite
his daughter,
the also newly retired
Captain Perron.
(Audience applauding)
When I was asked to prepare
a few words for tonight,
it was strongly suggested
I use the theme:
"Like father, like daughter."
And since the suggestion
came from the army,
I understood
what "strongly suggested" means.
(Audience laughing)
People often say
I remind them of my father.
And when my mother hears this,
she likes to say
we look nothing alike,
but we do have
the same pig-headedness.
Then my father always says that
you need to be a little stubborn
to get what you want in life.
He says that when you
don't have a goal...
When you have a goal, sorry...
(Breathing shakily)
(Man coughing)
I'm so proud of you, Dad.
I'm so proud of everything
you accomplished.
I'm proud
of the example you set.
My greatest hope would have been
to make you proud
in the same way.
Since I was a kid,
I had this image,
this dream...
that one day,
we'd see my daughter off
on her first
peacekeeping mission
with her brothers
and sisters in arms.
You told us we could do
anything we wanted in life
if we worked hard enough.
I believed it.
I really wanted it to be true.
I worked as hard as I could.
That's not always enough.
It's hard when
you're on your own.
But I think I was the first...
but I won't be the last.
(Audience applauding)
(Birds chirping)
Closed Captions: MELS