Lieutenant Jeff Knight, a West Point graduate, encounters skepticism when he assumes command of a platoon of seasoned veterans led by Sergeant Michael McNamara at a trench camp in Vietnam. Unlike his predecessor, who remained hidden until his tour ended, Jeff actively takes the lead. He soon discovers that the manual doesn’t prepare him for all the harsh realities, and he gets injured. Upon his return, he earns the respect of both his men and his superiors. In addition to facing the Vietcong, the platoon grapples with the enigmatic villagers they are tasked with protecting. These villagers are feared by the G.I.s, as some collaborate with the Americans while others secretly side with the Vietcong, leading to violent reprisals in either case.