The Shah of Bratpuhr watches a parade display of a division from America's large standing army. Private First Class Elmo C. Hacketts, Jr. is one of the soldiers. He hates the Army and looks forward to his retirement in twenty-three years. In the meantime, he does only what he's ordered to. Inwardly, he imagines insulting his superiors. His weekend pass has been suspended because, at inspection, his fly was open. The Shah insists that these men, also, are slaves. He also says that, with everything Americans have changed, they haven't changed the Army.
Meanwhile, Paul heads off to work the morning after the celebration at the club. His car won't start, and he discovers that Finnerty has used all his gas. The gun in the glove compartment is also gone. Paul siphons.....