Allegiance

In October 2004, the unit at a New York Army National Guard base trains for an imminent deployment to Iraq. First Lieutenant Danny Selfton, though moved to a non-deploying public affairs unit because of his powerful father, remains to help with the final preparation work and planning. The mood is tense as everyone braces for the upcoming mission.

Specialist Reyes asks for reassignment away from the upcoming deployment due to his son's lung cancer, hoping to be with his child. His battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Owens, denies the request, citing the unit's critical medical skills needed for the mission. The denial sets a boundary between Reyes and the unit's plans.

Unwilling to leave his son behind, Reyes pressures Selfton to help him slip out on a departing supply convoy. Selfton is hesitant but agrees to brainstorm a plan with Reyes to sneak him out on a departing supply convoy. The idea foreshadows a dangerous attempt with potential consequences for both men.

Chambers, the replacement lieutenant, hinders the escape plan by insisting on accompanying Selfton to the convoy. The plan becomes precarious as Reyes' platoon sergeant Hart discovers Reyes is missing, increasing the risk of exposure. The tension between leadership and the would-be escape intensifies.

Selfton and Reyes flee from the convoy area and search for another route to get Reyes off the base. They move quickly through the base's perimeter, trying to avoid security and timelines. The attempt hints at a desperate measure to protect Reyes' family.

Shortly after their escape attempt, Selfton is caught and arrested by military police on the base while trying to contact Reyes' cousin on a pay phone. The charges are likely to be severe, given the breach of security and attempted desertion.

Captain Angelo, the company commander, orders Selfton to reveal Reyes' location. Selfton leads Angelo to Reyes, but a distraction by another Soldier gives Selfton a chance to slip away and rejoin Reyes. The two plan further steps while evading immediate capture.

Selfton helps Reyes meet his cousin and create a distraction that enables Reyes to flee the area. Chambers then attacks Selfton, and a confrontation with MPs follows, resulting in Reyes climbing a fence and leaving the base with his cousin before capture can occur.

The following day, Selfton is brought before the company in handcuffs to face charges, while Reyes is also brought in by a military police car after his earlier arrest with his son. The simultaneous display of accountability highlights the conflicting pressures within the unit.

Selfton is brought to LTC Owens' office, where Owens drops all charges out of fear that the arrest would generate bad press for the National Guard. This decision preserves the unit's public image, at least temporarily, and avoids a broader scandal.

Before being dismissed, Selfton requests to stay with the unit and deploy with them. The request is granted, and Chambers is discharged as a result, marking a change in the unit's leadership balance and the futures of the soldiers involved.

Selfton says goodbye to his fiancée Leela and then joins the rest of the unit on the back of a departing truck, signaling his commitment to stay with the unit and deploy. The scene closes the arc of his choice to remain with the National Guard.