Private Benjamin

Judy Benjamin, a 28-year-old woman from a wealthy but sheltered upbringing, dreams of marrying a professional man. However, her seemingly perfect life is shattered when her new husband, Yale Goodman, dies unexpectedly on their wedding night.

Adrift and seeking purpose, Judy participates in a radio call-in show where she meets Army recruiter SFC James Ballard. He convinces her that joining the military will provide her with the sense of family and adventure she craves.

Judy arrives at Fort Biloxi for basic training, expecting a glamorous experience. Instead, she faces a rude awakening when her drill instructor wakes her up with a demanding push-up challenge, disillusioning her about military life.

Overwhelmed by the harsh realities of Army life, Judy contemplates quitting but learns she must complete three years of service. The unsanitary conditions and lack of privacy lead her to attempt to escape at night, only to be caught.

Judy's parents visit Fort Biloxi, believing her military service is damaging their social status. They attempt to take her home, but Judy decides to stay and complete her training, demonstrating surprising determination.

During a war games exercise, Judy and her squad make a shocking discovery about a fellow trainee and a rival officer's affair. This revelation leads to a takeover, where they manage to handle the situation with unexpected bravery.

After completing her training with distinction, Judy executes a prank on Captain Lewis by dyeing her shower head blue. Such antics lead to chaos during the graduation ceremony, leaving Captain Lewis embarrassed.

After graduating, Judy and her friends enjoy a weekend leave in New Orleans. There, she meets Henri Tremont, a charming French doctor, and embarks on a brief romance filled with excitement and passion.

Judy is unexpectedly selected for elite paratrooper training with the Thornbirds. However, she soon realizes her presence in the unit may be more about her looks than her abilities, leading to a troubling encounter.

After resisting an unwelcome advance from her commander, Judy negotiates her transfer to SHAPE in Belgium as a means to avoid undesirable postings. This decision reconnects her with Henri, who soon proposes marriage.

Judy's happiness is short-lived as she learns from Captain Lewis that Henri's political affiliations could jeopardize her military career. The conflict between her love life and dedication to the Army creates significant tension.

Once engaged, Henri's controlling personality surfaces as he attempts to reshape Judy’s life. His insistence on a prenuptial agreement and lingering feelings for an ex-girlfriend add complications to their engagement.

As Judy stands at the altar on her wedding day, she experiences a sudden realization that she is making a grave mistake. The doubts overwhelming her lead her to abandon the ceremony and flee towards an uncertain future.

Judy, empowered by her choice to leave Henri, steps into her future with newfound freedom and excitement. Her journey through the Army and personal relationships has transformed her outlook on life.