Rules of Engagement

In 1968, Lieutenant Terry Childers makes a controversial and drastic decision during the Vietnam War by executing an unarmed prisoner. His intention is to intimidate a North Vietnamese army officer to prevent a potential ambush, ultimately impacting the lives of U.S. Marines.

Despite Childers' actions saving Lieutenant Hayes Hodges, a group of Hodges' men tragically perish in the subsequent conflict. The incident leaves a significant mark on Hodges, shaping his future and perspective on military ethics.

Fast forward to 1996, Colonel Hayes Hodges, now a distinguished officer on the verge of retirement, reflects on his transition from combat after being injured during Operation Kingfisher. This pivotal moment in his life prompted Hodges to pursue law school and begin a new path as a JAG officer.

At a gathering honoring his military service, Hodges reunites with Colonel Terry Childers, who currently leads a Marine Expeditionary Unit. Their reunion is a poignant reminder of their previous wartime experiences and the bonds formed under duress.

Col. Childers and his Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to Southwest Asia amidst growing civil unrest. Their mission is to evacuate the U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, but what starts as a routine operation swiftly devolves into chaos.

After successfully escorting the Ambassador to safety, Childers makes a fateful decision to go back for the American flag. This choice leads to the troops engaging a densely packed crowd, resulting in a tragic and lethal outcome.

The decision to engage the crowd leads to the deaths of 83 civilians and injuries to over 100 people. This disastrous consequence sends shockwaves throughout the military and government, igniting a national controversy.

In the aftermath, U.S. National Security Advisor Bill Sokal calls for a court-martial to place the blame on Childers. This decision is motivated by a desire to restore the image of the U.S. military, further complicating Childers' situation.

Childers seeks legal representation from Hodges despite initial hesitations due to Hodges' mixed record as a JAG officer. The urgency of the matter pushes Hodges to accept the challenging case, as he must defend his old friend.

Hodges travels to Yemen to gather evidence and complete key interviews for the trial. He faces obstructions from government officials and challenging witness testimonies as he tries to piece together Childers’ defense.

As the trial progresses, Hodges discovers that the evidence heavily favors the prosecution, with witnesses unable to confirm gunfire came from the crowd. This lack of corroboration increases the difficulty of mounting a solid defense for Childers.

In a shocking turn, Bill Sokal destroys critical security footage that could support Childers' defense. This act of sabotage reveals the lengths to which the prosecution is willing to go to secure a conviction against Childers.

During the trial, Hodges uncovers evidence of the destruction of exculpatory evidence, adding complexity to the courtroom drama. When Captain Lee is cross-examined, doubts about Childers’ actions are inadvertently raised, intensifying the proceedings.

In a dramatic courtroom moment, Childers takes the witness stand, passionately defending his actions. He confronts Major Biggs as audio evidence of his orders is presented, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by military leaders.

The trial concludes with Childers being found guilty of only a minor infraction while being acquitted of murder and conduct unbecoming. The case raises questions about military ethics and the manipulation of truths, ultimately leading to Childers retiring honorably.