The Pentagon Wars

The Pentagon Wars

Year: 1998

Runtime: 104 mins

Language: English

TV MovieComedyDramaWarCrude humor and satire

The film satirically chronicles the 17‑year, multi‑billion‑dollar effort to create the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, a project billed as the ultimate combat machine that repeatedly failed to deliver. Directed by the filmmaker behind “Made In America” and “The Money Pit,” the documentary blends humor with military history, highlighting the costly missteps and, after a quarter‑century, the eventual functional outcome of the BFV.

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Timeline & Setting – The Pentagon Wars (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Pentagon Wars (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s - 1980s

The film spans over two decades, focusing on the development period starting from the 1960s through the 1980s. This era was marked by Cold War tensions, rapid technological advancements in military hardware, and extensive government oversight of defense projects, reflecting a time of bureaucratic challenges and military innovation.

Location

Pentagon, military testing grounds

The movie is set primarily within the Pentagon, the heart of US military and defense decision-making, and at military testing grounds where the Bradley Fighting Vehicle undergoes evaluation. These locations are known for their significance in shaping military technology and policy, showcasing the bureaucracy and military testing procedures involved in weapon development.

🏢 Government 🛡️ Military 🧪 Testing facilities

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

Main Characters – The Pentagon Wars (1998)

Meet the key characters of The Pentagon Wars (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Major General Partridge

A senior military official responsible for overseeing the Bradley project, he is depicted as driven by cost and politics, often compromising integrity for organizational benefit. His actions reflect the systemic pressures to promote military hardware regardless of its practical flaws.

🎖️ Military leader 💼 Politician 🥇 Ambitious

Lieutenant Colonel James Burton

A principled officer committed to honesty and safety, Burton advocates for truthful testing and transparency. His integrity puts him at odds with bureaucratic interests, making him a symbol of moral courage within a corrupt system.

🎯 Honest 🕊️ Ethical 🚶‍♂️ Reluctant rebel

Colonel Bock

A subordinate to Partridge, Bock is involved in the manipulation of test results, exemplifying complicity in corruption and unethical practices within the military testing process.

🤝 Corrupt 🗳️ Loyal ⚙️ Manipulative

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

Major Themes – The Pentagon Wars (1998)

Explore the central themes of The Pentagon Wars (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Corruption

The movie highlights corruption within military procurement and testing processes, revealing how personal interests and politics can influence defense projects. It depicts the manipulation of test results and the prioritization of promotion over safety, illustrating systemic ethical issues in military bureaucracy.

⚖️ Integrity

A central theme is the importance of honesty and integrity in military operations and decision-making. Burton's insistence on truthful testing and accountability underscores the moral values necessary for responsible leadership and safeguarding lives of soldiers.

🚧 Bureaucracy

The film showcases the complex, often inflexible military and government bureaucracy that hampers innovation and accountability. It emphasizes how bureaucratic red tape can hinder progress and allow corruption to thrive within large institutions.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

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The Pentagon Wars Summary

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The Pentagon Wars Summary

The Pentagon Wars Timeline

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The Pentagon Wars Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About The Pentagon Wars

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The Pentagon Wars (1998) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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