The D.I.

Technical sergeant Jim Moore, a highly-decorated and strict drill instructor, oversees recruit training at Parris Island. He is determined to transform capable recruits into Marines through rigorous discipline.

Recruit Owens, despite being capable, begins to falter under pressure and attempts to desert, showing signs of internal conflict about completing the training. Moore pushes him harder in hopes of perseverance, but Owens continues to struggle.

Captain Anderson, who commands Moore's recruit training company, expresses skepticism about Owens's potential to succeed in Marine training, reflecting doubts about Owens's future as a Marine.

During a discussion, Owens shares that his two older brothers were killed fighting in Korea as Marines, highlighting a family history of military service and sacrifice.

Owens' mother visits and reveals that his father was a Marine captain lost during WWII. She pleads with the instructors not to discharge Owens, explaining she coddled him out of fear and hopes he will succeed.

Captain Anderson considers discharging Owens based on his performance, but after his mother’s plea, he reconsiders and tears up Owens' discharge papers, allowing him to continue training.

Owens begins to improve significantly, eventually becoming a model recruit. He demonstrates resilience and discipline, and expresses gratitude to Moore for pushing him to succeed.

The platoon approaches graduation. The scene depicts the platoon in formation, showing their readiness and discipline, marking a significant milestone in their training journey.

Moore calls Owens forward and presents him with the unit guidon, asking if he believes he is strong enough to carry it. Owens confidently affirms, demonstrating his newfound confidence and strength.

Moore affirms Owens' readiness by expressing his own confidence, saying, 'Good. So do I.' The scene signifies Owens's successful transformation and the mutual respect between instructor and recruit.