Sgt Howell:
This is a personal gift from the United States government to each and every one of you. A standard issue U.S. rifle, caliber .30, M1, a clip-fed, shoulder-fired, semi-automatic weapon designed to bring death and destruction to the enemy. This is to be your lover, your mistress, your concubine. Perhaps the only thing in life you will ever truly love. Fellas, let's dance.
[the privates begin grabbing weapons]
Sgt Howell:
Grab a girl. Don't point your gun forward. I do not want to be shot today. No matter how much you are tempted. Place the weapon by your side. Pay attention.
[Doss is the only one who has not picked up a rifle]
Sgt Howell:
Problem, Private Corn Stalk? Is there not one in your size or is it the color that is the issue?
Desmond Doss:
No, Sarge. I was... I was told I don't have to carry a weapon.
Sgt Howell:
Come again? Step forward, Private. I can't be hearing this right.
Desmond Doss:
Well, I'm sorry, Sergeant. I can't touch a gun.
Captain Glover:
What exactly is the problem?
Desmond Doss:
No problem, just a mistake, sir. I told the Army when I joined up.
Captain Glover:
That's not possible. Do you know why that's not possible, Private?
Desmond Doss:
No, sir.
Captain Glover:
Because the United States Army does not make mistakes. So if there's a problem, you must be that problem.
Desmond Doss:
I was just never supposed to be sent to a rifle company.
Sgt Howell:
He's a C.O., sir.
Captain Glover:
You're a conscientious objector, and you joined the Army?
Desmond Doss:
Well, no, sir, I'm a conscientious cooperator.
Captain Glover:
[bemused]
Are you screwing with me, Doss?
Desmond Doss:
No. No, sir. I volunteered. I ain't got no problem with wearing my uniform, or saluting the flag and doing my duty. It's just carrying a gun and the taking of human life.
Captain Glover:
You don't kill? That's all?
Desmond Doss:
That's all. Yes, sir, that's all.
Captain Glover:
You know quite a bit of killing does occur in a war?
Desmond Doss:
Yes, sir.
Captain Glover:
I mean, that is the essential nature of war.
Desmond Doss:
Yes, sir.
Captain Glover:
All right. Do you have any other requirements of the United States Army? Is there anything else we can do to ensure that you have a comfortable stay here with us?
Sgt Howell:
He doesn't want to work on Saturdays, sir.
Desmond Doss:
Well, Saturdays... I'm a Seventh-Day Adventist. So, Saturday is my Sabbath, so I'm not allowed to work then.
Captain Glover:
I don't think that poses a problem, do you, Sergeant? We shall simply ask the enemy not to invade on the Sabbath, 'cause Private Doss here is at prayer. All right. Now we got that clear. Now let me tell you my requirements. They're not as complicated as yours. They're very simple. As long as you're in this company, under my command, you will obey my orders. Period. If you can't do it here, I can't trust you to do it in battle. I'm putting you in for a Section 8, psychiatric discharge. Dismissed.
