As Swofford and his fellow Marines wait for combat, they face extreme boredom and frustration. They engage in various antics to pass the time, including playing pranks on each other and trying to cope with the harsh desert conditions.
As the war progresses and they are still not given the opportunity to engage in combat, Swofford becomes increasingly disillusioned with the military and the nature of warfare. He begins to question the purpose of it all and struggles with feelings of isolation and alienation.
When Swofford finally gets the chance to participate in a real battle, he is forced to confront the brutal realities of war and experiences firsthand the horror and chaos of combat. The intense and traumatic experience leaves a lasting impact on him, and he must come to terms with his own mortality and the true cost of war.
Throughout the film, Swofford also reflects on his troubled past, his strained relationships, and his own inner demons. The movie delves into the psychological toll of war and the effects it has on the human psyche, showcasing the complexities and contradictions of warfare and the toll it takes on those who are forced to endure it.