During the late stages of the Cold War, Colonel Jack Knowles is stationed near the West German border. Haunted by memories of Vietnam and grappling with internal conflicts, he becomes increasingly detached from official orders. His adversary across the border is the disciplined and equally stubborn Soviet Colonel Valachev. The tension between the American and Soviet soldiers escalates as both commanders engage in a series of provocations and reckless actions, endangering not just their lives but also the fragile peace between their countries. Despite warnings from his superiors and colleagues, Knowles becomes obsessed with challenging Valachev.

As Knowles' behavior grows more erratic, he draws the concern of his friend, Lieutenant Colonel Clark, who tries to rein him in. However, the fierce rivalry between Knowles and Valachev intensifies to a personal vendetta, pushing the Cold War brinkmanship to dangerous heights. The mounting hostilities between the two soldiers reflect the broader geopolitical tensions of the era, as both men struggle with their own demons. The looming threat of an international incident forces those around them to confront the dire consequences of unchecked aggression and the thin line separating duty from madness.