In 1971, a platoon of recruits undergoes advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, known to the soldiers as Tigerland. This final phase of preparation is designed to simulate Vietnamese jungle warfare conditions to ready the young men for the realities of combat in Vietnam. Among the recruits is Private Roland Bozz, a draftee who opposes the war. Bozz's rebellious nature and disdain for authority put him at odds with his superiors and some of his fellow soldiers. However, his unique perspective and tactics also earn him the begrudging respect and loyalty of others in the platoon. Bozz becomes an unlikely leader, helping his comrades in his own unconventional ways.

As the training intensifies, the men of the platoon face the physical and psychological pressures designed to prepare them for war. The unit is pushed to its limits, forcing each soldier to confront their fears and motivations. Amidst the brutal training exercises, Bozz's actions and decisions highlight the complexities of brotherhood, the morality of war, and the struggle for personal integrity in the face of systemic inhumanity. The experience at Tigerland serves not only as preparation for the horrors of combat but also as a critical examination of the toll the Vietnam War takes on the individuals sent to fight it.