In the early 1980s, a bumbling and inept engineer, who works for a struggling defense contractor, stumbles upon a crucial flaw in the design of a new tank being developed for the U.S. military. His accidental discovery leads to a breakthrough, propelling him into sudden importance within his company. As the engineer navigates workplace challenges, he deals with corporate espionage and sabotage from competitors aiming to undermine him. Meanwhile, the pressure from military personnel seeking the perfect defensive equipment increases, and the engineer must prove his solution while grappling with ethical dilemmas and romantic entanglements.

Parallel to this narrative, a gritty Army officer is tasked with evaluating the tank's performance in a field test set in a tense and potentially hostile environment. With his career on the line, he must rely on instinct and bravado to ensure the tank works flawlessly, facing various unexpected obstacles along the way. As the field test progresses, the officer confronts unpredictable mechanical failures and external threats that put his crew at risk. Both narratives eventually intertwine, highlighting the clash between inventive ingenuity and military precision amidst the backdrop of Cold War tensions. The story combines elements of comedy and action, emphasizing themes of resilience and the unpredictable nature of technological advancement.