As war rages in Korea, a new crop of U.S. Army recruits reports for basic training, where drill sergeants Ryan (Richard Widmark) and Holt (Karl Malden) have sixteen weeks to make them combat-ready. While Holt lends a sympathetic ear and is well-regarded by the troops, Ryan relies solely on tough tactics to whip them into shape. As his brutal methods are questioned by Holt and he becomes involved with an unhappy war widow (Elaine Stewart), Ryan wrestles with the problems of training soldiers while romancing a troubled young woman.