FROM AMONG THE SHADED ROW HOUSES OF WASHINGTON D.C. rise the weathered brick walls of the United States Marine Corps barracks at 8th and I. For over 200 years the barracks has stood ready to protect the nation's capitol and faultlessly maintained its reputation as the ultimate example of military order and discipline. PFC Dayton Stone feels fortunate to be selected for duty at this most prestigious of posts and sees it as an opportunity to understand for himself what it means to be a "model marine." He soon learns, however, that the barracks' reputation for pomp and perfection is not all it seems. The oppressive regimentation of barracks life, and a system that acts to divide rather than unite the marines who serve there, create conditions where betrayal, drunken recklessness, and violent rivalries flourish alongside the marines code of duty and honor.