Barry Pepper credited as playing...
Mike Strank
- Mike Strank: Any man that doesn't have his masturbation papers in order better get them signed by tomorrow night or he ain't going overseas.
- Gust: I got mine already.
- Lundsford: Oh, yeah, I'm square.
- Franklin Sousley: Wait, wait. Why am I just hearing about this?
- Mike Strank: That's horseshit, Franklin! I don't have to repeat everything twice for you.
- Franklin Sousley: No, I didn't hear nothin' about no masturbating papers!
- Ira Hayes: Heard they were running short.
- Franklin Sousley: You know, nobody tells me nothing. That's real nice, guys!
- Mike Strank: All right, get your ass over to the officer in charge of records. Maybe he's got some more left. Leave your smokes. I'll play for you.
- Franklin Sousley: Thanks, Mike.
- Mike Strank: Listen, if he calls you an idiot, you take it like a man, okay? Just *do not* leave without signing them.
- Captain Severance: Look, I've had to make a few other changes. I'm promoting you, to platoon sergeant.
- Mike Strank: Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.
- Captain Severance: You bet.
- Mike Strank: The trouble is, I already told my men I'd see them through this.
- Captain Severance: That your James Cagney impersonation? 'Cause I've heard better.
- Mike Strank: Well, I'll keep practicing, then.
- Captain Severance: Look, this isn't your first time through this. You don't need to prove anything.
- Mike Strank: No, sir.
- Captain Severance: You're not the *best* sergeant I've ever had, just the best one that's still walking. Block's a good man.
- Mike Strank: Yes, sir, he is.
- Captain Severance: The men know him, he can step right in. You know, I have actually thought this through. Platoon sergeant puts you further away from the bullets.
- Mike Strank: I already gave them my word, sir. I told them I'd bring them all home to their mothers, which means I already lied to half of them. Can't lie to the rest.
- Franklin Sousley: So, where do you think they're sending us?
- Mike Strank: I think it's the desert, Frankllin.
- Franklin Sousley: Well, that makes no sense at all.
- Mike Strank: Well, it's just military psychology. They always train you for the desert on a volcano.
- Franklin Sousley: Aw, now you're just havin' fun with me.
- Mike Strank: Harlon, take your men right. Watch for Bedouins.
- Harlon Block: Yes, sir.
- Franklin Sousley: Hey, what's a Bedouin?
- Harlon Block: It's a guy with a camel.
- Franklin Sousley: Well, Jeez Louise, maybe we *are* going to the desert.