Hot take: Lt Ring is the hero of Heartbreak Ridge and his relationship with Gunnery Sergeant Highway is the best young officer/experienced NCO depiction in cinema.
Media loves the “dumb inexperienced Officer and the veteran NCO” dynamic, and there are tons of examples of the relationship failing. The NCO ignores, overrides, or fails to train the officer. Occasionally the officer is arrogant, but usually they are trying
GWOT saw a rise in the “veteran officer”, lieutenants with actual combat experience, that shifted this dynamic, but that trend is going away. So here we go. Listen up Lieutenants and Sergeants. Or don’t, fuck you.
When we first meet LT Ring he is peak nerd. But look at the dynamic between them. The NCOs are respectful, and professional despite the vast difference in experience. Ring maintains his demeanor, recognizes Highways experience, but still knows he is the officer and in command
Later, when Highway wants to discipline and work the men, NCO business, he goes to Ring and checks with him. He didn’t have to, but he did. He gave Ring that respect. Ring wisely says yes, and shows he is trying to develop in his profession as an officer. He’s still a nerd.
As their relationship develops, Ring sees the things he’s missing. He recognizes his shortcomings and starts to try and improve.
And then their bond is tested. Major Powers wants Highways ass, and LT Ring does the only thing that can save him. He puts his career on the line to defend his platoon sergeant. He takes ownership of his unit, and it surprises even Highway
They train together, and when it comes time to jump, LT Ring is where he belongs, the first man out of the aircraft. Highway is training Ring to be a leader, Ring is listening and developing but staying in command. It is a symbiotic relationship.
Then they go to war… their bond is so tight at this point that when Highway flanks the Cuban position, it is LT Ring that holds his ruck. He doesn’t delegate it. A Platoon Sergeant is the closest thing a Platoon Leader has to a friend, and that PL knows it.
I don’t know why it cut off the thread
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