The Pentagon Wars (1998 TV Movie)

Clifton Powell: Sgt. Benjamin Dalton

Quotes 

• [Dalton opens a shell casing that was in the Bradley during testing] 

  Lt. Colonel James Burton : Sand.

  Sgt. Benjamn Dalton : That's correct, sir.

  Lt. Colonel James Burton : Tell me, Sergeant. Has anyone around here ever mentioned the term "court martial" recently?

  Sgt. Benjamn Dalton : No, sir.

  Lt. Colonel James Burton : Really? That's truly amazing, Sergeant. Because here we are, watching water leak out of the gas tanks, and sand spill out of the ammunition, right before test to find out whether the damn thing is safe! And no one mentioned the word "court martial"? Why is that, Sergeant?

  Sgt. Benjamn Dalton : We were under orders, sir.

  Lt. Colonel James Burton : And do you believe that following those orders is conscionable, Sergeant?

  Sgt. Benjamn Dalton : It doesn't matter what I think or do, sir. One way or another, one of you weekend warriors from Washington will always make sure the tests come out the way you want them to.

  Lt. Colonel James Burton : I'm not here to manipulate test results, Sergeant. I'm here to learn the truth.

  Sgt. Benjamn Dalton : The truth? We get a new white knight here every six months, sir, and they all start out like you - big speeches that turn to shit until your next promotion comes due, and then it's business as usual.

  Lt. Colonel James Burton : Really? And where did you develop this lousy attitude, Sergeant?

  Sgt. Benjamn Dalton : Right here, sir. Watching guys like you.