Zack Mayo is an aloof, taciturn man who aspires to be a navy pilot. Once he arrives at training camp for his 13-week officer's course, Mayo runs afoul of abrasive, no-nonsense drill Sergeant Emil Foley. Mayo is an excellent cadet, but a little cold around the heart, so Foley rides him mercilessly, sensing that the young man would be prime officer material if he weren't so self-involved. Zack's affair with a working girl is likewise compromised by his unwillingness to give of himself.
Richard Gere Zack Mayo
Debra Winger Paula Pokrifki
Louis Gossett Jr. Sergeant Emil Foley
David Keith Sid Worley
Robert Loggia Byron Mayo
Lisa Blount Lynette Pomeroy
Lisa Eilbacher Casey Seeger
Harold Sylvester Perryman
David Caruso Topper Daniels
Grace Zabriskie Esther Pokrifiki
Tony Plana Emiliano Della Serra
Victor French Joe Pokrifki
Tommy Petersen Young Zack
Mara Scott-Wood Bunny
David Greenfield Schneider
Dennis Rucker Donny
Jane Wilbur Nellie Rufferwell
Buck Welcher Thraxton
Vern Taylor Tom Worley
Elizabeth Rogers Betty Worley
David R. Marshall Drill Instructor #1
Gary C. Stillwell Drill Instructor #2
John Laughlin Troy
Tee Dennard Dilbert Dunker Instructor
Norbert M. Murray Altitude Chamber Instructor
Daniel Tyler New Recruit
William S. Graves Captain Graves
Pia Boyer Paula's Sister
Danna Kiesel Paula's Sister
Meleesa Wyatt Prostitute #1
Jo Anna Keane Prostitute #2
Bernard Madrid Platoon Member (uncredited)
Randy Tat New Recruit (uncredited)
Ed Begley Jr. Altitude Chamber Instructor