When the raped and murdered body of Captain Elisabeth Campbell (Leslie Stefanson) is discovered at Fort McCallum, Warrant Officer Paul Brenner (John Travolta) is given just thirty-six hours to investigate before the FBI are called in. Teaming up with his ex-girlfriend, army rape-counsellor Sarah Sunhill (Madeleine Stowe), Brenner determines to discover exactly what is going on at the army base - no matter whose toes he has to step on. But as he gets closer to the truth, it becomes clear that certain parties will do everything in their power to protect their secret.