47 INT. BARRACKS--NIGHT

The platoon sleeps. JOKER walks slowly down the
squad bay with a flashlight.

JOKER
(Itarration)
Our last night on the island. I draw fire watch.

JOKER hears a muffled sound. He isn't sure where
it comes from. He slowly enters the latrine.


48 INT. LATRINE--NIGHT

Running his flashlight across the room JOKER Sees
PYLE sitting on a toilet, loading a magazine for
his M-14 rifle.

PYLE looks up at JOKER and smiles. It is a
frightening smile.

PYLE
(strange voice)
Hi, Joker.

JOKER stares at PYLE for a few seconds.

JOKER
Are those ... live rounds?

PYLE
Seven-six-two millimeter, full metal jacket.

PYLE smiles grotesquely.

JOKER
Leonard... if Hartman comes in here and
catches us, we'll both be in a world of shit.

PYLE
I am... in a world... of shit!

PYLE gets to his feet, snaps his rifle to port arms,
and starts executing the Manual of Arms.

PYLE
(shouting)
Left shoulder... hut! Right shoulder... hut!
Lock and load! Order... hut!

PYLE picks up the loaded magazine, inserts it into
the rifle and smartly brings the rifle down to the
order arms position.

PYLE
(shouting)
This is my rifle! There are many like it, but
this one is mine.


49 INT. BARRACKS 
HALLWAY--NIGHT

By now the platoon is awake.

HARTMAN bursts from his room, wearing his
skivvies and D.I. hat.

PYLE
(offscreen)
My rifle is my best friend! It is my life!

HARTMAN
Get back in your bunks!

PYLE
(off screen)
I must master it as I must master my life!
Without me...


50 INT. 
LATRINES--NIGHT

HARTMAN Storms into the latrine.

HARTMAN
What is this Mickey Mouse shit? What in the
name of Jesus H. Christ are you animals
doing in my head?

HARTMAN (to JOKER)
Why is Private Pyle out of his bunk after
lights out?! Why is Private Pyle holding that
weapon? Why aren't you stomping Private
Pyle's guts out?

JOKER
Sir, it is the private's duty to inform 
the Senior Drill Instructor that Private Pyie has a
full magazine and has locked and loaded, sir!