Finally, the men are moved out of the bush to Vandegrift Combat Base, known as VCB. The Marines in Bravo Company aren’t allowed too much time to recover, however, because as soon as they are showered, cleaned up, and outfitted with fatigues, they learn that their mission while at the base is to be on constant alert, waiting at the edge of the airstrip, where they could be called at any moment back into the bush to provide backup to another company that has engaged the enemy.

On his way to a meeting with the other battalion commanders, Lieutenant Colonel Mulvaney passes by the men from Bravo Company returning from the landing zone and notices their haggard, broken-down appearances. This leads him to call a meeting with Colonel Simpson. Mulvaney pours Simpson a glass of whiskey and then excoriates him on the condition of the men and criticizes him for sending men into combat who were so ill supplied and exhausted.

When he gets to VCB, Mellas learns that he has earned the promotion he has wanted. Hawk is moving up to work under Blakely at battalion command, and Mellas is to be the company’s new executive officer. Mellas is introduced to Fracasso, who is taking over his platoon. Mellas finds himself feeling surprisingly regretful about transferring command of his men, even though as an executive officer, he will be spending plenty of time at their side.

China heads off to meet Henry, an African American in another company who is one of the key leaders among the black radicals in the Marines. China has been furtively collecting ammunition and weapons to give to Henry to send back home to help the civil rights movement. But when China hands over his stash, Henry laughs at him. Henry says what their brothers back home need more than anything is money. One of the ways Henry is making money is by dealing drugs, something that China, who does not use narcotics, disapproves of.

Later, China approaches Mellas and asks him to try to get Cassidy, whom Parker tried to murder, transferred to another unit. China tells Mellas that Cassidy’s life is in danger.

One night, Mellas spends time drinking with Hawke and two of his friends, Murphy and McCarthy. The night of heavy drinking is what the officers call a “mystery tour.” Things get out of hand when the men steal a jeep and drive off to a movie showing. Murphy, in a drunken stupor, wanders onstage and trips over a chord, prematurely ending the movie showing.