The platoon is back home under the temporary command of an nco. One of his men has gone AWOL after beating up a soldier from another platoon during exercises and he has to show his superiors he can handle it in true military fashion.
The Royals are back on duty in Northern Ireland and frustrated at having to treat the hostile local youth with kid gloves, especially since one of them may be helping a sniper.
For assaulting a fellow soldier and going AWOL Private Adams must now face a court martial. If he pleads not guilty, as he intends, he will drag some comrades down with him. Can he be persuaded to change his mind?
A soldier with a rebellious streak and a drinking problem is posted to the Royals for one last chance to prove himself. Shortly after his arrival the barracks are hit by a spate of thefts.
With Adams back from military prison and belligerent newcomer Stephens now apparently an accepted part of the squad, platoon 6 heads off to the Welsh mountains on exercises. But an unreformed Stephens stirs up antagonisms and threatens the team's unity.