Generation Kill

Evan "Scribe" Wright:
Colonel.

LtCol Stephen "Godfather" Ferrando:
So what'd you see, reporter? [Wright pauses, unsure where to start] No other military in the world can do what we do. The Marines are America's shock troops. There anything you wanna ask me before you unhitch your wagon?

Evan "Scribe" Wright:
Captain Americ- [Ferrando gives him a look] Captain McGraw, sir.

LtCol Stephen "Godfather" Ferrando:
All right, now- he walked a fine line. Okay? But in the end, he was within the box of acceptable behavior. But in my mind, when you allow that type of behavior to progress, you end up with a My Lai. [Glances at Wright] You think I should've taken a harsher action.

Evan "Scribe" Wright:
Two attempted bayonetings.

LtCol Stephen "Godfather" Ferrando:
But no prisoners actually wounded. All right; now, I wasn't there to see what happened, and I have conflicting reports from those who were. But we're in a war zone, reporter. And if I expect my subordinates to remain effective in combat, then I have to show them trust. Until it's proven to me- beyond any doubt- that they are undeserving of that trust. Now, the same support I extend to Captain McGraw, is extended to all my officers. Lieutenant Fick, for example. I'm sure you're aware that there's some in this battalion who feel that Lieutenant Fick is unfit for command.

Evan "Scribe" Wright:
[Laughs] You should consider your sources, sir.

[Ferrando leans back, waving this aside.]

LtCol Stephen "Godfather" Ferrando:
So what happens to my command if I respond to every complaint made against one of my men? [He pauses] It's a terrible feeling, to be the man sending other people into combat. Terrible feeling. But something else I'm struggling with... is the excitement I felt. Getting shot at. That's something I just didn't anticipate about war.