Forrest tells the story of his time serving in the Vietnam War. He and his unit were searching for the Viet Cong, nicknamed "Charlie," and needed to be cautious of ambushes and other attacks. As Forrest tells his story, he describes the climate and terrain of the country.
In a meeting with ranking military and government staff, an American professor argues in favor of a first strike policy: one in which the United States attacks the Soviet Union first. He is countered by a general who questions the morality of such a stance and such action. This clip highlights the extremities in Cold War thinking.
Some reconciliation takes place between the Soviet Union and the United States as they agree, along with the United Kingdom, to ban nuclear weapon testing in the atmosphere, under water, and in space.
The news slips reports on the events leading up to the passing of the War Powers Act, and the further implication of this law. The legislative branch is given more power to limit the president's control to send troops into war.