The Sapper students begin 28 straight grueling days of training. Their physical and mental skills are stretched to the limits and beyond with explosives, jumar ascents, Aussie rappels and a battery of battlefield testing.

38 soldiers signed on for the Sapper Leader Course but the losses are beginning to mount. The Sappers helocast into the Lake of the Ozarks, capsize their Zodiacs, and begin missions, including demolition of an anti-aircraft gun and an enemy bridge.

Now left on their own to plan and conduct missions, the Sappers use demolitions to breach enemy hideouts, perform night raids for high value targets and rescue a downed pilot. Who will combat fatigue, hunger and injury and make it to graduation?