During WWII, the Navajo language was used for decoding top secret messages because it was a code that the Japanese did not have the resources (like Navajo speakers) to break. This movie plays upon the scenario that they might've tried to do something about that by kidnapping Navajo soldiers, such as Carl Yahzee (Beach). The military was aware of the danger to the Navajo soliders, so they assigned a Marine (Cage) to each as bodyguard, with the orders that if capture appears imminent, the Marine should kill the Navajo soldier as well. This movie is about two such soldiers who find themselves in danger; and at odds because they've also become friends... (Slater and Willie play another pair in a similar situation)