Colonel Jessep monologue from A Few Good Men

Colonel Jessep’s monologue

Colonel Jessep defends his actions by arguing that his harsh methods are necessary to protect the country.

Kaffee: Colonel Jessep, did you order the Code Red?!

Judge: You don't have to answer that question!

Jessep: I'll answer the question. You want answers?

Kaffee: I think I'm entitled!

Jessep: You want answers?!

Kaffee: I want the truth!

Jessep: You can't handle the truth! Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know, that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives! You don't want the truth, because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like "honor", "code", "loyalty". We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said "thank you", and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!

Kaffee: Did you order the Code Red?

Jessep: I did the job that—-

Kaffee: Did you order the Code Red?!!

Jessep: YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT I DID!!

Excerpt for study and audition practice. Read the full play for context.