A young man faces an uncertain future. The only thing he knows is that he does not want to lead a mediocre life as his father does. The father, a waiter in a restaurant, cannot understand his son's admiration for the military. Despite - or because - of this the man enrolls for five years of service. He is confident that in the forces he will be able give his life a meaning. at the beginning he enjoys the military training. He feels challenged, enjoys the thrill of danger. Proud to wear the uniform, he prepares for stand the test at the front.
Before he leaves he mets a girl on a fair. During his entire time at the front, where he experiences the horrors of war, he still thinks of this girl. His mission is interupted as he tries to help his wounded commanding officer and gets hit himself.
When he comes home he visits the officer's widow and learns that his superior consciously chose death as he felt disgusted by the world. Because of his injury the young man has the leaves the military. His discharge triggers a process of frustration and reflection. He thinks back to the girl at the fair and decides to look for her. She was fired as a cashier because she is pregnant and is now arrested. Filled with indignation he goes to see her former employer asking for the reasons. When the man merely cynically smirks, a catastrophy happens.