Streamers [1983] Robert Altman

Based on the Broadway play of the same name by 'David Rabe', and adapted by Rabe for the screen, Streamers examines the interactions, prejudices, trepidations, and personal conflicts of a small group of U.S. Army recruits preparing to deploy for combat in the Vietnam conflict. Featured are middle class African American Roger, upper class Manhattanite Richie (who is conflicted about his sexual orientation), conservative Wisconsin farm boy Billy, and scared black street punk Carlyle. Caustic alcoholic Sgt. Cokes, who's already served in combat, and aggressive Sgt. Rooney, who is anxious to get into combat, are in charge of the barracks.