Preston Thompson continues his ruminations upon his return to the Air Force Academy. His memories of his Third Degree year include the intense adventures of Survival School and Airborne training, his struggles to fit in with his new squadron, Pilot culture, the challenges of being an upperclassman, the unexpected realities of flying, more boxing, the loss of his closest friends, angry French teachers, the strange dogma of the Cult of Virtuous Suffering, and the daily reminders that he really needs to find a girlfriend.
In both the present and the past, Preston struggles to turn the confusion of his understanding into understanding of his confusion.