Corrected entry: Lt. Waters (played by Bruce Willis) is well into his thirties, if not early forties. The character seems to be remarkably old for someone who is still only a Lieutenant. Since this is the most junior commissioned rank it is almost exclusively occupied by much younger officers, there also being an age restriction within which a commission can be awarded. The only reason to remain a Lieutenant would be due to being unworthy of promotion, but then why put such a soldier in charge of a high profile rescue mission?
Steve Kozak
6th Jan 2005
Tears of the Sun (2003)
Correction: He could also be a "mustang" meaning he began his career as an enlisted man and eventually earned a commission.
Correction: He might not actually want a promotion, rather being in charge of small units in dire situations at which he is apparently very good; a character decision, even if slightly strange, is not a film mistake. (Also, a lieutenant in the Navy is NOT one of the most junior ranks. A Navy LT is equivalent to an Army, Marine, or Air Force Captain. They are experienced personnel and members usually stay at this rank for four to seven years prior to being promoted to the next rank.)