An Officer and a Gentleman follows Zack Mayo (Richard Gere), a troubled young man who enters a U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School to escape his difficult past. Under the harsh training of Gunnery Sergeant Foley (Louis Gossett Jr.), Zack initially clashes with authority and fellow recruits, but gradually matures through discipline, loss, and love.

He falls for Paula (Debra Winger), a local factory worker wary of being used by cadets seeking short-term flings. Tragedy strikes when Zack’s best friend, Sid, dies by suicide after a romantic heartbreak and failing out of the program.

Ultimately, Zack completes training and, in the film’s iconic ending, surprises Paula at her factory job, lifting her into his arms—symbolizing personal growth, love, and redemption.