The focus of the story is on Lieutenant Kravtsov, a platoon commander who is sent to the active army. Typically, military service prepares individuals in such positions for only three days of life. This is the amount of time Kravtsov has to become a leader for his soldiers and join them in an attack to save the advancing regiment. The operation appears to be utterly hopeless. Will the main character manage to survive these days? After all, Kravtsov is only 18 years old and has barely had a chance to live...