This documentary tells a coming of age story that highlights five young Israeli high school graduates who are drafted into the army to defend their country. At the age of 18, these young individuals undergo a demanding journey, revealing the core of who they are and who they want to be. Beneath the Helmet illustrates how these young men and women are protecting not only their homes, but the shared values of peace, equality, opportunity, democracy, religious tolerance and women's rights. The lessons that they learn along the way are paradigms that can be adapted, understood, and appreciated by everyone.