Gloria decides to break up with Patrick; Denise tries to ease the tension between Gloria and Jackie; Michael clashes with the new Air Force Colonel; Joan is reprimanded at work; Maggie tries to bond with Caroline.
Denise helps Michael sort through Claudia Joy's clothes; Eddie's impending deployment prompts Caroline to insist on living with her real mother; Gloria regrets moving fast with Pat; Joan struggles to juggle work and parenthood.
The group comes together to say goodbye to a loved one; Roxy and Gloria befriend a young Army wife; Roland is offered an opportunity to expand his research work; a fight breaks out at the Hump.
The troops get orders to return to Fort Marshall; Maggie bonds with Caroline; Latasha worries about unexpected expenses; Hector gets some sad news; Gloria searches for a new apartment; the soldiers come under attack in Afghanistan.
The men return from Afghanistan; Holly is excited to reunite with Tim; Quincy's injuries jeopardise his army career; Gloria shows up to welcome Hector home; Joan makes a decision.