Gary Busey was cast as McKinney. However, nine days into production, Busey's erratic behavior on set caused director Martin Sheen to fire him and step into the role himself.
The songs Sweetbread Crane sings ("Give me water" and "The end of my journey") were both songs the actor Harry Stewart wrote himself. "Give me water" is actually part of the Sam Cooke song "Chain Gang"
The nametag of the MP behind the reception desk at the psychiatric ward McKinney is sent to after his trial reads "Estevez" - Martin Sheen's original last name, and the last name of his son, Ramon, who plays Pfc. Gessner.
The original title of 'Cadence' did not stand out plus it is a word that many people did not understand (it actually means a 'rhythm' as in the songs and marching of the prisoners). When released abroad it's title was changed to the more easily understood 'Stockade'.
In the latter half of the film Martin Sheen's character McKinney says to Charlie Sheen's Bean that he has a son "about your age." Martin Sheen is, of course, Charlie Sheen's father in real life.