Marines are preparing to invade Iraq at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, but whilst the Marines wait to receive their orders at Camp Mathilda in Kuwait, they learn that Rolling Stone columnist Evan Wright will be embedded with them.
Bravo Company receives the controversial order to treat any Iraqi holding a weapon as a hostile. Elsewhere, the First Recon adjust to shifting attack plans in anticipation of their first contact with the enemy.
Whilst Bravo Company waits for their next orders, they scope out a roadside firefight - and watch in shock as a regimental combat team arrives with guns blazing.
After capturing an Iraqi airstrip, the First Recon is advancing ahead of the other American and Coalition troops, which gives them valuable time to regroup.
First Recon get their orders to cross a local Iraqi bridge, which gives them their first chance to use local Iraqi citizens… but as they edge closer to the bridge, they're ambushed.
First Recon are ordered to help escort the civilians leaving Baghdad from a nearby highway, and it's a mission that opens their eyes to the humanity in the Iraqi innocents. Later, they realise that Baghdad looms and their war is drawing to a close.
First Recon finally reach Baghdad and begin their daily patrols in the capital, and on these patrols they swiftly discover the obstacles that they and the Iraqis face are much greater than anyone could have imagined.