Generation Kill

As they scope a tiny hamlet, the men of Bravo are frustrated by the capricious nature of the war, and Colbert struggles to defend the actions of the higher-ups. First Recon finally gets a chance to use its skills and exploit some intelligence from Iraqi locals about an ambush at a bridge ahead. For once, First Recon isn't tasked with heading straight into the ambush, but instead they rest and watch as better-armed LAVs assault the bridge. With the ambush believed to be quelled, Colbert's team is ordered to lead Bravo across the bridge. They quickly discover that the enemy combatants still have some fight in them, but led by Colbert, they manage to escape almost unscathed. After regrouping, Bravo is ordered to cross the bridge again - this time with Bravo 3 in the lead - and again hits a snag. The following morning, First Recon examines the bodies of the men they fought the night before and discover their enemy is not who they imagined. Bravo continues north to Al Muwaffaqiyah, where they are tasked with another mission: Set up another roadblock and destroy the Republican Guard outpost, which happens to be the town's only school. Despite Colbert's exhortations to the men to hold their fire unless it's absolutely necessary, Bravo has an incident at the roadblock. As they again head north, the inexactitude of the war weighs heavily on the men.

Outside of Al Kut, Captain America is over-eager in his attempts to subdue a prisoner, and his men's growing disillusionment with his command is becoming more and more apparent. Meanwhile, Ferrando relays to his officers the news that his counterpart in the Regimental Combat Team has been relieved of duty despite achieving his objective. "Encino Man" takes Ferrando's speech to heart and puts Fick on notice that there will be no more questioning of his orders. First Recon's next mission is to escort civilians fleeing from Baghdad down the highway. The men are overcome by the humanity and try to help, which gives Fick pause. Colbert and the others realize that with Baghdad being the next stop for the American forces, their war has probably come to an end - a fact which rankles Ferrando, who itches to get back in the game. After reuniting with an old friend who tells horror stories about the Marine reservists, First Recon heads to Baqubah, a town north of Baghdad, to go up against Iraqi armor - with those same reservists in tow. Despite some mishaps along the way, the mission is successful, and the Marines take some prisoners. Unfortunately, Sgt. Eric Kocher, Colbert's counterpart in Bravo 3, and one of his men are accused by a reservist of mistreating a prisoner. First Recon heads back to Baghdad, unsure of what their role will be in the city.

Bravo reaches Baghdad and is shocked by the sheer size and scope of the city. They set up shop in an abandoned cigarette factory with a chance to rest for a bit, although the factory grounds aren't quite as secure as they'd like. Hampered by having only one translator for the battalion, First Recon can only send out sporadic patrols into the city. During those patrols they discover the list of problems the Iraqis face is much greater than the Marines could imagine. Their attempts to help are thwarted by ever-changing assignments, a lack of necessary supplies, unruly locals and cultural misunderstandings. While Colbert worries about his friend Kocher, who has been demoted, Lt. Fick becomes more and more disillusioned with the lack of a plan in Baghdad and refuses an order that would put his men in danger. The men learn their final night in Baghdad is upon them and celebrate in a soccer stadium. They head south to an abandoned Iraqi army base to wrap things up, but not before "Captain America's" misguided enthusiasm has disastrous results. The Marines take inventory and reflect on their time in Iraq, and tensions that have been simmering throughout finally boil over during a friendly football game. "Scribe" says his goodbyes to the men and has an interesting conversation with Ferrando before heading off. One of the Recon Marines shows the movie he's put together from footage he's shot, and the men enjoy the sights and sounds before drifting off.