Sand Castle

Pvt. Matt Ocre enlists in the Army Reserves in July 2001, motivated by the desire to fund his college education. Unbeknownst to him, this decision will lead him into the heart of conflict just two years later.

After enduring a self-inflicted injury that results in a cast on his arm, Ocre's injury heals just in time for deployment. He arrives in Baghdad amid the tumult of the 2003 Iraq War.

During a combat engagement, Ocre identifies a sniper threatening his unit. Sergeant Dylan Chutsky quickly calls for an airstrike to eliminate the sniper's position, demonstrating the urgency and dangers faced by the soldiers.

Ocre's unit is tasked with repairing a malfunctioning water system in the dangerous village of Baqubah. They meet Captain Syverson and his team, who outline the plan for transporting water to the village.

On the following day, Ocre's team finds that no villagers have come to assist them despite promises of payment for labor. Faced with this setback, the soldiers take it upon themselves to help the Army engineers.

While returning from a supply run, the squad meets a frantic father rushing to find medicine for his sick daughter. This encounter highlights the dire circumstances faced by the local population amidst war.

During one of their trips, Ocre's unit comes under heavy fire from insurgents. The soldiers scramble for cover and safety, illustrating the ongoing battle against insurgents as well as the chaos of war.

With the help of Kadeer, the local school administrator, progress on the water system begins to improve. Kadeer's needs for water for the school create a vital partnership for the soldiers.

One morning, the soldiers find that none of the Iraqi workers have shown up. They return to the village to find Kadeer's body gruesomely displayed, which signifies the grave risks faced by those collaborating with American forces.

After learning the location of the insurgents from Kadeer's brother, Syverson devises a plan for a night raid. This operation aims to retaliate against those responsible for Kadeer's murder.

The soldiers execute the night operation with success, leading to several enemy casualties and captures. However, the victory comes at a price, as injuries among American troops require immediate evacuation.

With the Iraqi laborers on board after the operation, work resumes at the pump station. The collaboration showcases a moment of hope in the face of ongoing challenges.

The project takes a devastating turn when an IED, planted by a treacherous worker, explodes at the station. This act leads to multiple fatalities, deepening the tragedy of the soldiers' mission.

After the turmoil in Baqubah, Ocre and his comrades return to their base in Baghdad. This transition signifies a momentary reprieve from the chaos they have faced in the field.

As Ocre prepares to leave, he learns he is due to return home despite his protests. His departure marks the end of his immediate involvement in the war, though the conflict continues.