Dog (2022)

I have worked with vertans of foreign wars for over 30 years, including veterans of the 20 year wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This modern war is particularly challenging in that a lower percentage of Americans fought in the war than in any other major war before it. Just 2% of the US population did a tour of duty abroad. What that left these veterans with was the longest time in a combat theater than at any time since the Revoluitionary War. Veterans did multiple tours of combat over the two decades and suffered both physical and mental trauma that can be improved but often doesn't go away. Briggs (ably played by Channing Tatum) is a guy who has suffered injuries from his service as an Army Ranger have taken everything he had and everything he needed. We don;t know what he was like before, but he was an elite soldier, which takes concentration, smarts, good instincts, strengh and courage. All of this disscourages introspection, which leaves Briggs ill equipped to improve. Despite his doctor’s warnings that he has some permanent impairment, he's determined to get back into the Rangers. Why? Because military service gives him structure, purpose, fellowship, and enough adrenaline to not have to think about the many things he doesn't want to think about, including how much more there is still to lose. The film focuses on him taking another wounded veteran, a dog, to the dog handler's funeral. He has died by suicide, which is not explored in the film, but is another stark reality that Briggs and other actual veterans face a higher risk of as well.