Army Infantryman Will Jones didn’t get a slow start to his military career.
He got thrown into the fire—checking into his first unit mid-deployment… in Baghdad.

No stateside prep. No easing in.
Just boots on ground, rifle in hand, and mortar fire exploding around him.

In this Urban Valor interview, Will shares what it’s like to be a brand new 11B Infantry soldier landing in a war zone without any time to train. His story is one of chaos, trauma, brotherhood, and survival. From Baghdad to Hurricane Katrina relief to a second 15-month deployment in Iraq, this episode is stacked with combat stories, dark military humor, and brutally honest truths about PTSD, reintegration, and what it takes to keep going.

If you’re looking for real veteran stories, Iraq war combat footage-style details, and first-hand experience from an infantry soldier in the kill zone, you’re in the right place.

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Video chapters: 
00:00 – Thrown into Baghdad: Will's First Day
01:20 – Life Before Enlisting: Starbucks & 9/11
04:47 – Enlisting as Infantry (11B)
07:38 – Checking Into Baghdad Mid-Deployment
12:26 – First Firefight Experience
18:02 – Learning Through Chaos: No Time to Train
22:45 – Humor Amid War
27:13 – Hurricane Katrina Relief Deployment
33:57 – Back to Iraq: Second 15-Month Tour
40:18 – Combat, Brotherhood & Daily Threats
46:05 – PTSD, Reflection, and Healing
53:41 – Advice to Young Veterans
57:32 – Urban Valor Mission

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