Max is a Malinois Shepherd used to help U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. His handler is Kyle Wincott (Robbie Amell). Kyle keeps in touch with his family back home by joining a cam chat with his mom Pamela (Lauren Graham). His father Ray (Thomas Haden Church) served in the army as well, having gotten his leg shot off. Kyle's younger brother Justin (Josh Wiggins) doesn't really care for what Kyle and their father have done for their country, and he is mostly moody while playing video games.
Kyle is investigating an arms dealer with his unit. He learns that his friend Tyler Harne (Luke Kleintank) may be among those involved with these shady dealings. The two of them go into the battlefield with Max. The dog walks by a suicide bomber who sets off his explosives close to Max. The resulting explosion is traumatic to Max, and Kyle runs over to console him. Kyle is then intentionally shot dead by Tyler.