Watch The Last Patrol

The Last Patrol is a documentary film directed by Sebastian Junger and Nick Quested, released in 2014. The movie features Brendan O'Byrne, a former United States Army soldier who served in Afghanistan, as he embarks on a journey with three other veterans who walked across the United States from Washington D.C. to Cape Cod. The film starts with footage of O'Byrne in Afghanistan, where he served as a paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. He recounts his experiences of fighting and the impact it had on him. He then meets with three other veterans from different wars - Dave Roels, a Vietnam veteran; Hector Barajas, an Iraq War veteran; and former Army ranger and Afghan war veteran Marvin Boatright. Together, they set out on a 300-mile walk from Washington D.C. to Cape Cod.

Throughout the journey, the film explores the themes of war, trauma, and the struggle of returning to civilian life. The veterans share their experiences of serving in a war zone and their difficulties integrating back into society. They also discuss their feelings of disconnect with other people who have not gone through the same experiences, as well as the lack of support systems that are available for returning veterans.

As they walk, the group encounters various obstacles like bad weather, injuries, and difficulty finding places to sleep. They rely on the kindness of strangers to provide them with food and shelter, which highlights the generosity of the American people. The film also documents the physical toll that their journey takes on their bodies, with all four men pushing themselves to their limits.

Throughout the documentary, O'Byrne talks about his struggles with PTSD and how his experiences in Afghanistan have haunted him. He mentions being on edge constantly and feeling like he is always in a war zone. The camera follows the group as they attend therapy sessions and participate in other forms of rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of mental health support for veterans.

One of the key moments of the film is when the group reaches their final destination, Cape Cod. They are greeted by their friends and families as well as an enthusiastic crowd of people who have come out to support them. This moment shows the power of camaraderie and the bonds that are formed between people who have gone through difficult experiences together.

Overall, The Last Patrol is a powerful documentary that sheds light on the struggles that veterans face after serving their country. It highlights the importance of mental health support and the need for more resources to be made available for returning veterans. It is a poignant and thought-provoking film that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.

The Last Patrol is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.