Watch 21 Days to Baghdad

21 Days to Baghdad is a compelling documentary series that chronicles the march of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart in Georgia to the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, during the initial stages of the 2003 Iraq War. The show is produced and aired by the National Geographic Channel.

The show takes the viewers through the tense 21-day journey of the soldiers, who traveled over 7200 miles through western Iraq, encountering numerous challenges and resistance from the Iraqi army and the local population. The series captures the fears, hopes, and sheer determination of these troops as they faced an uncertain future in a foreign land.

The show's first episode introduces the 3rd Infantry Division, known as the Rock of the Marne, and their mission in Iraq as part of the US military's Operation Iraqi Freedom. The soldiers, many of whom are fresh out of basic training, share their experiences and their expectations before their deployment to Iraq.

Throughout the show, viewers see the troops' physical and mental preparation for the mission, from training exercises in Georgia to their final departure in Kuwait. The show uncovers the challenges of the soldiers' deployment, including the lack of intelligence about Iraq and the difficulties in communicating with the local population in Arabic.

Moreover, the series delves into the support systems that the troops rely on, such as their families back home, the Army's high-tech equipment, and the military's chain of command. It also explores the soldiers’ coping mechanisms, such as humor and camaraderie, as they face the pressures of combat, loss, and uncertainty.

Another prominent feature of the show is its portrayal of the Iraqi people, whom the soldiers encounter during their journey. From radical militants to ordinary civilians, the series gives a voice to the local people, who share their fears and hopes about the future after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

The show's emphasis is on the human element of the Iraq War, and it portrays the soldiers and the Iraqis as real people with complex emotions, motivations, and values. It also sheds light on the ethical dilemmas faced by the soldiers, such as their role as occupiers of a foreign land and the human cost of war.

Overall, 21 Days to Baghdad is a gripping and enlightening documentary series that captures the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers, the complexities of the Iraq War, and the human toll of armed conflict. The show provides a unique perspective on a defining moment in modern history and stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the men and women who fought in it.