Joshua Shores served in the United States Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008 and deployed to Ramadi during some of the deadliest fighting of the Iraq War. In this interview, Joshua shares what it was like going from a small-town upbringing in Wisconsin to becoming an infantry Marine, attending recon training, joining 1st Battalion 5th Marines, deploying to Iraq, combat in Ramadi, serving with the first MARSOC Bravo Company, and fighting in Afghanistan. He talks about Marine boot camp, School of Infantry, the culture shock of joining the military, combat patrols, intense firefights, clearing mosques, capturing insurgents, and surviving devastating IED explosions.

Joshua also reflects on the realities of war, the chaos of urban combat, losing friends, and the lasting memories that come with serving in Iraq during the height of the insurgency. Joshua discusses:

• Growing up in Wisconsin in a military family

• Joining the Marines at 17

• Marine Corps boot camp and SOI

• Recon training and dropping to 1/5 Marines

• Deploying to Ramadi in 2005

• The reality of combat in Iraq

• Firefights, raids, and insurgent tactics

• Capturing enemy fighters

• Surviving an IED blast

• Losing friends and dealing with trauma after war