War Dog reveals the story of Kayla, a young woman from an All-American home in southern California, who serves in the war zone. She is the only female in her unit until the arrival of Socorro, a mixed-race girl from Appalachia. Together, these women experience the horrors of war, both inside and outside of "the wire." Kayla is profoundly changed by combat. Indeed, her bravery during these experiences deem her to be an exceptional soldier by her peers and her squad leader, Sgt. Polk. That is, until a horrific event occurs at the Forward Operating Base where she serves. Following this event, that involves Socorro, Kayla is reassigned stateside, and she returns home on a brief leave. Her family and friends hope to welcome her into their arms, but they have no idea of the change that has occurred within Kayla. Once again, a series of horrific events occur. Kayla flees from familiar surroundings and attempts to finds sanctuary with Socorro at her mountain home in the South. But there is no peace. In a trapped environment, Kayla and Socorro are forced to fight an enemy more dangerous than any they have confronted.