Key Points:
-
Ray Mendoza served in the Navy SEALs for over 16 years, retiring in 2014 after a pivotal 2006 Iraq War mission depicted in Warfare.
-
He transitioned into Hollywood, contributing to films like Act of Valor and Lone Survivor, and founded War Office Productions.
-
Mendoza co-directed Warfare in 2025, a real-time depiction of his 2006 mission, to honor his comrade Elliott Miller and process his own trauma.
What Happened to Ray Mendoza After the 2006 Warfare Incident?
Ray Mendoza, a former Navy SEAL, gained national attention after a critical mission on November 19, 2006, during the Iraq War’s Battle of Ramadi. This operation, in which he served as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), involved directing air support under heavy fire to rescue wounded SEALs. For his actions, Mendoza received the Silver Star, one of the military’s highest honors.
Following the incident, Mendoza remained in the military for several more years. He joined the Navy in 1997 and served for over 16 years, retiring around 2014. During his final years of service, Mendoza is believed to have held positions as an instructor and member of the Land Warfare Training Detachment, training the next generation of SEALs. His extended military career prepared him for a new mission: bringing authentic war stories to the screen.
READ MORE: The Amateur Parental Guide: Is It OK for Teens?
How Did Ray Mendoza Transition From SEAL to Filmmaker?
Mendoza’s film career began while he was still in uniform. In 2012, he appeared in the military action film Act of Valor, which featured real active-duty SEALs and SWCC personnel. This project sparked his interest in filmmaking and laid the foundation for his post-military transition.
After his 2014 retirement, Mendoza entered Hollywood full-time. He contributed to multiple high-profile films and television shows, including Lone Survivor, Mile 22, The Outpost, and The Terminal List. His behind-the-scenes roles ranged from stunt coordinator to technical advisor, ensuring the accurate portrayal of military tactics and operations.
Mendoza also performed motion capture work for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and took on brief acting roles in Operation Pawn and The Terminal List. Despite the challenges of gaining recognition in Hollywood, he steadily built his reputation as a trusted military consultant.
In 2016, Mendoza co-founded War Office Productions, a Los Angeles-based company dedicated to developing veteran-led projects. Through this venture, he produced The Warfighters, a documentary series highlighting combat veterans’ experiences. The production employed over 90 veterans, showcasing Mendoza’s commitment to supporting the military community in Hollywood.
READ MORE: Daredevil Born Again Bullseye Blue Scene Meaning Explained
How Did Mendoza Come to Co-Direct Warfare in 2025?
Mendoza’s most significant filmmaking milestone came through his collaboration with director Alex Garland. The two met on the set of Civil War (2024), where Mendoza served as a military consultant. His impact was so profound that Garland entrusted him with directing the film’s climactic battle scene.
This working relationship led to their joint effort on Warfare, released in theaters on April 11, 2025, by A24. Garland took a supporting role, allowing Mendoza to lead the direction and storytelling. The film is a real-time reenactment of Mendoza’s 2006 mission, based entirely on testimonies from his SEAL platoon.
The film honors Elliott Miller, a fellow SEAL who suffered a traumatic brain injury, losing both his leg and his ability to speak. Mendoza aimed to use the movie to provide Miller with a visual account of what happened—something Miller can no longer remember. Mendoza also saw Warfare as an opportunity to process his own trauma, having relived the mission in dreams for years.
Mendoza attended the Los Angeles premiere on March 27, 2025, at the Directors Guild of America, and participated in a SiriusXM special with the cast on March 28 at The London West Hollywood. The movie premiered earlier at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago on March 16.
READ MORE: Parental guide for The Last of Us Season 2: Is it suitable for teens?
What Is Ray Mendoza’s Legacy in Warfare and Beyond?
Warfare has received critical acclaim for its intense realism and immersive, real-time narrative. The film has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94% and an audience score of 94%, with a Metacritic score of 76 and user rating of 7.5/10. Critics note that while its intensity may be overwhelming, the film’s authenticity offers a raw look into modern combat—especially for Gen X and millennial veterans.
Key Milestones in Ray Mendoza’s Post-Warfare Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Awarded Silver Star for actions during Ramadi mission |
| 2012 | Appeared in Act of Valor while still in service |
| 2013–2014 | Retired from the Navy SEALs after 16+ years of service |
| 2016 | Founded War Office Productions; produced The Warfighters |
| 2024 | Advised on Civil War; co-directed key battle scene |
| 2025 | Co-directed Warfare; premiered March 16; released April 11 |
Mendoza has emphasized that Warfare is not just based on “true events” but on “real memories,” a distinction he believes gives the film its emotional power. According to IndieWire and NBC News, he sees this approach as a new standard for telling war stories with respect and realism.
With more than a decade of film industry experience, Mendoza’s journey from SEAL chief to Hollywood director is not only remarkable but also meaningful. His storytelling reflects a commitment to truth, brotherhood, and healing, offering a platform for veterans whose experiences have often been misunderstood or overlooked in mainstream media.
As he continues working with War Office Productions and explores future filmmaking opportunities, Mendoza aims to share more untold stories from the battlefield—stories shaped by 20 years of military experience and a clear vision for what war films should represent.
READ MORE: Netflix’s Devil May Cry Full Soundtrack: Every Song Listed
When Was Warfare Released and Where Can You Watch It?
Warfare was officially released in U.S. theaters on April 11, 2025, with its first premiere held at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago on March 16. It later had a Los Angeles premiere at the Directors Guild of America on March 27.
Streaming availability has not yet been announced, but given A24’s release strategy, the film is expected to arrive on major platforms in the coming months following its theatrical run.
Source: Stripes
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
