The book by Kevin Powers revolves around Iraq war, reported Entertainment Weekly.
The 'Sherlock' star will play the role of a sergeant who takes two young soldiers - played by Will Poulter and Tye Sheridan - under his wing.
The story focuses on 21-year-old Private Bartle and the teenaged Private Murphy, who meet at boot camp and are deployed to Iraq. Some of the story is autobiographical; Powers served as an Army machine gunner in Iraq after enlisting at the age of 17.
David Lowery of 'Ain't Them Bodies Saints' will write the script and direct.