The Stooges become discharged after hearing that
World War I is over desperate not doing anything. After being discharged, they get back at their Sargent, MacGillicuddy (Stanley Blystone), for how he treated them. 17 years later, they find themselves despite for a job, so they get a suggestion by a man (Vernon Dent
* in his first appearance) to sign up at a recruiting station. Little did they know, they find out they'd signed up for the army. To make matters worse, MacGillicuddy was there, and will he get even with them.
- Achievements in Ignorance: The Stooges hadn't even done anything but sleep during World War I, and thanks to MacGillicuddy, they were given honor medals from the wounds he gave 'em.
- The Dog Bites Back: After being discharged, the Stooges discover that they won't be taking anymore orders from MacGillicuddy, and they get back at him by striking his butt with a plank with nails on the end, pulling his armpit hairs and kicking him with a mule! Doubles as Disproportionate Retribution.
- Drill Sergeant Nasty: Sargent MacGillicuddy. During WWI, and as Moe and Larry implied, he's treated them pretty bad.
- Foreshadowing: As mentioned above about the Stooges getting back at MacGillicuddy, he vows to get back at the trio. Fast-forward 17 years later, he finds the three in the recruiting office where he was working at and finds them in his charge again.
- Gone Horribly Right: Had it not been for MacGillicuddy giving Curly and Larry black eyes and Moe a broken arm for their tomfoolery, the three wouldn't have been rewarded medals.
Curly: Thanks, pal.
MacGillicuddy: For what?
Moe: (pointing to his broken arm) For this.
Curly: (pointing to his black right eye) And this.
Larry: (pointing to his black left eye) And this.
MacGillicuddy: (chuckles) Thanking me for beating ya up?
Moe: Sure. (the Stooges show their medals) They decorated us!
Curly: They thought we were wounded in action!
Larry: Look.
- Oh, Crap!: As the Stooges sign up for a job, to which they were tricked into by a bystander, Curly notices a poster that says "U.S. Army — Join Now". Curly tries to explain it, but Moe, naturally, shuts him up and makes him sign. Then...
MacGillicuddy: As I live, I'm seein' things. three of 'em.
Moe: Boys,
you remember Sgt. MacGillicuddy. Curly: Yeah, his mother and my mother are both mothers!
Larry: No, he helped us win the war!
Burke: Sergeant, take these men over to Fort Singer. They're in your charge.
MacGillicuddy: (salutes) With pleasure. - Pre-Mortem One-Liner: The Sgt. gives one after aiming a coastal defense gun at them due to them having struck an Admiral's flagship, which marks the first time the trio buys the farm in a short.
- Time Skip: The first part takes place in WWI, in 1918. The next part, along with the rest of the story, takes place in 1935, 17 years later.
- Wham Line: Once the Stooges finish signing up, Captain Burke says, "Take these over to Fort Singer.", kickstarting the trio's next big mess they got themselves into.
