[1] A narrator informs viewers that the United States maintains far-flung military outposts, occupied by diligent sentinels.
The film then introduces an outpost on a tiny Pacific island, where under its single palm tree lies the local sentinel, Private Snafu.
Snafu loudly complains about his 249 days on the island without getting involved in any fighting, and a message coming over the radio informs him that his 249th request for a transfer has been denied.
The dejected bird locates a floating can of food, eager to eat the contents until he learns it is "Pickled Fish Eyes with Rice".
[1] This is considered a transitional film in the series, with Snafu successfully able to complete a mission despite his discomfort and being unaware of the importance of the task.