At War with the Army follows Vic Puccinelli (Dean Martin) and Alvin Korwin (Jerry Lewis), former nightclub partners who enlist in the US Army during World War II. Korwin wants to see his wife and new baby, while Puccinelli seeks active duty overseas, despite being refused transfer due to a promotion. The two must balance their personal lives with army duties, including rehearsing for the base talent show and avoiding their strict platoon sergeant McVey (Mike Kellin).