While on a hike Gomer makes a friend, but when the friend decides to move into the barracks Sgt Carter wants him gone! but Gomer shows the Sgt what an asset this new friend is to the platoon.
After tipping his hat instead of saluting female Captain "Iron Pants" Martin, Gomer is assigned special detail in her office to teach him a lesson, but it turns out that he is the teacher instead of the student as he reminds her that she is more then just a Marine.
A trouble maker transfers into the platoon and decides to make Pyle his patsy, Gomer tries to handle it with understanding and kindness - but soon learns that bullies need to be stood up against.
After being bawled out by Sgt Carter for not working hard enough Gomer decides not accept his pay for that week which causes all sorts of troubles for Sgt Carter.
Sgt Carter tries to make Gomer dislike him before graduation, feeling that he hasn't done his job correctly if he isn't hated by ALL the recruits. Sgt Carter asks for a transfer to California, but things don't go quite as he expects.
While in town on pass Sgt Carter decides to play a joke on Gomer by setting him on a quest to get a kiss from "The Dragon Lady" but in order for it to work he will need Duke's help.
It's Survival Training for the platoon, for 5 days partners have to rough it. Thinking Gomer will bring down the rating for the platoon, Sgt Carter takes Pyle as his own partner. Carter soon learns that Gomer's small-town, backwoods upbringing turns out to be an asset
The Colonel's daughter visits from her all-girls school and the Colonel asks Sgt Carter to find her an escort, so of course Gomer Pyle is the perfect choice - at least until her overly protective mother panics.
Sgt Carter's platoon takes part in war games, and Gomer's naive ways cause more problems than Sgt Carter can handle. Will Gomer's actions get Carter the boot?
Gomer and his fellow Marines are headed into town on day passes when one of them is stuck on guard duty. Gomer volunteers to help his buddy's wife take care of things for the baby - but Sgt Carter "volunteers" to drive them around leaving his date on hold.
While hitching a ride to town Gomer stops to help a stranded motorist, she takes him into town to meet her mother. A robber is holding up liquor stores while wearing a Marine's uniform at the same time.