World War II. John Yossarian is a U.S. Air Force bomber who is trying to get out of the war as soon as possible. However, he needs to complete a certain number of combat missions to qualify for retirement. His commanding officer, who is trying to promote him, constantly increases the number of missions required. Yossarian begins to devise ways to cheat the system, which complicates his already difficult situation and leads to unpredictable consequences.