To avoid having to go to detention, Mr. Belding gives Zack the option of joining Bayside's branch of the California Cadet Corps, ROTC type program. He then gets tasks recruit his classmates to participate in a friendly athletic competition. However, when he picks the most athletic students to be on his team, while the placing the academic students on the opposing team, to ensure his victory. However, when drill instructor realizes what Zack's up to, he makes him switch teams.

After becoming jealous of Slater's success in Driver's Ed class, Zack plots to get him into trouble, but his plan soon backfires.