A Rookie in Fort Custer #[nn]

In "2. That Doggone Bugler!", Private Ned Eller navigates the absurdities of basic training at Camp Roberts, where the relentless sound of the bugle turns every routine moment into a comedic ordeal. With sharp wit and deadpan humor, Ned recounts the trials of military life, from grueling drills to the endless parade of petty rules—all drawn in his own unmistakable, expressive style.

In "3. Learning the Ropes," Private Ned Eller navigates the absurdities and trials of basic training at Camp Roberts in Central California, where every drill, misstep, and military mishap becomes a lesson in discipline—though not always the one they’re supposed to learn. With humor drawn from the everyday chaos of military life, Ned’s journey through boot camp unfolds with the kind of deadpan charm only someone who’s lived it could capture.

In "4. Feel Like a Horse," Private Ned Eller navigates the absurd trials of basic training at Camp Roberts, where every drill, march, and order feels like a test of endurance—literally and hilariously. With his own pen, pencil, ink, and lettering, Ned Eller captures the chaotic charm of military life with a humor that’s as sharp as it is self-aware.

In "5. Yes, Sir! General!", Pvt. Ned Eller navigates the absurd trials of military life with deadpan humor—facing a grueling inspection, a fumbled trip to town, a surprising weight loss, awkward rifle drills, and the surprisingly complex art of eating in the field. Written and drawn by the man himself, this one-page gem captures the everyday chaos of a rookie’s first days in Fort Custer with wry charm and precise, self-aware detail.

In "6. This Is the Life," Private Ned Eller recounts his chaotic first days of basic training at Camp Roberts in Central California, where the rigors of military life meet his own brand of clumsy determination. With humor and heart, he navigates drills, routines, and the ever-watchful eye of his drill sergeant—all drawn and lettered by the man himself, Ned Eller.

In "Half Way Mark!" from A Rookie in Fort Custer, Pvt. Ned Eller navigates the absurd trials of military life with a mix of clumsy determination and dry humor—learning to handle a rifle, dodging the chaos of the firing range, bonding with a feline roommate who bears a striking resemblance to Krazy Kat, and regretting a visit to the barracks barber.

In "8. Problems Afield!", Pvt. Ned Eller navigates the absurdities of military training with his usual mix of enthusiasm and missteps, from digging trenches to setting up gun emplacements and mastering camouflage—each task a new chance to learn (or mislearn) the ropes. Written, drawn, inked, and lettered by Pvt. Ned Eller himself, the story captures the humor and chaos of boot camp with a self-aware, wry charm.

In "The Ghost Walks," Pvt. Ned Eller captures the humor of military life with a straight-faced letter home, chronicling the absurdity of pay-day delays, the thrill of nailing the bayonet course, and the less-than-graceful stumble through grenade training—all drawn and lettered with the same wry, self-aware charm that defines the whole story.

In "10. Shank's Mare," Private Ned Eller recounts his misadventures during basic training at Camp Roberts in Central California, where the rigors of military life meet the humor of rookie mishaps. With all art and writing by Ned Eller himself, the story captures the chaotic charm of boot camp through his sharp, self-deprecating eye.

In "11. It's All in the Day!", Pvt. Ned Eller navigates a series of misadventures at Fort Custer, from fumbling with a range finder to losing his sweetheart’s cake to hungry comrades, all while dodging accusations of loafing and a sudden trip to the guard house after a roadside hitchhike—each mishap delivered with deadpan humor and the unmistakable hand of a soldier-artist who’s been there.

In "12. Dust Gets in Your Eye!", Pvt. Ned Eller recounts the trials of basic training at Camp Roberts in Central California, where the endless dust, stubborn routines, and endless drills test his patience and endurance. With humor and grit, he captures the absurdity of military life through the eyes of a rookie learning to march, salute, and survive the California sun.

In "13. Ready to Move On!", Pvt. Ned Eller navigates the trials of basic training at Camp Roberts in Central California, where every drill, parade, and prank becomes a test of patience and perseverance. With his own pen and pencil, Eller captures the humor and chaos of military life, turning everyday moments into a lighthearted look at the challenges of a rookie soldier.