What I love about this little ten minute extra is that it's interactive (kind of). You, as the watcher, are one of the new state alchemists that have just been inducted into the Amestrian Army. At certain points in the story, the characters will turn and address the "camera" (You) with various directions and such.
Personally, I absolutely ADORE this idea. It's cute, fun, and really gives anyone who loves Fullmetal Alchemist a fuzzy feeling inside. I know I felt special when Edward Elric and Roy Mustang turned around and talked to me. :D
As for the story, it takes place in some unknown universe of time before the destruction of the Homunculi, but after all of them were introduced (except the Fuhrer), and the military is somehow completely aware of them. It's not really meaningful to the actual plot of Fullmetal Alchemist in any way, but it takes place in the familiar setting of the final battle scene in the last few episodes of the series.
I hope lovers of the show will enjoy this little short as much as I did. :D
