The Rivalry Between Dreedle and Peckem

The bureaucratic war between General Dreedle and General Peckem for control of combat operations.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Peckem's machinations

The Schemer The Memoranda General Peckem writes prolix memoranda about neatness and procrastination. He tries to expand his authority over combat operations. He sees himself as Fortinbras. The Conflict Peckem clashes with General Dreedle, who runs a fighting outfit. Dreedle despises Peckem's pretensions. Peckem undermines Dreedle at every opportunity. The Wintergreen Factor ex-P.F.C. Wintergreen, a mail clerk, favors Dreedle's concise style. He throws Peckem's communications in the wastebasket. Peckem loses early battles.

Dreedle's bluntness

The Old Soldier The Style General Dreedle is blunt and direct. He drinks heavily. He has a nurse and a son-in-law he despises. He believes in discipline and results. The Clashes Dreedle clashes with Cathcart over the skeet range and the chaplain. He orders Major Danby shot, then relents. He is unpredictable. The Weakness Dreedle is outmaneuvered by Peckem. He does not understand the new bureaucratic warfare. His power is waning.

Peckem's victory and Scheisskopf's promotion

The Coup The Change General Peckem finally replaces General Dreedle as wing commander. He is elated. But then he learns that Colonel Scheisskopf has been promoted to lieutenant general and put in charge of all combat operations. The Irony Peckem's own memoranda led to the transfer of combat operations to Special Services, where Scheisskopf now rules. Peckem is horrified. Scheisskopf wants everyone to march. The New Order The rivalry ends with a twist. Scheisskopf, the parade fanatic, now commands. The absurdity of military bureaucracy is complete.

Throughout the novel, before the command change

During briefings and at the officers' club

Near the end of the novel