This short chapter serves as a light transition into the final, mostly serious section of the novel. It also allows Heller an opportunity for one more satiric tweak at military logic and the chain of command. There is a flavor of poetic justice in the events that bring down Peckem.
First, because Peckem has moved to wing commander, a new General must be named to head Special Services. For reasons understood only by military logic, Scheisskopf is the choice; he is promoted to lieutenant general (three stars) — above brigadier general, above major general, and definitely above Peckem. Second, the military chain of command has finally responded to all of Peckem's memoranda and has transferred combat operations to Special Services! Thus, Lieutenant General Scheisskopf now outranks Peckem and is in charge of all combat operations. Peckem is understandably distraught: "Scheiss-kopf? The man's a moron! I walked all over that blockhead, and now he's my superior officer. Oh, my lord!"
All orders are to be cleared through Scheisskopf. Scheisskopf will shape the outfit to match his own personality. His first directive is for everyone to march! Somehow we get the feeling that this means more than just parades.
