Subj: Gen. Rodes To Gen. Ewell #2: Corps Team Building
Date: 4/28/99

Dear General,

I believe it would be useful at some point on Friday, after the "Commanders Briefing," at Army Level (?) to hold a Corps level discussion among the four of us. Depending upon how certain factors are handled, which we probably won't know until then, certain issues among us may range from totally irrelevent to essential in the game! Since I can't know which are which, I list those which have occurred to me so far for your further consideration as Corps Commander. Let me say that I specifically requested to be in this Corps, because I think it has a particularly important role to play. Therefore we may want to make conventions for certain things which any team of men who had experience working with each other in reality would have worked out by now. The issues also include the type of guidance I expect to get from you as practicable (there's that word again), or to work out together along the way.

CORPS ISSUES

1. When attacks are to be mere demonstrations, pressed home, or Pressed to the Utmost.
2. Timing and scale of attacks.
3. Clear responsibility for areas "between" divisional operating boundaries.
4. Degree of support to be given to other divisions, even at the cost of one's own primary mission.
5. How to deal with communications breakdowns/limitations.
6. Seniority of command among the divisional commanders.
7. Conventions should any of us be incapacitated.

Doubtless there are others. Without getting too serious, a short conversation together before we are split apart (possible for hours of real time) would be a good idea, especially if we are not concentrated together in your "command radius" at start.

With deepest respect to the responsibilities of your position, I remain, sir, Your Obediant Subordinate, R. E. Rodes Major General of Divsion