In the story, Colonel Cathcart feels a sense of pride and accomplishment due to recent events, believing they enhance his reputation. He approaches Milo with a cheerful demeanor and, in a gesture of goodwill, suggests that Major Major should be promoted. His intentions are driven by a desire for recognition within the military hierarchy.

However, this recommendation is swiftly discarded by the higher-ups at the Twenty-seventh Air Force Headquarters. Ex-P.F.C. Wintergreen responds curtly, reminding them that they only have one Major Major Major Major and will not promote him just to satisfy Colonel Cathcart's whims, highlighting the absurdity and bureaucracy present in the military.