[Måns]

I would have to disagree. I have never stated him to eb a five star general, only chief of staff. His job is normally to lay out the main plan for a campaign or operation, for example whether the main assault would fall upon the Osgiliath or Cair Andros. That is called strategy. Commanders ahve field responsibilites and are in charge of tactics, for example whcih troops that are to be used where and when to achieve the maximum effect and making plans for and coordinating the work o fhis immediate subordinates. For example, a modern divisional commander controls his battlaions while at a higher level the corps commander direct the divisions in the same way. Usually, you are first a field commander and then advance to the staff, if that is your carrier. I think that the Mouth of Sauron was a chief of staff since there must have been one, a very trusted one and who could have been suited better for this position with his great knowledgeof the ways of the army of Gondor. Moreover, he is the "Lieutenant" of Barad dur which we seem to have to interpret as second in command and since the boss of the Black tower logicly is commander in chief, his subordinate must be second in command. Since he is not a field commander, to our knowledge, he must have ahd staff duties. And, I ask you, are there any other possible candidates?

Måns