[OT] Retreating from Iraq

[Russell Lewis]

If every superior uses a conference call to talk to his subordinates, 
then the news propagates exactly proportional to the depth of the heirarchy.

:)

Of course, if he has to call all of his subordinates in sequence, then 
things are different...but in that case, we need a measurement for 
"fast."  Are we looking for an algorithm that provides the lowest 
possible maximum time, lowest average, or something else?

Andrei Alexandrescu wrote:
> Suppose that a miracle happen and the decision is taken at the highest 
> level to retreat all of US military presence from Iraq. That will take a 
> while, but sending the orders quickly is a must.
> 
> For utmost certainty, all orders are to be sent via phone and down the 
> command chain, and only to direct subordinates. Each officer has a 
> variable number of subordinates. Initially the president calls his 
> immediate subordinates, who call their immediate subordinates, etc. Each 
> call can be assumed to take the same amount of time.
> 
> Devise an algorithm that ensures every foot soldier gets the news as 
> quickly as possible, show it is correct, and show it is fast.
> 
> 
> Andrei