In these circumstances, the appointment as commander of the Army of General Kappel, who enjoyed unlimited trust and prestige amongst Kolchak's troops, was the first step to avoid the disintegration of the entire Kolchak army. Only the 2nd Army came under his command, as communication with the 1st and 3rd armies had been lost.
Under these circumstances, General Kappel's appointment as commander of the Army was a strategic decision to maintain unity among Kolchak's troops. As the only army still in touch, the 2nd Army came under his authority, while the 1st and 3rd armies were severed from communication.