What is Courage

Published on Blackfive.net

One day, four military commanders were standing at the bottom of Hill 905 - which was occupied by a heavily fortified enemy force. As they strategerized, they argued over which service had the most courage.
The Army General says, "You want to see courage, I'll show you courage. First Battalion, take that hill!"
His soldiers go charging up the hill. They kick the hell out of the enemy on the way up, but ran out of steam before they can reach the top of the hill.
As the soldiers trudge past the commanders, the Army General says, "That's courage."
"That's nothing," barks the Marine General, "Alpha Company, take that hill!"
The Marines ruck up and charge up the hill. Soon, the Marines come back down the hill, having been unable to defeat the heavily-fortified defenders.
"See? That, gentlemen, is what I call courage," says the Marine General.
"OK, I'll show you courage," says the Navy Admiral. "SEALs - take that hill."
A platoon of Navy SEALs begin unleashing death and destruction, but soon they return empty-handed as well.
"Yes, that was all pretty impressive," says the Air Force General, "but not courageous, I'll show you TRUE courage."
The General looks over to his aide. "Airman! Here's a .45 and a couple of magazines. Now go and take that hill."
The Airman looks up from his coffee and replies, "FUCK you, sir!"
The General smiles at the other commanders: "That, gentlemen, is courage."