As Bitter As It Is Illuminating

: Why did they pick you? Because you like to fight?

: I’m expendable.

: What mean expendable?

: It’s like someone invites you to a party and you don’t show up. It doesn’t really matter.

—Rambo: First Blood, Part II

“Leave no man behind.”  This slogan is the peak of military romanticism.  No matter how much you suffer for the cause, you are never alone.  You belong to an unbreakable brotherhood of blood.

“I’m expendable.”  This admission is the peak of military realism.  You’re ...