The small squads fought hard and terribly for days to take the hill from the enemy.  Standing, finally, at the top, weary to their bones, the hill they took is strewn below them with the awful results of warring, equipment and blasted debris everywhere, things still smoking.  

So the sergeants radioed headquarters to share the good news, and their trainer answered.

And The Trainer said, "Well, you sure left a lot of bullets on that hill."

Okay, NOT what they wanted to hear, to say the least.  So they had the trainer put their teacher on the radio.

And The Teacher said, "Well, good. I give you a solid 'B'."

STILL not what they wanted to hear.  And, so, frustrated and tired, the sergeants at last had the teachers put their leader on the radio.

And The Leader said: "Excellent news! Great job, and I'm so proud of you all.  I know you've done well, so I want you to turn over that hill to my other troops I've got there.  And, next, I need you to come straight back here to headquarters so I can tell how I want you to use your success and experience on our next objective!"

Proud, tired, and finally beaming, the sergeants asked him, "Sir, what is our next objective?"

And The Leader replied, "To kick the ever-living crap out of the trainers and teachers who didn't train and teach you the difference between 'H-I-L-L' and  ‘UNIT H-1-1-1'.  For the last three days, you've been fighting our own troops!”

--Copyright 2012 Keith Shetterly, All Rights Reserved
keithshetterly@gmail.com www.keithshetterly.com