https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dale-a-dye/thoughts-on-national-airborne-day_b_5683588.html

"What counts with the airborne soldier is that he or she jumps ready to fight and knowing full well that they will likely be outnumbered on the ground and probably surrounded when they land -- assuming they survive the exit and descent required to get at the enemy. These are soldiers who understand, with great serenity, that their survival depends on catching the enemy by surprise, closing with him and killing him -- very likely at close quarters -- with only the food, support, and ammunition they can carry out the door when they jump. And they know they will have to continue this brutal mission until heavier ground forces arrive, or they die in combat."