The General and the Secret Bridge

During a massive multi-branch training exercise, an Army General in a mud-splattered Jeep was racing toward a strategic river crossing. As he approached the bridge, he saw a lone young private standing in the middle of the road, frantically waving his arms to stop the vehicle.

The General, who was already thirty minutes behind schedule, leaned out of the Jeep and bellowed, "Son, get out of the way! I have a division to move and a war to win!"

The private stood his ground, snapping a crisp salute. "I'm sorry, Sir, but you cannot cross this bridge. It was destroyed by enemy explosives two hours ago."

The General looked at the bridge, which appeared perfectly intact, solid, and made of reinforced steel. He turned back to the private, his face turning a deep shade of crimson. "Are you blind, soldier? The bridge is right there! It’s clearly standing!"

The private didn't blink. "I understand how it looks, Sir, but officially, I am a sign that says 'Bridge Blown Up,' and technically, you are currently drowning in thirty feet of water."