In "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller, a character expresses optimism about a soldier's combat missions, highlighting that completing five missions is a positive outcome. This moment reflects the absurdity of war and the bureaucratic mindset surrounding it, as it suggests a sense of achievement in the context of frequent, dangerous work.

The conversation takes a darker turn when the soldier acknowledges that his mission count includes a friendly fire incident, emphasizing the irony and tragedy of war. It illustrates how numbers and statistics can sometimes diminish the real consequences and moral complexities of military actions.