Beowulf Question&Quote

What really makes a good trooper? Is it okay to have fear and not want to fight? Or is it frowned upon to be afraid due to society's "standards". Starting from line 1246 “It was their custom/ to be always be ready, armed for battle/ at home or in the field, every one of them, /on whatever occasion their overlord/ had need of them; that was a good troop” (Liuzza 131 lines1246-1250). What happens if one day, someone decides that they are not ready to fight? What will happen? I believe they put a lot of emphasis in trying to protect everyone but what about protecting themselves? Are they fighting because they want or have to? During precious moments when they are out feasting, drinking and having a good time, what does it feel like to stop your fun and be ready to fight? Does it ever cross their mind that they have to be prepared for battle at any given moment?