I'm pleased to have discovered this article, a rather extensive and "brainy," look at the trend of endless war that we're now experiencing.

The "military-industrial complex," that former WW 2 leading general and former President Eisenhower warned about appears to have hit it's groove.

Endless war. Half the troops mercenaries. "Acceptable" official casuality levels. The military negotiates it's own treaties with other nations - no Congressional approval or debate requred.(we now have SOFA's - military negotiated Status of Forces Agreements - in 151 countries)

So...500 soldiers get killed a year (which could just have been one bad day in WW2). No draft. Weapons makers get to sell their product and get money for research. General get to do their thing, have some experience.

What's not to like?