I think it is not coincidental that until after WW2, the sons of the rich elites were expected to serve in the military, as a matter of honor (e.g, the Kennedys, the Bushes). But since then, they have generally avoided serving, preferring instead to enrich themselves without taking risks with their own blood.
So yes, Virginia, I think we should follow the money, although to be fair, I think we are also still fighting the Cold War, trying to avoid the mistakes of the period between WW1 and WW2.