Another important yet commonly overlooked aspect of the war was that the US got to develop weapons and combat techniques on real people in a hostile environment. We're developing our drone and guided missile systems etc on real targets in the field. America always makes it a point to have military operations at least once per soldier-generation... you cant put a value on having actual combat experienced troops, with support and supply systems that have been combat tested. No other nation on earth has these sorts of experienced assets.
You can talk all you want about China having millions of soldiers... doesnt count for shit when they (probably) lack the logistics to actually put them to any real use. American military logistics outstrip everyone else by a huge margin.
Mark my words... as our current generation of combat hardened soldiers near retirement age, we will engage someone elsewhere in the world so that our green troops can learn from the combat vets, and so that we always have experienced troops in play. Just wait and see.
- alonjar on reddit