There are a few types of people who are gung-ho for war. As far as I can tell, that is
People who have never actually experienced life-or-death situations, and instead have a wholly fictionalized idea of combat.
People who were in rear echelon duties who think they missed out on something heroic thanks to military culture.
Politicians and other psychopaths, although the former tend to scrupulously avoid placing themselves in any real danger.
People who actually experienced combat don't tend to talk about it, and older generations especially tend to bottle up the trauma.
A quite accurate assessment. The horrific injuries seen/experienced under wartime conditions certainly affects the human psych obtuse to that in which Hollywood movies depict.
Your second point, are people often found in leadership positions of such organizations like VFW and the like. In many cases, they were cooks, clerks, supply personnel, etc. There are numerous rank members who join these orgs. for entirely different reasons though.
Thirdly, you're right on target regarding politicians, many who display various degrees of psychopathy.
Enjoy your day.