Was referring to the Romans. Perhaps I'm exaggerating.
My point is that military service is a responsibility, not a chore foisted upon us. If it were, we would be subjects. But we are not subjects, we are citizens.
What spoils? I think it would be rather difficult to claim that the general US population has come out on top as a result of Middle East adventurism over the past two decades.
Maybe when the country is being invaded. For offensive wars however I don’t know how you can argue this.