[latch]

Civilians decide the budget (for the DoD and other agencies such as the VA) and when/where to go to war, right?

But you're right and I was wrong. The problem isn't only that politicians / civilians have usurped "supporting the troops" as a shield (as I said), but really any decisions (whether it be made by the military or civilians) cannot be criticized / questioned without a high risk of being labeled unpatriotic.