Without a demonstration of skill and power in an environment with some life-threatening risks, the military mind rots from simple atrophy. Without a contest, the buff and ruthless soldier becomes a soft and sad couch potato. What happens in Kosovo Sudan, or Afghanistan is only incidentally necessary to maintain the military-industrial complex that stimulates the fragile economy of a large number of Congressional districts. There's a military constituency in some congressional district that will elect a representative who brings the pork home. There are thousands of voters who might have to find a productive job if that local military base is closed.
Effectiveness is irrelevant.
Readiness is irrelevant. Big bucks from Big Brother is important. There may be a noble and praiseworthy cause in Kosovo. Independence from a vicious communist dictator is a worthy objective for any people. A recitation of causes from our own Declaration of Independence provides ample grounds for a new Balkan nation.