In Ancient Times, things were good. The Vedic Kshatriya aim in war is to capture or kill the opposing King himself. The King is always a Kshatriya, and always on the Battlefield himself, leading his army. His army is to protect him yes, but mainly his people and land in peace times.
War is considered an unfortunate occasional necessity to again, protect the good people of the land.
Currently in America the leaders have a law that we shall not try to kill another leader even during a war. This is because our leaders themselves do not wish to provoke themselves as being targets during wars. They certainly never go into the battle itself or even fly the luxury bombers. This is why they don't go directly for Saddam or Milosovich. This is why they bomb the people and things instead.