“As has been observed: the further from the front, the more enthusiasm for combat.”
I agree that those who have not seen the elephant, are the ones most eager to do so.
But, really, isn’t that more a condition of youth and naivete? Youth thinks it is immortal; always has. But, once it sees some carnage and mangled bodies it generally develops a different mindset. Unless it is just plain stupid.
One would hope that people would grow out of it. But apparently too many don’t.