"I also do not think the USA benefits economically from war"
No, your absolutely right! The US weapons manufacturing industry, key stakeholders (some of which are polies, related or family), employees and share holders are all doing it for "free" and the "love of war". And of course this has no economic, or other types of spin offs for the government either. That would be too much common sense now wouldn't it?
And lets not forget what the Pentagon's real meaning is! It's historical and esoteric meaning is "Satanic" and it means... wait for it... yes... you guessed it...
"Never ending war!"
Oh shit, the ALP's "education revolution" forgot to teach the Australian public about that one before we followed them into war, didn't they?