Yeah that was a huge part of it.

What modern Republicans would call a “waste” was a major form of power projection.

It was a signal. “We are so strong that we can send our troops shit like cake to keep them happy and fed. You’re eating slop and wearing torn boots. We’ve already won.”

Not only did it boost American troops morale, but it crushed the enemy morale.

An enemy that feels they’ve already lost because of the massive machine coming towards them is easier to beat than a motivated enemy that can smell the incompetence from a mile away.