How is going to work for more money a loserish activity? My understanding is that the US contractors underpay so being patriotic Americans they went to work for a better company.
I have worked with various companies that have contracts with the US military and other agencies. I wouldn't say they underpay. I would actually say they pay pretty well, but once again, this has to align with whatever your personal values are. Some people are quite happy to work for a three letter acronym agency and couldn't ever conceive of working for a FAANG or a foreign entity.
I am sorry that a general perception of Americans might be that we are mercenary and will run after the highest paying opportunity. There are 300 million of us, and I would say that a majority of Americans are driven by values that don't include the theft of national intelligence assets or chasing after money no matter the consequence.
Most people feel in the software field feel the ITAR regulations as applied to code are ridiculous including but not limited to the EFF. Most consider it to be an abridgment of their 1st amendment rights.