...is that even bad? It kinda seems good to have that signal before the military and media spin takes hold.

I was kinda on the fence about this debate, but your arguments have actually pushed me away.

Yes, it’s really bad.

Now you have to worry about troops having placed bets on outcomes they’re part of.

“Oh shit, I think I see the guy… but I lose $50k if I call out because I bet he wouldn’t be found today! Better be quiet.”

They are also essentially stealing from the counterparty on the bet. Same reason insider trading is illegal.