@menachem
You ask for a source for the psak of RMS shlitah re praying for soldiers.
Maybe . Again, maybe . His reason is as follows .
Zionism has proven to be a tremendous magnet to pull people away yahadut and from true chinuch .
If we popularize identification with zionist symbols – even when otherwise warranted- ., we risk reinforcing and strengthening the power of this magnet- with disastrous consequences.
Not that al pi torah we shouldn’t pray for them .
Its the probable , or possible , consequences which are the problem .
Just a suggestion .
Might be wrong .