Yes, I realize that women and children have been killed in every war. However, most of the examples given would be justified due to the combatant status of the women and children during each action. But, this is not the same as going in and indescriminately murdering every woman and child in sight. Such actions are not defensible under any doctrine of war. Soldiers acting in such a manner would forfeit any rights under the Geneva Convention (as well as civil and military law).
One post addressed the uniform--part of being a soldier. Soldiers wear uniforms and represent their respective sides. Without a uniform, you are not a soldier. If you dispute this point, then you are advocating the release of all the illegal combatants at Gitmo. And you are granting soldier status to traitors, saboteurs and spies.
The fact that all soldiers are not good does not negate the fact that good soldiers maintain their humanity during conflict. America's armed forces have proven true in conflict after conflict. The is the essence of soldiering.
I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
A warrior's "humanity" or "compassion" can often be tempered by the enemy he faces...
You need only to find one brother - strung up by his elbows with his intestines lying at his feet, partially skinned alive --- and you will become a different person than the one your mother raised....
To stay alive, and extract revenge - can become VERY important....
Men that could not later, forgive themselves or rationalize their actions - ended up as drunks, drug addicts or suicides. They are the uncounted KIAs whose names don't appear on the black stone wall.
But, we're getting way off topic... Just making the point, there are no rules for human behavior that can hold all men in "check" when faced with his own destruction.
Semper Fi