You are absolutely correct, DrE. Our troops operate according to Rules of Engagement (ROE). The ROE are designed to protect the individual soldier, so as soon as the rules are violated by the enemy, then they must engage in order to protect their own lives.
It must be rote response, and not "reluctantly."
That is different than saying that a soldier cannot feel remorse after the action is finished that a life, even if an enemy life, had to be taken.