An Officer is first and foremost a LEADER. To say that My Lai was caused by politicians is preposterous.  Officers are decision makers, and those decisions have consequences which they must take responsibility for.  Past behaviour is one of the best predictors of future behaviour - that is why dropping out of college is not 'Officer like' behaviour.  Men want to be led by MEN, so the first comment is reasonable. This page on Calley should not be 'toned down' or cleaned up.  Like most things in life, My Lai was an example of choices, where certain people made the choice for right and certain people made the choice for wrong.  To attempt to mitigate their responsibility merely confirms their lack of leadership.