No, we generally define it as being a human. And having empathy, and caring about the well being of your soldiers is quite important. Not to the point of sacrificing everything, but if you treat your men like disposable pawns, you are never going to get "their best". Ever.

Elmithian said:

if you treat your men like disposable pawns, you are never going to get "their best". Ever.

No, you eventually do get the survivors' best... efforts to kill you.