In the end dang it THIS is what it boils down too.
I would also contend that only the Heavies in the railroad are soldiers, (Glory deacon you, and tommy whispers) Everyone else would be a civilian (if I thought such a thing existed in fallout I do not). Most of them were in fact farmers/ settlers.
And ON the children thing.... NONE were killed (games dont do that) the managed to get to the escape pod or mini power armor and jumped. (and I would add what will happen to warrick homestead, read VIrgils terminals in the instuite, or watch what happens when a replacement is gunned down (goodneighbor for sure) their children certainly are affected.
Plus can we give the kids a rest It is giving the Moderators a headache methinks and I do not want ta get on there bad side. heheh