But I think he's comparing the ideal of an army or soldier with the worst example of terrorism. Rather than, for example, comparing the soldiers at My Lai with the French Resistance.
To a certain extent, yes. But I'd draw distinctions between the French resistance, IRA, and al-Qaeda as terrorists (I think you meant the resistance as terrorists, in that they often fought without open engagement.)
The French resistance were fighting an aggressor on their own soil. From that perspective they were 'freedom fighters' in the truest sense.
The IRA might be given the same kudos when they maintained the fight on their own soil, except it's arguable as to what level of support they had from the people living in the territory they were fighting for. (But then were those people (the descendents of) invaders?) But when they plant bombs in UK mainland litter bins, killing a 10 year old boy, that is terrorism.
And any invasion is terrorism depending on your POV, I guess. Personally, I thought the British army should've pulled out Ireland right at the start and let the paddies get on with it. But I guess that may not have been totally popular with some sections of society
:Y