Soldier

A soldier is a person who has enlisted with, or has been conscripted into, the armed forces of a sovereign country and has undergone training and received equipment (such as a uniform and weapon) to defend that country or its interests. In most countries, the term soldier is limited to such people who serve in the land branch of the armed services (usually known as the army). Armies are strictly hierarchical societies, and within them, groups of soldiers are usually divided into military units of some kind.

Related Topics:
Conscripted - Armed force - Uniform - Weapon - Army - Hierarchical - Military unit

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A soldier is not necessarily a fighter. Although all soldiers get basic combat training, many soldiers serve in the rear in non-combat positions (such as in office management, clerical, logistics, or research and development positions).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In an army, the most common military rank held by soldiers is the lowest - in the British Army and United States Army, a private or equivalent. In some countries of the world, soldier specifically refers to members of the army who are not holders of an officer's commission. In most armies of the world a soldier who is not an officer can in theory work their way through the ranks to obtain a commission.

Related Topics:
Military rank - British Army - United States Army - Private - Officer's commission - Commission

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A soldier who no longer serves in the armed forces is called a veteran, a term which can also apply to a long-serving or experienced soldier who is still in the army.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~