Soldier

A soldier is a person who is a member of an army. Soldiers help protect their country and keep peace.

They can be people who are required to serve, called conscripted, or they can choose to join, called volunteers.

Soldiers can have many different roles, such as a regular enlisted person, a leader who gives orders known as a non-commissioned officer, a special leader called a warrant officer, or an officer who has higher responsibilities.

Etymology

The word soldier comes from an old English word soudeour, meaning a hired fighter. This word came from old French and refers to someone paid a certain amount, like an old coin called a shilling. It is also linked to a Latin word soldarius, meaning a paid soldier, which itself comes from solidus, an ancient Roman coin used in the Byzantine Empire.

Occupational and other designations

In most armies, the word "soldier" means any member of the army. Soldiers can have many different jobs, each with its own special name. Some common names include trooper, tank crew member, commando, infantryman, artilleryman, paratrooper, and many more. These names can change over time as new technology and ways of working develop.

In the United States Army, each soldier has a special job called a Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS. Soldiers who work with tanks might be called "tankers," and those who keep order might be called "red caps" because of the color of their hats. Different countries and times have used different nicknames for soldiers. American soldiers were once called "Doughboys," British soldiers "Tommies," and French soldiers "Poilus." Over time, more people of different genders and backgrounds have been allowed to serve as soldiers.

Service

People can become soldiers in different ways. Sometimes, laws require certain people to join the army. This is called "conscription" or a "draft". Many countries ask men to register for this, especially during wars.

Others choose to become soldiers voluntarily, or "enlistment". People may join for many reasons, such as a sense of duty to their homeland, or to support an important cause.

The amount of time someone serves as a soldier can vary. In the United States, those who join the army usually commit to time in active service, with options for part-time roles in the Army Reserve or National Guard. After many years of service, soldiers may receive a retirement pension.

In media and popular culture

Further information: Military in the media

For a very long time, people have talked and written about soldiers and wars. You can find stories about them in songs, old tales, books, plays, movies, and more recently on TV, in video games, and in comic books. These stories often show soldiers as brave.