Soldier

For other uses, see Soldier (disambiguation).

For broader coverage of this topic, see Military personnel.

Soldier

United States Army soldiers in Baghdad, Iraq in 2006
Occupation
Occupation type	Profession
Activity sectors	Military
Description
Fields of employment	Army

A soldier is a person who is a member of an army. A soldier can be a conscripted or volunteer enlisted person, a non-commissioned officer, a warrant officer, or an officer.

Etymology

The word soldier derives from the Middle English word soudeour, from Old French soudeer or soudeour, meaning mercenary, from soudee, meaning shilling's worth or wage, from sou or soud, shilling. The word is also related to the Medieval Latin soldarius, meaning soldier (lit. 'one having pay'). These words ultimately derive from the Late Latin word solidus, referring to an ancient Roman coin used in the Byzantine Empire.

Occupational and other designations

Filipino Australian Army soldiers in Victoria, Australia during World War II, 1941

In most armies, the word "soldier" has a general meaning that refers to all members of an army, distinct from more specialized military occupations that require different areas of knowledge and skill sets. "Soldiers" may be referred to by titles, names, nicknames, or acronyms that reflect an individual's military occupation specialty arm, service, or branch of military employment, their type of unit, or operational employment or technical use such as: trooper, tanker (a member of tank crew), commando, dragoon, infantryman, guardsman, artilleryman, paratrooper, grenadier, ranger, sniper, engineer, sapper, craftsman, signaller, medic, rifleman, or gunner, among other terms. Some of these designations or their etymological origins have existed in the English language for centuries, while others are relatively recent, reflecting changes in technology, increased division of labor, or other factors. In the United States Army, a soldier's military job is designated as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), which includes a very wide array of MOS Branches and sub-specialties. One example of a nickname for a soldier in a specific occupation is the term "red caps" to refer to military policemen personnel in the British Army because of the colour of their headgear.

Infantry are sometimes called "grunts" in the United States Army (as the well as in the U.S. Marine Corps) or "squaddies" (in the British Army). U.S. Army artillery crews, or "gunners," are sometimes referred to as "redlegs", from the service branch colour for artillery. U.S. soldiers are often called "G.I.s" (short for the term "Government Issue"). Such terms may be associated with particular wars or historical eras. "G.I." came into common use during World War II and after, but prior to and during World War I especially, American soldiers were called "Doughboys," while British infantry troops were often referred to as "Tommies" (short for the archetypal soldier "Tommy Atkins") and French infantry were called "Poilus" ("hairy ones").

American and French soldiers during a water obstacle training exercise, 2022

Some formal or informal designations may reflect the status or changes in status of soldiers for reasons of gender, race, or other social factors. With certain exceptions, service as a soldier, especially in the infantry, had generally been restricted to males throughout world history. By World War II, women were actively deployed in Allied forces in different ways. Some notable female soldiers in the Soviet Union were honored as "Heroes of the Soviet Union" for their actions in the army or as partisan fighters. In the United Kingdom, women served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) and later in the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC). Soon after its entry into the war, the U.S. formed the Women's Army Corps, whose female soldiers were often referred to as "WACs." These sex-segregated branches were disbanded in the last decades of the twentieth century and women soldiers were integrated into the standing branches of the military, although their ability to serve in armed combat was often restricted.

Race has historically been an issue restricting the ability of some people to serve in the U.S. Army. Until the American Civil War, Black soldiers fought in integrated and sometimes separate units, but at other times were not allowed to serve, largely due to fears about the possible effects of such service on the institution of legal slavery. Some Black soldiers, both freemen and men who had escaped from slavery, served in Union forces, until 1863, when the Emancipation Proclamation opened the door for the formation of Black units. After the war, Black soldiers continued to serve, but in segregated units, often subjected to physical and verbal racist abuse. The term "Buffalo Soldiers" was applied to some units fighting in the 19th century Indian Wars in the American West. Eventually, the phrase was applied more generally to segregated Black units, who often distinguished themselves in armed conflict and other service. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued an executive order for the end of segregation in the United States Armed Forces.

Service

Conscription

Norwegian Army soldiers, conscripts, and officers during a NATO exercise in Latvia, 2015

Throughout history, individuals have often been compelled by force or law to serve in armies and other armed forces in times of war or other times. Modern forms of such compulsion are generally referred to as "conscription" or a "draft". Currently, many countries require registration for some form of mandatory service, although that requirement may be selectively enforced or exist only in law and not in practice. Usually the requirement applies to younger male citizens, though it may extend to women and non-citizen residents as well. In times of war, the requirements, such as age, may be broadened when additional troops are thought to be needed.

At different times and places, some individuals have been able to avoid conscription by having another person take their place. Modern draft laws may provide temporary or permanent exemptions from service or allow some other non-combatant service, as in the case of conscientious objectors.

In the United States, males aged 18-25 are required to register with the Selective Service System, which has responsibility for overseeing the draft. However, no draft has occurred since 1973, and the U.S. military has been able to maintain staffing through voluntary enlistment.

Enlistment

Soldiers in war may have various motivations for voluntarily enlisting and remaining in an army or other armed forces branch. In a study of 18th century soldiers' written records about their time in service, historian Ilya Berkovich suggests "three primary 'levers' of motivation ... 'coercive', 'remunerative', and 'normative' incentives." Berkovich argues that historians' assumptions that fear of coercive force kept unwilling conscripts in check and controlled rates of desertion have been overstated and that any pay or other remuneration for service as provided then would have been an insufficient incentive. Instead, "old-regime common soldiers should be viewed primarily as willing participants who saw themselves as engaged in a distinct and honourable activity." In modern times, soldiers have volunteered for armed service, especially in time of war, out of a sense of patriotic duty to their homeland or to advance a social, political, or ideological cause, while improved levels of remuneration or training might be more of an incentive in times of economic hardship. Soldiers might also enlist for personal reasons, such as following family or social expectations, or for the order and discipline provided by military training, as well as for the friendship and connection with their fellow soldiers afforded by close contact in a common enterprise.

U.S. Army paratroopers and Indian Army soldiers after a simulated patrol, 2013

In 2018, the RAND Corporation published the results of a study of contemporary American soldiers in Life as a Private: A Study of the Motivations and Experiences of Junior Enlisted Personnel in the U.S. Army. The study found that "soldiers join the Army for family, institutional, and occupational reasons, and many value the opportunity to become a military professional. They value their relationships with other soldiers, enjoy their social lives, and are satisfied with Army life." However, the authors cautioned that the survey sample consisted of only 81 soldiers and that "the findings of this study cannot be generalized to the U.S. Army as a whole or to any rank."

Length of service

The length of time that an individual is required to serve as a soldier has varied with country and historical period, whether that individual has been drafted or has voluntarily enlisted. Such service, depending on the army's need for staffing or the individual's fitness and eligibility, may involve fulfillment of a contractual obligation. That obligation might extend for the duration of an armed conflict or may be limited to a set number of years in active duty and/or inactive duty.

As of 2023, service in the U.S. Army is for a Military Service Obligation of 2 to 6 years of active duty with a remaining term in the Individual Ready Reserve. Individuals may also enlist for part-time duty in the Army Reserve or National Guard. Depending on need or fitness to serve, soldiers usually may reenlist for another term, possibly receiving monetary or other incentives.

In the U.S. Army, career soldiers who have served for at least 20 years are eligible to draw on a retirement pension. The size of the pension as a percentage of the soldier's salary usually increases with the length of time served on active duty.

Pay and Work Conditions of Soldiers

Soldiers are the backbone of military forces worldwide, serving in defense of their nations and carrying out a range of duties, from combat operations to peacekeeping missions and humanitarian assistance. The pay and work conditions of soldiers vary significantly depending on factors such as the country, branch of service, rank, and specific mission. This article explores the pay structures, benefits, and working conditions that soldiers experience, as well as the challenges they face in their roles.

Pay Conditions

The pay of soldiers is determined by a combination of factors including rank, years of service, and the country’s military compensation structure. Military pay scales are often standardized, with soldiers receiving a base salary along with additional allowances or bonuses depending on their duties and assignments.

1. **Base Salary**

Military pay is structured by rank and length of service. Soldiers in many countries are compensated according to a pay scale established by the government. For example, in the United States, the Department of Defense (DoD) sets the pay scale, which includes different grades for enlisted soldiers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and officers. Pay increases with rank and time in service.

In the U.S., the average annual salary for an enlisted soldier at the rank of E-1 (Private) starts at approximately $20,000–$25,000, while an officer at the rank of O-1 (Second Lieutenant) may earn around $40,000–$50,000 annually. These figures vary based on service branches and additional allowances.

In many countries, such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, military pay is similarly based on rank, with enlisted personnel receiving less than officers. Military compensation is often competitive compared to civilian jobs, especially when taking into account the additional benefits and allowances that soldiers receive.

2. **Allowances and Bonuses**

Soldiers may also receive allowances and bonuses that can increase their total compensation. These may include:

• **Housing Allowances**: In many countries, soldiers are provided with housing allowances or on-base housing to support their living expenses. For soldiers stationed in areas with high living costs, the housing allowance can be substantial.
• **Combat Pay**: Soldiers deployed in combat zones or high-risk areas often receive additional pay, known as hazard pay or combat pay, as a compensation for the dangers they face.
• **Family Separation Allowance**: For soldiers who are separated from their families due to deployment, military service may provide a family separation allowance to help cover extra costs.
• **Bonuses for Reenlistment or Special Skills**: Many military organizations offer bonuses for soldiers who reenlist after completing their initial service period or who possess specialized skills, such as being fluent in foreign languages or serving in technical fields.

3. **Retirement and Pension Benefits**

Many soldiers are eligible for pension benefits after completing a certain number of years of service, typically 20 years or more. In countries like the United States, military personnel who retire after 20 years of service may receive a pension based on their rank and time in service. This retirement pay provides a significant benefit for long-term service members.

In addition to pensions, soldiers may be entitled to health benefits, life insurance, and other post-service assistance, such as access to veterans' programs and job training.

Work Conditions

The working conditions of soldiers can vary greatly depending on their role, the military branch they serve in, and their specific duties. Soldiers are required to perform in both combat and non-combat environments, and their work conditions can range from demanding and high-stress to administrative and technical.

1. **Physical Demands and Training**

Soldiers are required to maintain a high level of physical fitness to meet the physical demands of their duties. Basic training, which can last several months, is designed to prepare recruits for the rigors of military service by focusing on physical fitness, combat training, and teamwork. Soldiers must undergo regular physical fitness tests and maintain readiness for combat and field exercises throughout their careers.

Physical demands vary depending on the soldier's role. For example, infantry soldiers face intense physical challenges in the field, while soldiers in technical roles may have less physically strenuous duties but still need to maintain fitness standards.

2. **Deployment and Working Hours**

Soldiers are frequently required to deploy for extended periods, often in dangerous or unpredictable environments. Deployments may involve working long hours in challenging conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, with limited access to basic comforts. In combat zones, soldiers work irregular hours, with deployments that can last from several months to a year or more.

In addition to long hours, soldiers in combat situations may be on constant alert for potential threats, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Even soldiers in non-combat roles face challenges related to long deployments, including separation from family and the stress of being in unfamiliar or hostile environments.

3. **Health and Safety Risks**

Soldiers face significant health and safety risks, especially when deployed in combat zones. Combat-related injuries, such as gunshot wounds, shrapnel injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, are some of the most severe risks. Soldiers also face the risk of mental health challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, particularly after experiencing combat or high-stress situations.

In addition to combat-related risks, soldiers may also be exposed to occupational hazards such as hazardous chemicals, extreme weather, and physical strain. Some military occupations, such as those involving heavy machinery or technical work, present additional risks of injury.

4. **Work-Life Balance**

Due to the nature of military service, achieving a balance between work and personal life can be challenging for soldiers. Long deployments, frequent moves, and time away from family can take a toll on personal relationships and overall well-being. Many militaries provide support programs to help soldiers and their families cope with the stresses of deployment and frequent relocations, but the emotional strain remains a significant challenge.

In some cases, soldiers may also face difficulty adjusting to civilian life after leaving the military, particularly if they have experienced combat or long-term deployments.

Image

File:Soldiers in Formation.jpg

Soldiers in formation during a military parade. Military service often involves both physically demanding and mentally challenging work conditions, with pay and benefits varying by rank and country.

Conclusion

The pay and work conditions of soldiers are shaped by various factors, including the country they serve, their rank, and the type of military service they perform. While military pay and benefits are often competitive, especially for long-term service members, the work conditions can be demanding, with long hours, dangerous deployments, and significant health risks. The physical, mental, and emotional challenges of military service require soldiers to maintain a high level of resilience, and their work is vital to national security.

Governments and military organizations continue to address the pay and work conditions of soldiers, recognizing the importance of supporting those who serve in the armed forces. Ongoing efforts to improve soldier welfare, including healthcare, mental health support, and post-service assistance, remain key to ensuring the well-being of military personnel.

See Also

• Military service
• Military compensation
• Veterans' benefits
• Mental health in the military
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

References

1. Adams, M. (2015). *Military Pay and Benefits: Understanding Compensation in the Armed Forces*. Armed Forces Press.
2. Richards, L. (2018). "The Conditions of Military Service: Pay, Risk, and Duty." *Global Military Review*. [1]
3. Bennett, J. (2020). *Soldiers and Service: A Look at Military Work and Compensation*. Military Press.

External Links

• [U.S. Department of Defense - Military Pay](https://www.defense.gov)
• [UK Ministry of Defence - Careers and Benefits](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence)

In media and popular culture

Further information: Military in the media

An illustration of a children's singing game about a woman's attempts to court a soldier, 1890

Since the earliest recorded history, soldiers and warfare have been depicted in countless works, including songs, folk tales, stories, memoirs, biographies, novels and other narrative fiction, drama, films, and more recently television and video, comic books, graphic novels, and games. Often these portrayals have emphasized the heroic qualities of soldiers in war, but at times have emphasized war's inherent dangers, confusions, and trauma and their effect on individual soldiers and others.

See also

• Airman
• Combatant
• Marine
• Mercenary
• Military compensation
• Military ranks
• Paratrooper
• Prisoner of war
• Sailor
• Veteran
• Women in the military by country

External links

• Media related to Soldier at Wikimedia Commons
• Catherine Calloway, "War in Literature and Drama," Oxford Bibliographies: https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199791279/obo-9780199791279-0004.xml