Once upon a time they were called "soldiers". Then "troops" became the lexicon.  
Now its "boots on the ground".  

 
If they're looking for monosyllabic and easy to spell I vote "troops"    
If they're looking to obfuscate; "boots on the ground" or the equally polysyllabic acronym BOTG is a winner.
If they mean to recognise and honor the full ramifications of sacrifice by citizen, family, friends and treasure I personally feel "soldier" is most appropriate

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2015/10/30/16-times-obama-said-there-would-no-boots-ground-syria/74869884/

 
seems you lord and master, obama, uses the term "boots on the ground" more than anyone else.

 
You're Welcome
God Bless our Troops

............but ask them to enlist and fight and they bolt away like frightened chickens.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gFGit_tZDqs


-- Modified on 11/16/2015 11:48:22 AM

I just saw the two leading hawks of the Senate; McCain and Graham repeatedly use "boots on the ground" in an interview.

 IMO only "soldier" reflects the proper honor and gravity. Euphemisms diminish as well as camouflage.

politicians, newscasters, and people of all stripes use the term "Boots on the Ground with no ill intent and no disrespect whatsoever.  
And now someone has determined the term is not politically correct.........(what term/phrase is next.....?)

However when you get some dipwad posting whose only intent is to dishonestly distort the facts it must be pointed out.

He also must be hiding from the fact, and is not man enough to admit the left uses it as much if not more, he is always accusing the right of what he and his side is guilty of.

Thank yo