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.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
............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