How do you define the term soldier?

2022-01-21T23:40:11-05:00

Soldier is a term used in military service, mercenary, service to warlords, service to crime bosses, and protestor of the confrontational type.
Warrior is a similar term. Many soldiers are trained as warriors.
I aspired to be a soldier since I was a boy. I studied military history, history in general, tactics and strategy from childhood through my military service and into retirement.

I plan on posting one or more songs about soldiers which honor soldiers. Please consider posting a song which honors soldiers or military service or defines soldiers.
I am thankful that my friend CPT Private RallyPoint Member posted Soldier Boy by the Shirelles.

There are also prayer warriors in the Christian fail and I expect other faiths have similar spiritual applications.

Yesterday I was by another RallyPoint member who referred to 'real soldiers' and implied I was not a soldier despite serving as an enlisted 12B combat engineer, commissioned 11A infantry officer.
FYI MSG Greg Kelly MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D SPC Michael Terrell SFC William Farrell SFC Chuck Martinez CSM Chuck Stafford SGM Bill Frazer SSG Bill McCoy SSG William Jones SSG Michael Noll LTC John Shaw PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Mark Anderson SGT Private RallyPoint Member GySgt Jack Wallace MSgt Gloria Vance SPC Diana D. SPC Margaret Higgins

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 22 at 2022 12:31 AM

2022-01-22T00:31:25-05:00

A soldier although always ready for battle is used where the service needs Him and is always essential to the overall Military mission. Anyone serving in the Military services in uniform is a soldier although mostly the term is applied to those in the Army. All are part of the same team and are serving this country of ours and there are NO lesser roles.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 22 at 2022 12:38 AM

2022-01-22T00:38:16-05:00

In the context of US military service I reserve the title Solider for those who served in the Army and all of its contingents to include active, reserve and National Guard.

You will always have somebody pull the “you didn’t really serve unless you did this” card. It usually has nothing to do with you but is a way for them to justify their own service to themselves or build themselves up.

You have the same thing happening in the Marines with guys saying you didn’t serve until a deployment, or combat, or a hash mark or whatever. It’s all BS and just macho postering to measure the size of their genitals.

If you served then you served but don’t let someone have rent free space in your head over it

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jan 22 at 2022 12:38 AM

2022-01-22T00:38:27-05:00

How does that fool not believe that you were a real soldier? I can guess what MOS he was, but I'll hold my tongue.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Jan 22 at 2022 12:45 AM

2022-01-22T00:45:47-05:00

I am truly sorry you were so disrespected LTC Stephen F..
You are definitely a Soldier on many fronts. I have learned when someone attacks your character, it’s their own issue and they have nothing else

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2022 1:36 AM

2022-01-22T01:36:07-05:00

Those subject to the UCMJ are Soldiers and Service members of all kinds. They can hold drum sticks in one of many Army Bands or they can hold a rifle rucking with 40lbs.

Infantry guys are just pissed they didn't bother to learn to read music and still be able to wear the same uniform.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 22 at 2022 2:12 AM

2022-01-22T02:12:00-05:00

I define soldier in the traditional definition "one engaged in military service and especially in the army, enlisted, non-commissioned officers, commissioned officers and warrant officers." this applies to Army, USMC and all other uniformed service members who perform duty on ground.
As far as warrior, I was trained to be a warrior in combats arms of combat engineer as enlisted and infantry as an officer. As a Christian, I have been blessed by God to be a prayer warrior.

The LORD reminded me ‘Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink’ [Romans 12:17-20a ESV]
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Response by LCpl Dana Paulsen made Jan 22 at 2022 6:52 AM

2022-01-22T06:52:35-05:00

Whoever told you that is not worth your time.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 22 at 2022 7:37 AM

2022-01-22T07:37:14-05:00

I'd have loved to fly by that jerk when he called for support, wag my wings and fly on to some real soldiers!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 22 at 2022 8:33 AM

2022-01-22T08:33:53-05:00

"Yesterday I was insulted by another RallyPoint member who referred to 'real soldiers' and implied I was not a soldier"
We are all different.. In an example, I would not be insulted by such an ignorant comment from another.
Whoever is this other RP user may be, the distinction between Soldier, IOW one who served in the military, and a "Real Soldier" is in their mind alone.... Don't let their misuse of the Term Soldier get into your head.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jan 22 at 2022 8:57 AM

2022-01-22T08:57:25-05:00

LTC Stephen F. - A Soldier is a person trained in the military and it supporting arts, who as a Professional, continues to study his craft and seeks to develop his skills in order to increase his capabilities and improve his performance in his chosen field of endeavor.

Response by LTC David Brown made Jan 22 at 2022 9:12 AM

2022-01-22T09:12:21-05:00

Here is how I feel, the guys at the tip of the spear are worthless without support. They require communications, logistics, intelligence, and medical etc to stay in the fight. To denigrate those that keep them in the fight is ignorant. We all have jobs, hopefully each does their job well. I would love to see that fellow that insulted you get to where he is going with the equipment needed with out support.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 22 at 2022 2:56 PM

2022-01-22T14:56:31-05:00

Who is the numb nuts who insulted you?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 22 at 2022 8:47 PM

2022-01-22T20:47:36-05:00

Come on SIr- You know there are A-holes everywhere, and sometimes they escape their village!

Response by PO2 Marco Monsalve made Jan 22 at 2022 9:19 PM

2022-01-22T21:19:02-05:00

LTC Stephen F. Whoever made that comment has his/her head up a bodily orifice. Very unfortunate that we have folks on RP that don't know any better. Ignore the trash and know that you are appreciated for the soldier that you are.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2022 11:48 PM

2022-01-22T23:48:17-05:00

LTC Stephen F. —> Always liked this quote.

Rev/edit —> and also like the Shirelles!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NNfF9LtAks

The Shirelles - Soldier Boy [original, 1962]

Vietnam War songs: https://rateyourmusic.com/list/JBrummer/vietnam_war_song_project/The classic song "Soldier Boy" performed by the doo-wop girl group the Sh...

Response by SGT Tim. Wilson made Jan 23 at 2022 1:10 AM

2022-01-23T01:10:15-05:00

LTC Ford, I have read plenty of your thoughtful and thought provoking posts and can honestly say that whoever the person was that insulted you has no clue on what he speaks!
And that person is probably just jealous of your accomplishments in and out of uniform!
Don’t take it personal, some people just can’t help showing how ignorant they truly are!

Response by SGT James Sherman made Jan 23 at 2022 9:30 PM

2022-01-23T21:30:44-05:00

LTC Ford: your service record is distinguished, impressive, and highly commendable. Believe me you are A TEAM material. Thank you for your service sir.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 24 at 2022 2:14 AM

2022-01-24T02:14:23-05:00

I prefer the traditional definition of soldier and couple that with being a prayer warrior.
Here is a song which honors soldiers and was written by somebody who never served in the military yet he was the son of a decorated World War II veteran.
Tim Buckley - Once I Was
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ0f5_rz4u4

"Once I Was" - lyrics
"Once I was a soldier
And I fought on foreign sands for you
Once I was a hunter
And I brought home fresh meat for you
Once I was a lover
And I searched behind your eyes for you
And soon there'll be another
To tell you I was just a lie

And sometimes I wonder
Just for a while
Will you remember me

And though you have forgotten
All of our rubbish dreams
I find myself searching
Through the ashes of our ruins
For the days when we smiled
And the hours that ran wild
With the magic of our eyes
And the silence of our words

And sometimes I wonder
Just for a while
Will you remember me"

FYI CPT Private RallyPoint Member SSG Michael Noll SPC Woody Bullard Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. SMSgt David A Asbury PO2 Kevin Parker SPC Margaret Higgins PO1 William "Chip" Nagel CSM Bob Stanek CPT Richard Trione CPT Private RallyPoint Member PO3 Lynn Spalding PO3 Charles Streich Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SPC Maurice Evans CPL Ronald Keyes Jr SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D CPL Douglas Chrysler Sgt Private RallyPoint Member

Tim Buckley - Once I Was

Tim Buckley - Goodbye and Hello [1967]

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 24 at 2022 2:20 AM

2022-01-24T02:20:44-05:00

I prefer the traditional definition of soldier and couple that with being a prayer warrior.
Here is a song which honors warriors

Wishbone Ash - Warrior - 1973 -
ttps://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg6zqejXvqI

""Warrior" Lyrics
I'm leaving to search for something new,
Leaving everything I ever knew.
A hundred years in the sunshine
Hasn't taught me all there is to know.

In the valley, we will gather there,
Helpless in our surrender.
Tomorrow the plow becomes the sword -
Make us stronger in our danger.

Time will pass away,
Time will guard our secret.
I'll return again
To fight another day.

I'd have to be a warrior -
A slave I couldn't be -
A soldier and a conqueror,
Fighting to be free.
[x3]
FYI LTC David Brown SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SSG William Jones SSG Franklin Briant PFC David Foster SPC Michael Terrell Sgt Albert Castro SPC Douglas Bolton SPC Nancy Greene PO2 Private RallyPoint Member SPC William Wilson SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL PFC Andrew "Tommy" M. PO1 Howard Barnes SGT Tiffanie G. SGT Mark Anderson Sgt Private RallyPoint Member LTC Joe Anderson

Wishbone Ash - Warrior - 1973

Wishbone Ash Live on Rock Concert - 1973

Response by SrA John Monette made Jan 24 at 2022 12:00 PM

2022-01-24T12:00:27-05:00

I wasn't in the Army. I still consider myself, and anyone who wore the uniform, a soldier. It doesn't matter what their job was. We all swore an oath. Cooks, HR, Pay, Security Police, Pilots, etc. If needed, we would all have picked up a weapon and defended our brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 24 at 2022 2:44 PM

2022-01-24T14:44:46-05:00

I prefer the traditional definition of soldier and supplement my definition with being a prayer warrior.
Our friend MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. mentioned a couple great songs.
Here is one The Chicks - Travelin' Soldier (Live from MMXVI Tour)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y45yHd9Lg_k

FYI Lt Col Charlie Brown LTC Thomas Tennant Maj Kim Patterson CPT Richard Trione Capt Christian D. Orr LT Brad McInnis CPT Chris Loomis CPT Private RallyPoint Member CPT Private RallyPoint Member CW5 Jack Cardwell CSM Charles Hayden 1SG Steven Imerman SMSgt David A Asbury MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy GySgt Gary Cordeiro SFC Terry Wilcox SFC John Lich SFC George Smith SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM

The Chicks - Travelin' Soldier (Live from MMXVI Tour)

Watch the official live video for "Travelin' Soldier" by The ChicksListen to The Chicks: https://TheChicks.lnk.to/listenYDWatch more videos by The Chicks: ht...

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 24 at 2022 2:51 PM

2022-01-24T14:51:24-05:00

I prefer the traditional definition of soldier and supplement my definition with being a prayer warrior.

Our friend MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. shared a link to a lyric video, here is alive music video of the same song
James TW - Soldier (live in Berlin)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4qUxFnGl8s
FYI SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC Derrick Harris SSG Ed Mikus SSG Michael Scott PO1 Robert George SGT James Murphy SGT Private RallyPoint Member SGT John " Mac " McConnell Sgt David G Duchesneau Sgt Private RallyPoint Member SPC Douglas Bolton SPC Jon O. SPC Diana D. SrA John Monette SPC Robert Coventry SPC Jill Drushal, RN, MA SPC David Shaffer SPC James Harsh A1C Ian Williams

James TW - Soldier (live in Berlin)

Frannz Club 18.04.2019

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Feb 21 at 2022 9:55 AM

2022-02-21T09:55:48-05:00

There is Soldier and soldier.

Capital-S Soldier is a title. It is earned (not given) by all members of the US Army in all components, MOSs, and duty statuses (save, maybe incarcerated or AWOL). Much the same as Marine, Seaman, Airman, or Guardian.

Lower case- s soldier is a description. It applies to anyone who is willing to give their blood, sweat, and/or tears to fight for a cause.

It is possible to be a good soldier without being a Soldier. It is impossible to be a good Soldier without being a soldier.

At least that's how I see it.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 22 at 2022 2:12 PM

2022-02-22T14:12:25-05:00

Certainly not this way. Webster defines it as does the US Army. The referrals to gangs, syndicates etc do not belong in the same conversation.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 23 at 2022 4:52 AM

2022-02-23T04:52:06-05:00

I prefer the traditional definition of soldier and supplement my definition with being a prayer warrior.
Tim Buckley - Once I Was (Live'68) - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CckFYoYq8GI
FYI CPT Private RallyPoint Member SSG Michael Noll PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SMSgt Lawrence McCarter Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D.SSG Franklin Briant PFC David Foster SPC Michael Terrell SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D CPL Douglas Chrysler CPL Ronald Keyes Jr Sgt Albert Castro SPC Douglas Bolton SPC Nancy Greene PO2 Private RallyPoint Member PO3 Lynn Spalding PO3 Charles Streich PFC Andrew "Tommy" M. PO1 Howard Barnes

watch