Soldiers or military personnel, especially when organized in groups. Can refer to any organized group of people working together.
From French 'troupe' meaning a company or band, ultimately from Frankish 'throp' meaning village or assembly. Originally referred to any group, but became militarized by the 16th century.
Interestingly, 'troops' started as a theatrical term before becoming military - both actors and soldiers perform coordinated movements and follow scripts, just with very different stakes. The word maintains its group identity so strongly that we never say 'one troop' for a single soldier.
Historically male-coded; military service defined masculinity and citizenship rights. Women's military service was long denied, making 'troops' implicitly gendered.
Now formally inclusive as women serve in all roles; ensure diverse representation when visualized.
Credit women soldiers and veterans whose service was historically erased or marked as exceptional; recognize their fight for equal combat roles.
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