Definition

Adjective: 1. Prepared for immediate military action: Describes military personnel, units, or forces that are fully equipped, trained, and in a state of readiness to engage in battle or operational duties. 2. In a state of operational preparedness: Indicates that a group or individual is on active duty and has completed all necessary preparations for combat.

Usage

This adjective is used to describe the state of military readiness. It is typically applied to groups (e.g., troops, platoons, forces) but can also describe individual soldiers. It is a formal term used in military and defense contexts.

Examples

• The general assured the president that the entire division was combat-ready.
• After months of intensive training, the new recruits were finally deemed combat-ready.
• Maintaining a combat-ready force requires constant drills and equipment checks.
• The unit remained combat-ready throughout the deployment.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in a broader, metaphorical sense to describe any person or group that is exceptionally prepared and eager to face a difficult challenge.
  • Example: With their detailed research and practiced arguments, the debate team was combat-ready for the national finals.

Variants and Related Words

• Ready (adj): Prepared for immediate action or use. (A more general term).
• Prepared (adj): Made ready in advance.
• Operational (adj): In active service; functioning and ready for use.
• Deployed (adj/verb): (Forces) moved into position for military action. (A combat-ready unit is often one that is prepared to be deployed).

Synonyms

• Battle-ready
• Armed and ready
• On active duty
• Primed (for action)
• On standby

Antonyms

• Unprepared
• Untrained
• Inactive
• Demobilized

Related Phrases

• On active duty: Serving full-time in the military. (This is a key component of being combat-ready).
• Theater-ready: Prepared for operations in a specific geographic region or theater of war.
• Mission-ready: Prepared to execute a specific assigned task or operation.

Adjective

1. engaged in or ready for military or naval operations
   • on active duty
   • the platoon is combat-ready
   • review the fighting forces