Definition

1. Noun:
   • Individuals serving in the armed forces: Refers to people who are members of a nation's military, including soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.
   • The collective body of soldiers: Denotes the group of all individuals serving in the military forces as a whole.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Individual):

  • The base provides housing for military personnel and their families.
  • All military personnel must follow the chain of command.

• Noun (Collective):

  • The country is increasing its military personnel by ten thousand.
  • The operation required a large deployment of military personnel.

Advanced Usage

• "Active-duty military personnel": Individuals currently serving full-time in the armed forces.

  • Benefits are available to all active-duty military personnel.

• "Retired military personnel": Individuals who have completed their service in the armed forces.

  • The club offers discounts for retired military personnel.

Variants and Related Words

• Servicemember (n): A common synonym for an individual in military service.

  • The program supports servicemembers transitioning to civilian life.

• Troops (n): Often used to refer to soldiers, especially in groups.

  • The general addressed the troops before the mission.

Synonyms

• Service members: Individuals serving in the armed forces.
• Armed forces: The combined military services of a nation.

Related Phrases

• Military personnel file: The official record of a service member's career.

  • The promotion board reviewed his military personnel file.

• Military personnel carrier: A vehicle for transporting troops.

  • The armored military personnel carrier advanced to the front line.

Notes on Usage

• The term "military personnel" is a standard, formal collective term. It is neutral and encompasses all ranks and branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard).
• When used with a singular verb, it typically refers to the concept as a collective entity. When used with a plural verb or when referring to individuals, it is treated as a plural noun.
  • Military personnel is being reduced. (Collective entity)
  • Military personnel are required to wear uniforms. (Referring to individuals)

Noun

1. someone who serves in the armed forces; a member of a military force
   • two men stood sentry duty
2. soldiers collectively