The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word BATTALION
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
B
A
T
T
A
L
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result BATTALION
- Taliban to become an army unit
- Army unit of 10 involved in blatant trouble
- Fighting unit to strike bellicose male, reservists brought in
- Soldiers boast about their triumphs, at first with an element of pride
- Army unit’s rising fuel bill cut by reservists having nitrogen
- Many soldiers strike irregular force, one showing courage
- Group of soldiers perform on square with volunteers, one with pride?
- Several companies obtain 50% of talent in a roundabout way
- Troops hit back at courageous person
- Nocturnal flyer with claw around one body in combat
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Soldiers" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case soldiers = battalion.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BATTALION mean?
BATTALION noun- An army unit having two or more companies, etc. and a headquarters. Traditionally forming part of a regiment.
- An army unit having two or more companies, etc. and a headquarters; forming part of a brigade.
- Any large body of troops.
- (by extension) A great number of things.
- To form into battalions.