The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word GRENADIERS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
G
R
E
N
A
D
I
E
R
S
More clues leading to the result GRENADIERS
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 = grenadiers.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 GRENADIERS mean?
GRENADIERS noun- A type of soldier, originally one who threw grenades, later a member of a company formed from the tallest men of the regiment; now specifically, a member of the Grenadier Guards.
- Any of various African weaverbirds or waxbills, especially the common grenadier or the red bishop.
- Any of various deep-sea fish of the family Macrouridae that have a large head and body and a long tapering tail; a rattail.