The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MARSHALS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
A
R
S
H
A
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S
More clues leading to the result MARSHALS
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 = marshals.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 MARSHALS mean?
MARSHALS noun- A high-ranking officer in the household of a medieval prince or lord, who was originally in charge of the cavalry and later the military forces in general.
- A military officer of the highest rank in several countries, including France and the former Soviet Union; equivalent to a general of the army in the United States. See also field marshal.
- A person in charge of the ceremonial arrangement and management of a gathering.
- A federal lawman.
- To arrange (troops, etc.) in line for inspection or a parade.
- (by extension) To arrange (facts, etc.) in some methodical order.
- To ceremoniously guide, conduct or usher.
- To gather data for transmission.