The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word DEPLOYMENT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
D
E
P
L
O
Y
M
E
N
T
More clues leading to the result DEPLOYMENT
- Organisation comprises dissolute “old men types” mostly
- Depression round recruit that’s delaying mass battle action
- Typo led men astray in preparation for battle
- Introduction of desk job saving first male from military action
- Stratagem needed by this person sunk in depression in military manoeuvre
- Duke given job scrapping men’s initial distribution
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "preparation for battle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case preparation for battle = deployment.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 DEPLOYMENT mean?
DEPLOYMENT noun- An arrangement or classification of things.
- An implementation, or putting into use, of something.
- The distribution of military forces prior to battle.
- (parachuting) the start of something