[smoothsailing]

Well, let's just see...

A soldier is a member of a nation's military. The word "soldier" specifically refers to members of the army who are without officer's commission. In most armies of the world, soldiers who are not officers can work their way through the ranks to obtain a commission. A soldier who no longer serves in the armed forces is often called a veteran, a term which can also apply to a long-serving or experienced soldier who is still in the army. In the United States soldiers are identified as those serving or once served in the United States Army.

Granted, Wikipedia is not always a reliable source, but I also checked this in other on-line and off-line dictionaries. Soldiers are most often associated with an army, especially in the US of A.

Xzins, I am a soldier, as are you.

Xzins, I know you are our fine Chappy, and I honor you as such.

However, a Marine is not a soldier, a Marine is a Marine.

Need I say more, Chappy?

[chesty_puller]

I was in the US Army and the US Marine Corps so I was a Soldier, but I am still a Marine. Confusing ain’t it?