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Dictionary definition of “ghost soldier”

ghost soldier

n. a soldier who is enlisted or placed on active duty but does not serve; a fake name listed as an active-duty soldier. Subjects: English, Military

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Citations: 1926 Helena Independent (Mont.) (Apr. 21) “Convicted But Not Dishonored” p. 4: Butler is not out of the army officially, but he is morally and mentally. He is a thing apart. He will be a “ghost” soldier, more dead in army circles than any who fell in Flanders field. 1972 Fox Butterfield @ Datdo, South Vietnam New York Times (June 112) “Battle for Datdo Tests Local Vietnamese Leadership”: There were no regular South Vietnamese Army units station in Phuoctuy, and the province grew rich on “ghost soldiers,” phony names on the military roster. 2004 Michael Gilbert News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) (June 19) “Troops bask in Bush’s praise”: The phrase “ghost soldiers” has a negative connotation in Army parlance—a reference to the administrative practice of filling units with names on paper, but not actual able-bodied soldiers.

Posted 24 Jun 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

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