Refers to a member of a navy or marine force. Often used in military contexts or historical references.
When he was young, he served as a sailor on a warship.
The Marine Corps is known for its rigorous training.
兵士 is a general term for a soldier of any branch, whereas 海兵 specifically denotes a member of a naval or marine force.
海軍 refers to the navy as an organization, while 海兵 refers to an individual sailor or marine within it.
counter for people
marines (former Japanese Navy)
Compound of 海 (sea) and 兵 (soldier). The term is used to denote a sea-going soldier, i.e., a sailor or marine.