noun
bodyguard; military escort
Refers to a soldier or unit assigned to protect a person or convoy, often in a military or official context.
大統領の護衛兵が常に側にいる。
The president's bodyguards are always by his side.
輸送隊には護衛兵が同行した。
The transport unit was accompanied by military escorts.
護衛 is the broader term for escort or protection, while 護衛兵 specifies the soldier performing that duty.
Compound of 護衛 (goei, 'escort, guard') and 兵 (hei, 'soldier').