noun
reserves; reserve army
Primarily military: troops held back for later use. Also used in organizational contexts for backup personnel.
予備軍が前線に投入された。
The reserves were sent to the front line.
彼は予備軍として待機している。
He is standing by as a reserve.
noun
potential members; people at risk; wannabes
Figurative extension: people who may join a group, develop a condition, or aspire to something. Often used in social or medical contexts.
高齢者は熱中症の予備軍と言われる。
The elderly are said to be at risk of heatstroke.
彼らは将来の幹部候補の予備軍だ。
They are potential future executive candidates.
Compound of 予備 (reserve, spare) and 軍 (army, troops). The figurative sense extends the military meaning to any group of potential members.