兵へい卒そつ

noun

private (soldier); rank and file

Refers to the lowest enlisted rank in an army, or collectively to ordinary soldiers without officer status. Often used in contrast to officers.

• 彼かれは兵へい卒そつから将しょう校こうに昇しょう進しんした。

  He rose from private to officer.

• 兵へい卒そつたちは厳きびしい訓くん練れんを受うけた。

  The rank-and-file soldiers underwent rigorous training.