He joined the military when he was young.
soldier; rank-and-file soldier
Commonly used for an individual soldier, especially an enlisted one rather than an officer. Can be used in everyday speech.
その兵隊は重い荷物を背負っていた。
The soldier was carrying a heavy pack.
underling; grunt; ordinary employee
Colloquial, often self-deprecating or mildly derogatory. Used to refer to a low-ranking worker who does routine tasks without authority.
会社ではまだ兵隊だから、言われたことしかできない。
I'm still just a grunt at the company, so I can only do what I'm told.
My grandfather went off to be a soldier when he was young.
The government sent troops to the border.
The new employee is always working like the boss's errand boy.
He became a soldier at the age of 18.
Dutch treat; going Dutch
tin soldier