Does the word "troops" has the same meaning as "soldiers"? If so, are they interchangeable?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Yes, they have the same meaning. When referring to military men and women individually, you would say "soldier." When referring to military men and women as a group, you would say "troops." We don't usually use these interchangeably, especially because a troop is a group of soldiers or people. Ex: My cousin is a soldier in the army. Ex: She's a part of the troop being deployed to Afghanistan. Ex: He has been a soldier since he was 18. Ex: The troops marched to the battle.

How do native speakers use this expression?

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