native troops
Colonial auxiliary forces
Native troops are indigenous soldiers serving in a colonial or occupying power's military forces, typically commanded by officers from the colonizing nation.
The term belongs to the vocabulary of empire: The British relied heavily on native troops in India.
It distinguished local recruits from soldiers sent from the metropolitan country, often implying a subordinate military role.
- colonialOf occupied territories
- colonial forcesSoldiers of occupying power
- sepoysIndian soldiers serving Britain
- British EmpireVast colonial domain
- auxiliariesSupporting or helper elements
indigenous · regiment · garrison · conscripts · rank and file · cannon fodder · imperial · militia · enlisted · military service · loyal · rebellion · outpost · rifles · cavalry · infantry · local · recruited
native troopsregular army
Nation's permanent military force
standing army · elite forces · career soldiers · elite units · commissioned officers
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