Russia is expanding its system of military training for schoolchildren. In 2026, the Ministry of Education made basic military training a separate course and…
And “soldier” comes from “solidus”, a Roman gold coin. So soldier = one who receives pay. It’s more involved than that but basically yeah.
“Mercenary” also has its roots in “merce” = “goods” or “merchandise”. So mercenary is also rooted in payment. Also Mercurius was the god of among other thing commerce [edit: and thieves!]
And “soldier” comes from “solidus”, a Roman gold coin. So soldier = one who receives pay. It’s more involved than that but basically yeah.
“Mercenary” also has its roots in “merce” = “goods” or “merchandise”. So mercenary is also rooted in payment. Also Mercurius was the god of among other thing commerce [edit: and thieves!]
Alas we wax etymological!