The term "common soldier" refers to an enlisted member of the armed forces who holds a rank below that of a noncommissioned officer. The word "common" simply means "ordinary" or "standard," but it can be seen as a derogatory term by some. One synonym for "common soldier" is "foot soldier," which emphasizes their role as frontline troops who rely on their feet to move across the battlefield.
Other synonyms for "common soldier" include "grunt," "infantryman," "private," "trooper," and "GI" (government issue). Each of these synonyms emphasizes different aspects of the soldier's role or position within the military hierarchy. Ultimately, the term used depends on the context in which it is used and the speaker's intent.