When on the battlefield, there are many different ways to describe being "in combat." Some synonyms include engaged in battle, fighting, taking part in warfare, being in the thick of it, and facing off against the enemy. Additionally, troops may be described as being in the line of fire, exchanging gunfire, or in the midst of a firefight. More aggressive terms include assaulting the enemy, going head-to-head, or engaging in an all-out war. These phrases all convey the intensity and danger of being in combat, with each providing a different perspective on the experience of fighting for one's country.