Casualty
Military who becomes unavailable for duty due to death, injury, illness, capture or desertion
Real World Example
During World War I, the term "casualty" referred to soldiers who could no longer fight due to death, injury, or other reasons, significantly impacting military strength and morale. The enormous number of casualties in WWI, over 37 million, highlighted the devastating human cost of war and led to changes in military tactics and medical care. This concept was crucial in understanding the war's scale and the importance of developing strategies to minimize such losses. Today, the idea of casualties remains relevant in how nations plan for military engagements and care for veterans. For example, communities often support veterans who return from war with injuries by providing medical care and job opportunities, emphasizing the ongoing impact of war casualties on society.