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Originally Posted by Johnny Angel
In the modern era it would probably cover things such as basic first aid, cleaning and maintaining a few of the more commonly used weapons, proper radio communication procedure, navigation, basic knowledge of squad level tactics, and a few other things.
I find the topic of what the skill means in other eras an interesting topic; it's something I've often pondered myself. In a setting where there are great variances among what different militaries are taught -say for example what elven infantry might learn compared to dwarven infantry- would it be reasonable for a GM to require some level of specialization? What are some of the non-combat skills a TL 2-3 conscript might learn (if anything)?
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A lot of digging and simple construction, I suspect, for much of history. Soldier/TL1-3 almost certainly includes training in digging latrines, building earthworks, erecting forts, etc.
Weapon maintenance would be universal. As Soldier/TL8 covers routine Armoury (Rifles)/TL8 tasks, so Soldier/TL3 covers routine Armoury (Melee Weapons)/TL3 tasks, and so on.
Ditto tactics. A Roman legionnaire with Soldier/TL2 can take his position in a tortoise or phalanx in the most efficient manner, while a British rifleman with Soldier/TL5 is experienced with the three-lines-of-fire formation.
With fantasy, I guess you need to decide if the "Soldier" profession really exists. Dwarves may well have Soldier/TL3, covering formations in tunnels, axe maintenance, that kind of thing, but elves are individualistic, graceful, yadda yadda, ad nauseam, and might not operate as "soldiers" at all.