It could mean the soldier himself. It could mean things given to soldiers when they joined the military such as weapons,equipment or clothes.

VOA: special.2010.03.07

What was particularly disconcerting to Flores was that even when studies were adjusted for such things as income, the differences remained.

VOA: standard.2010.04.07

I do not believe we can come to simple conclusions when it comes to the cause and effects of such a complex disorder as autism."

VOA: standard.2010.08.09

President Obama did not use the word "democracy" when speaking about Afghanistan on Friday, although he spoke of such democratic principles as elections and human rights.

VOA: standard.2009.03.27

He made a few blatant public relations gaffes, such as saying he would like to get his life back, after 11 people had been killed when the drilling rig exploded in April and oil continued to gush into the Gulf.

VOA: standard.2010.07.27