3 across Daily Telegraph crossword today?

[Billybagpuss]

Clue: Soldier
Answer: Man

I have no words, unless there is something I’m missing here?

Is that the cryptic?
But it is correct, soldiers and other members of the armed forces are referred to as 'men' ; for example, "30,000 men were sent to the front"

And im using men to refer to all in the services before i am shot down in flames!

No I’m not clever enough for the cryptic.

That was my original thought too, but do they not change their speech in a mixed army? Historically yes ‘men’ were sent to the front as women were not allowed, but as the army moves to more equal opportunities it seems a stupid clue for a crossword.

Not really.

I agree - lazy and somewhat sexist...

The Telegraph is very traditional and conservative so it doesn’t surprise me (though it seems a rubbish clue).