Originally Posted by JollyRoger

If the evidence seems weak, perhaps I may be of help. "Soldier" means one soldier. "Solidiers" means "more than one".

The "ditto heads" are legendary for their ability to rationalize away anything negative about their hero. You serve the cause well. Myself,I find the context of his remarks simple, and easy to follow. The man said what he said, it is in black and white. I think it was an attempt to test the waters as a preliminary to a general attack on these increasingly embarrassing soldiers.