Helpful soldiers transform Sadie! (5)
I believe the answer is:
aides
'helpful soldiers' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'transform sadie' is the wordplay.
'transform' indicates an anagram.
'sadie' with letters rearranged gives 'AIDES'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aides that I've seen before include "Adjutants" , "Helpers" , "Confidential assistants" , "Ministerial assistants" , "Helpful officers" .)