Crossword Genius

Key worker in army uniform (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wardress

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'key worker' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'army uniform' is the wordplay.
'army' becomes 'war' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'uniform' becomes 'dress' (dress uniform is a kind of uniform).
'war'+'dress'='WARDRESS'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for wardress that I've seen before include "guard?" , "Female prison officer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Guardian.
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