Crossword Genius

Soldiers caught wombat out west, and insects (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

combatants

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

'soldiers' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'caught wombat out west and insects' is the wordplay.
'caught' becomes 'c' (cricket abbreviation).
'out' is a deletion indicator.
'west' becomes 'W' (synonyms).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'insects' becomes 'ants' (ant is a kind of insect).
'wombat' with 'w' removed is 'ombat'.
'c'+'ombat'+'ants'='COMBATANTS'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app