Crossword Genius

They protect fighting troops from pesky technocrats (6,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trench coats

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

'they' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'protect fighting troops from pesky technocrats' is the wordplay.
'technocrats' anagrams to 'TRENCH COATS'.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for trench coats that I've seen is " military gear".)

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