History Main / SoldierVsWarrior

** ''[[Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration The Next Generation]]'' in particular does this with their ProudWarriorRaceGuy(s), the Klingons, who love fighting for fighting's sake and have a lot of warrior-honor traditions and disdain for the weak, contrasted with Starfleet, who fight only when they're forced into it. However, Starfleet's WeHelpTheHelpless attitude eventually forged an alliance when one ship tried to fight off ''three'' enemies to save a Klingon outpost. They all died, but the act of courage impressed the Klingons enough to end decades of animosity.

* This raised raised by Marvel writer Creator/WaltSimonson as the reason why ComicBook/CaptainAmerica can't pick up ComicBook/TheMightyThor's hammer.

* ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'': The dynamic between the Imperial Army (Soldiers) and the Stormcloaks (Warriors).

* In ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'', [[spoiler:Reiner, Annie, and Berthold]] all differentiate themselves as a Warrior and a Soldier. They consider themselves as Warriors because they originally came from outside and came within the walls [[spoiler:as titans]] in order to fullfill a mysterious mission. Around chapter 50 [[spoiler:Rein and Bert]] however, admitted to have become soldiers because they now regret attacking the walls and want to protect the people [[spoiler:whom they've orphaned and traumatized as titans]] now they've gotten to know them. Though even this is treated as doubtful by the narrative.

* In ''TabletopGame/{{Battletech}}'' the Clans are lead by warriors who fight for individual glory, honor, and the right to have [[DesignerBabies their genes added to the next generation]], and operate on AsskickingEqualsAuthority. Clanner battles are basically honor duels with strict rules ("Zellbrigen"). While the Inner Sphere factions have been fighting an almost [[ForeverWar continuous total war for the past four hundred years]], giving it all they got and employing ambushes and artillery and other "dishonorable" tactics, as well as promoting their officers for tactical ability rather than beating the others into submission. However, the Inner Sphere does get some of the Warrior traits depending on the Great House - [[JapanTakesOverTheWorld House Kurita]] values "honor", and many commanders emphasize melee combat even when it's disadvantageous.

* This is the main strength of the SGC against the Goa'uld Empire in ''Series/StargateSG1''. For all their initial technological superiority the Goa'uld approach war as an exercise in self-aggrandizement, and their armies are warriors fighting for the glory of their gods. The Tau'ri, meanwhile, are modern-day Earth humans who bring to the table an industrialized military machine and fight to achieve specific objectives, innovating as needed.

** Turians are extremely disciplined, organized, and collectivist soldiers. They boast the most powerful Navy in the galaxy, and every turian is expected to serve in the military once they come of age. Even those that aren't currently serving are taught the importance of following orders, performing your duties earnestly, and both understanding and following protocol.

In a story that involves a ProudWarriorRace or warrior culture, you'll eventually have the eternal debate: Is it better to be a soldier, or a warrior?

-> '''Canderous Ordo:''' Carth, you fought in the Mandalorian Wars, didn't you? We may have faced each other in combat. What battles were you in?
-> '''Carth Onasi:''' I try not to think about my past battles too much. The horrors of war are something I'd rather not relive.
-> '''Canderous:''' The horrors of war? My people know only the glory of victory. I'm disappointed in you, Carth. I thought a warrior like you could understand.
-> '''Carth:''' I'm not a warrior, I'm a soldier. There's a difference. Warriors attack and conquer, they prey on the weak. Soldiers defend and protect the innocent--usually from warriors.

* A '''Soldier''' is a fighter that gives his loyalty and service to fulfilling a cause. Soldiers are typically disciplined, well-trained, well-equipped, and often TheFettered. They follow the orders of their superiors and put more emphasis on the success of the mission than battle superiority.
* A '''Warrior''' is a fighter that fights for glory, personal gain, or some sort of Darwinian philosophy. Warriors are more about heart and fighting spirit, often shunning the conformity of an organized army. When they ''are'' part of an army, they're typically competitive and eager to demonstrate their superior prowess.

A work that pits these two together typically invokes RomanticismVersusEnlightenment or OrderVersusChaos, and either side can be shown as right or wrong. A work favoring the Soldiers will typically portray the Warriors as TheHorde or some other disorganized mass of wild, bloodthirsty, and barbaric creatures. A work favoring the Warriors will typically portray the Soldiers as a RedShirtArmy that have superior tactics and equipment, but no individual "soul" or flexibility. Some works may not favor either, but simply show them as [[RedOniBlueOni two different (but necessary) fighting philosophies]].

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[[AC: Literature]]

[[AC: Live Action TV]]
* ''Franchise/StarTrek''

[[AC: Tabletop Games]]
* In ''TabletopGame/{{Battletech}}'' the Clans are lead by warriors who fight for individual glory, honor, and the right to have [[DesignerBabies their genes added to the next generation]], and operate on AsskickingEqualsAuthority. Clanner battles are basically honor duels with strict rules ("Zellbrigen"). While the Inner Sphere factions have been fighting an almost [[ForeverWar continuous total war for the past four hundred years]], giving it all they got and employing ambushes and artillery and other "dishonorable" tactics, as well as promoting their officers for tactical ability rather than beating the others into submission. However, the Inner Sphere does get some of the Warrior traits depending on the Great House - [[JapanTakesOverTheWorld House Kurita]] values "honor", and many commanders emphasize melee combat even when it's disadvantageous.
* ''TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering'': The designers split some synonymous roles of creatures amoung the five colours of Magic. It is possible for any Class Type to be in any colour, but the examples here assume where you can find the role 80% of the time.
** Barbarians VS Berzerkers: Both are classes that tend to live in the moment, and fight in the Red colour pie. They are distinct, with "barbarians" being primitive and "berzerkers" having some way to increase their power, or being forced to attack each turn.
** Soldier VS Warrior: A "soldier" is a part of a formal army, in White usually, sometimes blue. A "warrior" is usually alone, or in a loose horde, in the colours Red or Green.

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[[AC: Real Life]]

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* This is often the distinction made between [[YanksWithThanks The US Army]] and [[SemperFi The US Marines]], to the point that it's considered an insult to call a Marine a "soldier". Further, commanders of said soldiers don't like elite groups like the [=SEALs=], Rangers or Delta Force hanging out with their men, because soldiers tend to start trying to emulate them by improvising instead of keeping cover and formation, compromising the entire operation.

* In LarryNiven's ''Literature/KnownSpace'' verse the Kzin are obsessed with personal glory allowing humanity to lure them into several traps. And they seem to have no concept of "total war" while the humans carved a ten-mile long and mile-deep trench on a Kzin-held planet.

* In ''TabletopGame/{{Battletech}}'' the Clans are warriors who fight for individual glory, honor, and the right to have their genes added to the next generation, and operate on AsskickingEqualsAuthority. Clanner battles are basically honor duels. While the Inner Sphere factions have been fighting wars for the past four hundred years, giving it all they got and employing ambushes and artillery and other "dishonorable" tactics, as well as promoting their officers for tactical ability rather than beating the others into submission.

* In ''AttackOnTitan'', [[spoiler:Reiner, Annie, and Berthold]] all differentiate themselves as a Warrior and a Soldier. They consider themselves as Warriors because they originally came from outside and came within the walls [[spoiler:as titans]] in order to fullfill a mysterious mission. Around chapter 50 [[spoiler:Rein and Bert]] however, admitted to have become soldiers because they now regret attacking the walls and want to protect the people [[spoiler:whom they've orphaned and traumatized as titans]] now they've gotten to know them. Though even this is treated as doubtful by the narrative.

* In ''Franchise/{{Battletech}}'' the Clans are warriors who fight for individual glory, honor, and the right to have their genes added to the next generation, and operate on AsskickingEqualsAuthority. Clanner battles are basically honor duels. While the Inner Sphere factions have been fighting wars for the past four hundred years, giving it all they got and employing ambushes and artillery and other "dishonorable" tactics, as well as promoting their officers for tactical ability rather than beating the others into submission.

* In ''Franchise/MassEffect'', the two different types are reflected in the Turian and the Krogan races.

*** In the GreatOffscreenWar in the franchise backstory, the turians entered galactic society while the krogan were threatening to overrun the standing government. The turians (with help from other races) devised a countermeasure for the Krogan's high birthrates, which made their primary strength (WeHaveReserves) a liability instead.

* In ''AttackOnTitan'', [[spoiler:Reiner, Annie, and Berthold]] all differentiate themselves as a Warrior and a Soldier. They consider themselves as Warriors because they originally came from outside and came within the walls [[spoiler:as titans]] in order to fullfill a mysterious mission. Around chapter 50 [[spoiler:Rein and Bert]] however, admitted to have become soldiers because they now regret attacking the walls and want to protect the people [[spoiler:whom they've orphaned and traumatized as titans]] now they've gotten to know them. though even this is treated as doubtful by the narrative.

* ''VideoGame/AceCombatZeroTheBelkanWar'' bases its KarmaMeter on this dichotomy, although it further splits the Warrior into two more archetypes: Mercenary (OnlyInItForTheMoney) and Knight (GlorySeeker). You conduct on the battlefield decides which type you'll be assigned two, which in turn determines which bosses you face.

In a story than involves a ProudWarriorRace or warrior culture, you'll eventually have the eternal debate: is it better to be a soldier, or a warrior?

* A '''Soldier''' is a fighter that gives their loyalty and service to fulfilling a cause. They are typically disciplined, well-trained, well-equipped, and often TheFettered. They follow the orders of their superiors and put more emphasis on the success of the mission than battle superiority.
* A '''Warrior''' is a fighter that fights for glory, personal gain, or some sort of Darwinian philosophy. They are more about heart and fighting spirit, often shunning the conformity of an organized army. When they ''are'' part of an army, they're typically competitive and eager to demonstrate their superior prowess.

See also WorldsBestWarrior, which shows how a single fighter can become the best in either culture.Compare TechnicianVsPerformer and ForceAndFinesse.

Ironically, in the HumansAreWarriors trope humans tend to be the soldiers while the other species are warriors, and that is why they are better at war.

* In AttackOnTitan, [[spoiler:Reiner, Annie, and Berthold]] all differentiate themselves as a Warrior and a Soldier. They consider themselves as Warriors because they originally came from outside and came within the walls [[spoiler:as titans]] in order to fullfill a mysterious mission. Around chapter 50 [[spoiler:Rein and Bert]] however, admitted to have become soldiers because they now regret attacking the walls and want to protect the people [[spoiler:whom they've orphaned and traumatized as titans]] now they've gotten to know them. though even this is treated as doubtful by the narrative.
* In ''Manga/NanatsuNoTaizai'', the two leaders of the Liones Holy Knights are rather unique cases. Dreyfus is a Soldier as he genuinely wants to protect people from the prophesied Holy War. However, he is a WellIntentionedExtremist who is willing to trample down anything or anyone for his ambitions. Hendricksen on the other hand is a Warrior as he is basically a Colonel Kilgore who believes that war is the only reason the Holy Knights exist in the first place. He believes this so much that he is willing to [[spoiler: revive the Demon Clan so that the Holy Knights can have a WorthyOpponent.]]

%%* In {{Zulu}} the Zulus are warriors and the British soldiers. At least that could be one interpretation though we don't get to see much from their side.
%%* In {{Midway}} both are professional navies and therefore soldierlike but the Japanese have a bit of a warrior like feel as well.
%%* In LawrenceOfArabia the Arabs are definitely warriors and the British and Turks are definitely soldiers.

* On Literature/{{Gor}} the main character of most of the stories, Tarl Cabot, is a trained Warrior. He is a member of the Warrior caste, who have their own Codes and consider their calling honorable. Even between warring cities there is an inherent respect between them. On the other hand, any shlub could pick up a sword and become a brigand, mercenary, or soldier. They don't follow or respect the Codes.
* {{Discworld}} has a variation: Vimes is adamant that the Ankh-Morpork City Watch are ''not'' military, despite wearing swords and armor. This having as much to do with the fact that ArmiesAreUseless in most situations (thanks to Vetinari's diplomacy preventing most conflicts), that Vimes has a very strict code of conduct (having aided in kicking out the former, extremely corrupt Watch) that soldiers won't understand or that military leadership is composed to a man of spectacularly inept bunglers (one of them insists troops move in arrow formations like they appear on maps, others count victories by substracting their losses from the enemy's, another is "the gods' gift to the enemy"...).

* In BelisariusSeries, the Rajputs are warriors, with an exagerrated sense of honor, who boast of their HeroicLineage and take delight in CombatByChampion. The Romans are soldiers with a professional organization and a capacity for engineering and the use of technology.

* ''VideoGame/AceCombatZeroTheBelkanWar'' bases its KarmaMeter on this dichotomy, although it further splits the Warrior into two more archetypes: Mercenary (OnlyInItForTheMoney) and Knight (GlorySeeker). You conduct on the battlefield decides which type you'll be assigned two, which in turn determines which bosses you face.

See also WorldsBestWarrior, which shows how a single fighter can become the best in either culture.

* In {{Zulu}} the Zulus are warriors and the British soldiers. At least that could be one interpretation though we don't get to see much from their side.
* In {{Midway}} both are professional navies and therefore soldierlike but the Japanese have a bit of a warrior like feel as well.
* In LawrenceOfArabia the Arabs are definitely warriors and the British and Turks are definitely soldiers.