cannon fodder

American  

noun

1. soldiers, especially infantrymen, who run the greatest risk of being wounded or killed in warfare.

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cannon fodder British  

noun

1. men regarded as expendable because they are part of a huge army

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Etymology

Origin of cannon fodder

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

And the Rohingyas fear that is the reason they are being targeted again - to be cannon fodder in a war the junta seems to be losing.

From BBC

In a video, they pleaded for help, saying that other inmates were trying to get them to leave their cells and were going to use them "as cannon fodder".

From BBC

He said the Russian military did not "count losses", using its troops as cannon fodder.

From BBC

In a separate document specifically about hostages, the Hamas operatives were instructed to "kill the problematic and those who pose a threat" and gather others together to use as "cannon fodder".

From BBC

These were effectively used as cannon fodder in eastern Ukraine where commanders ordered them to advance into withering fire in repeated attempts to overwhelm the enemy lines.

From BBC