shock troops

American  

plural noun

Military.

1. troops especially selected, trained, and equipped for engaging in assault.

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shock troops British  

plural noun

1. soldiers specially trained and equipped to carry out an assault

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Etymology

Origin of shock troops

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The United States Marines are the country’s elite shock troops and an expeditionary force that specializes in amphibious assaults.

From Salon

Mercenaries of the Wagner Group have served as shock troops in Ukraine and are expanding their presence in West Africa.

From Reuters

Three other individuals who would not give their full names also did not understand the reference, and said they did not identify as "shock troops."

From Salon

It’s crawling down the valley’s western flank this week, tossing embers before it like shock troops.

From Washington Post

He said liberals talk about right-wing violence but it is Black Lives Matter and Antifa “left-wing shock troops that on a near-nightly basis physically assault Republicans, conservatives and just innocent Americans.”

From Washington Times