veteran

Meanings

• a serviceman who has seen considerable active service
  • "the veterans laughed at the new recruits"
• a person who has served in the armed forces
• an experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service
• rendered competent through trial and experience
  • "veteran steadiness"
  • "a veteran officer"

Synonyms

ex-serviceman, old hand, old stager, old-timer, oldtimer, seasoned, stager, vet, veteran soldier, warhorse