Hors de combat in a literal sense means "out of fight." It originates from the French word "de hors," which means "out of combat." Hors de combat is often used as a diplomatic term in international relations, to refer to soldiers who are not in a position to perform militarily. In such a situation, the soldier is incapable to serve for his country in the manner deemed from him. The soldier in such a condition has no option but to declare himself as "hors de combat."
A situation of hors de combat can be out of sickness, a disability, an injury or detention. Soldiers who come under the category of "hors de combat" are given special protection in accordance with the existing laws of war. They can even be given the status of prisoners of war (POWs).
A situation of hors de combat can be out of sickness, a disability, an injury or detention. Soldiers who come under the category of "hors de combat" are given special protection in accordance with the existing laws of war. They can even be given the status of prisoners of war (POWs).