Cannon fodder

Cannon fodder is another way of saying disposable soldiers or soldiers who are used as targets or sacrificial pawns in a war. It's like when you play a game and you use some of the pieces as decoys to distract your opponent while you protect your important pieces. In war, cannon fodder are soldiers who are placed in danger on purpose to protect the more important soldiers, like officers or those with special skills. It's not fair, but it happens in some wars.