What term is used for soldiers who fight for money rather than loyalty to a country?

The term used for soldiers who fight for money rather than loyalty to a country is "mercenaries." Mercenaries are typically motivated by financial gain rather than allegiance to a particular nation or political cause. They often work for private military companies or are hired by governments or factions in conflict zones to provide military services. This contrasts with soldiers who serve in regular armies or militias, who generally have commitments based on national loyalty, civic duty, or ideological beliefs.

Other terms like militia refer to groups of citizens organized for military service, often tied to local defense or community protection, and armies represent formal military organizations of a state. Rebels, on the other hand, are individuals or groups that rise in opposition to an established government or authority, often driven by ideological or political motivations rather than monetary compensation. Thus, "mercenaries" specifically identifies those fighting for financial gain without the connection of loyalty to a particular nation.