Assets

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Assets:

Much like ‘product’ the word 'assets' is being used to make individuals and collections generic instead of identifying them personally. Military commanders use this term to include human beings who are useful in military operations.

By calling them assets instead of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen (or is it airpeople?) the speaker removes the flesh and blood, the emotions and families of people who are being sent into situations where they are in danger of being killed.

I think it is best to avoid the word 'assets' when speaking of people, whether in a military or business context.
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