They make holes and soldiers are put through them! (6)

I believe the answer is:

drills

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'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for drills that I've seen before include "Tools with a sharp points for making holes" , "they bore" , "Teaches by repetition" , "monkeys" , "Boring tools" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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