[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Yes, but the US has never been into the “cannon fodder” thing. We also don’t use captives to clear minefields, either.

[ansel12]

"The only use for “questionable” troops is in the rear area, not in the front lines. However, because there is such a need for rear area personnel, they can displace more reliable rear area troops who can then go to the front lines. (Even the US did this in WWII)."

You were not specifying the U.S., that is why I thought the Soviet example relevant, especially since it was on such a large scale, and is a famous recent example, I guess the Iranians would be a more recent example.