'army-led' is a compound word formed from 'army' and 'led'. 'Army' originates from Old French 'armee', from Latin 'armata', meaning 'armed force'. 'Led' is the past participle of 'lead', from Old English 'lædan', meaning 'to guide'.

'Army' evolved from Old French 'armee' and 'led' from Old English 'lædan', eventually forming the modern English compound 'army-led'.

Initially, 'army' referred to a group of armed forces, and 'led' meant guided. Together, 'army-led' has maintained its meaning of being directed by military forces.