Stuart Young, of Glenrothes in Fife, died when his car was in collision with another vehicle on the A1 in Lincolnshire.
He was taken to Peterborough City Hospital where he later died from his injuries.
It is understood Mr Young – who recently served a tour of duty in Afghanistan – had been driving back to his Army base.
The 24-year-old was driving a blue Ford Focus southbound on the dual carriageway near South Witham, Lincolnshire, at 5pm on Saturday when his car was struck.
It has yet to be determined whether his vehicle was stationary at the time of the collision.
Just moments earlier, he tweeted about his car breaking down: "Trying to find a hard shoulder when u lose all power in your car £scarystuff."
Friends paid tribute to the soldier on Facebook.
Carl Kelly wrote: "RIP Stu Young, you will be missed big time. Will never forget the great times we had. Put in a good word for me up there buddy. Devastated."
Allan Glass wrote: "A very sad day today. Stuart Young tragically killed last night while driving back to his army base. My thoughts go out to his family and friends."
The 30-year-old driver of a blue Volkswagen Passat was taken to the same hospital with minor injuries, but discharged after treatment.
The man, from Frampton, near Boston, was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
PC Mark Hamilton, of Lincolnshire Police, said: "The vehicle in which he was travelling in was struck from behind by another car, but we don't know how that came to be yet.
"The road is a dual carriageway and it was dark.
"We have an account from the other driver which will form part of our enquiries."
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police urged any witnesses to come forward.
He said: "We are appealing for witnesses after a fatal collision on the south bound carriageway of the A1 near to the Fox Inn north of the turn off to South Witham.
"The 30-year-old driver of a blue Volkswagen Passat from Frampton near Boston was also taken to the same hospital, with minor injuries, but discharged after treatment.
"He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving."
Jamie Beatson
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