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M m meter; meters; mechanized (graphics, FM 1‑02) M&G mapping and geodesy M&I modernization and improvement M&O maintenance and operation M&R maintenance and repair M&S modeling
and simulation (not plural, FM 1‑02) M/C‑M/S mobility/countermobility/survivability
(FM 1‑02) M/S mobility/survivability
(FM 3‑21.20) M1H miles traveled in an hour
(FM 3‑90.2) M60 machine gun to be replaced by the
M240B, according to MA machine accountant; marshaling
area; monitoring agency MAA maximum authorized altitude;
mission area analysis MAAG Military Assistance Advisory
Group MAAP MAB missile assembly building; mobile
floating assault bridge‑ferry (US); mobile assault bridge (FM 3‑90.2) MAC maintenance allocation chart
(FM 3‑21.20); Military Airlift Command, superseded by AMC
(FM 3‑21.38, FM 3‑21.220), ‑26, ARTEP 7‑20-MTP);
maintenance allocation chart; Military Airlift Command; Maneuver Area
Command; MOUT Assault Course (TC 90‑1) MACA Military Airlift Clearance
Authority MACADS MACCS Marine
air command and control system (FM 1‑02) MACE Military Air Cargo Export System MACG Marine
air control group (FM 1‑02); marshalling area control group machine gun (noun, MW9) MACI military adaptation of commercial
items MACO Marshalling Area Control Officer
MACR Military Airlift Command regulation
(FM 90‑26) MACRIT Manpower Requirements Criteria MACS Marine air control squadron;
Multipurpose Arcade Combat Simulator (FM 3‑22.27) MACS Marine
air control squadron (FM 1‑02) MADAEC Military Application Division of
the Atomic Energy Commission MADM medium atomic demolition munition MAERU mobile ammunition evaluation and
reconditioning unit MAF Marine Amphibious Forces MAFC major Army field command mag magazine (ARTEP 7‑91-MTP);
magnetic (FM 3‑21.20); magnification, STP 7‑11M14‑SM‑TG) MAG Military Advisory Group; Marine
aircraft group (FM 1‑02) magnetic azimuth An
angle of direction measured clockwise from magnetic north, also azimuth; grid azimuth; true
azimuth (FM 3‑25.26) magnetic declination (DOD,
NATO) The angle between the magnetic and geographical meridians at any place,
expressed in degrees east or west to indicate the direction of magnetic north
from true north. In nautical and aeronautical navigation, the term magnetic
variation is used instead of magnetic declination and the angle is termed
variation of the compass or magnetic variation. Magnetic declination is not
otherwise synonymous with magnetic variation, which refers to regular or
irregular change with time of the magnetic declination, dip, or intensity,
also magnetic variation (FM 3‑25.26) magnetic mine (DOD,
NATO) A mine which responds to the magnetic field of a target (FM 20‑32) magnetic variation (DOD,
NATO) 1. In navigation, at a given place and time, the horizontal angle
between the true north and magnetic north measured east or west according to
whether magnetic north lies east or west of true north. 2. In cartography,
the annual change in direction of the horizontal component of the Earth's
magnetic field, also magnetic
declination (FM 3‑25.26) MAGNUM (system/location) (A/S)
Launch of friendly antiradiation missiles) MAGTF Marine
air‑ground task force (FM 1‑02) MAHC maximum allowable housing cost MAI Military Assistance Institute MAIN military authorization
identification number post (use abbreviations only in graphics); primary
command (FM 1‑02) main battle area (DOD)
That portion of the battlefield in which the decisive battle is fought to
defeat the enemy. For any particular command, the main battle area extends
rearward from the forward edge of the battle area to the rear boundary of the
command's subordinate units (Army) The area where the commander intends to
deploy the bulk of his combat power and conduct his decisive operations to
defeat an attacking enemy. Also called MBA, also defensive
operations; forward edge of
the battle area; handover line
(FM 3‑90) main body The
principal part of a tactical command or formation. It does not include
detached elements of the command, such as advance guards, flank guards, and
covering forces (FM 3‑90, FM 1‑02) main command post A cell that includes
those staff activities involved in controlling and sustaining current
operations and in planning future operations. (See Table 5‑8 for symbol) main detonating line (DOD,
NATO) In demolition, a line of detonating cord used to transmit the
detonation wave to two or more branches (FM 5‑250) main effort (ME;
Army) The activity, unit, or area that commanders determine constitutes the
most important task at that time (FM 3‑0); Marine Corps) The
designated subordinate unit whose mission at a given point in time is most
critical to overall mission success. It is usually weighted with the
preponderance of combat power and is directed against a center of gravity
through a critical vulnerability (FM 1‑02) main operations base (DOD)
In special operations, a base established by a joint force special operations
component commander or a subordinate special operations component commander
in friendly territory to provide sustained command and control, administration,
and logistical support to special operations activities in designated areas.
Also called MOB, also advanced operations base; forward operations base (FM 3‑05) main supply route (DOD, NATO) The route or routes
designated within an operational area upon which the bulk of traffic flows in
support of military operations. Also called MSR (FM 4‑01.30, see Table 7‑17 for symbol) maint maintenance
(FM 1‑02) maintenance (materiel) (DOD) 1. All action taken to
retain materiel in serviceable condition or to restore it to serviceability.
It includes inspection, testing, servicing, classification as to
serviceability, repair, rebuilding, and reclamation. 2. All supply and repair
action taken to keep a force in condition to carry out its mission. 3. The
routine recurring work required to keep a facility (plant, building,
structure, ground facility, utility system, or other real property) in such
condition that it may be continuously used, at its original or designed
capacity and efficiency for its intended purpose (Army) Actions taken to keep
materiel in serviceable, operational condition, and updating and upgrading
its capability. It includes performing preventive maintenance checks and
services; recovering and evacuating disabled equipment; diagnosing equipment
faults; substituting parts, components, and assemblies; exchanging
serviceable materiel for unserviceable materiel; and repairing equipment (FM 4‑30.3; see Table 5‑3 for symbols.) maintenance category obsolete; use maintenance level
(from DA USAMC Materiel Readiness Support Activity re maintenance allocation
charts (MACs), maintenance collection point A
point established to collect equipment awaiting repair, controlled exchange,
cannibalization, or evacuation. It may be operated by the user or by the
direct support maintenance units. Also called MCP, also unit
maintenance collection point (FM 4‑30.3; see Table 7‑17 for symbol) maintenance status (DOD)
1. A nonoperating condition, deliberately imposed, with adequate personnel to
maintain and preserve installations, materiel, and facilities in such a
condition that they may readily be restored to operable condition in a
minimum time by the assignment of additional personnel and without extensive
repair or overhaul. 2. That condition of materiel that is in fact, or is
administratively classified as, unserviceable, pending completion of required
servicing or repairs. 3. A condition of materiel readiness that reports the
level of operational readiness for a piece of equipment (FM 4‑30.3) maintenance support team A
tailored direct support team that collocates with a unit maintenance element
for a designated period. Also called MST
(FM 4‑30.3) MAIS MAIT maintenance assistance and
instruction team MAJ major major disaster (DOD)
Any flood, fire, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or other catastrophe which, in
the determination of the President, is or threatens to be of sufficient
severity to warrant disaster assistance by the Federal Government under
Public Law 606, 91st Congress (42 United States Code 58) to supplement the
efforts and available resources of State and local governments in alleviating
the damage and hardship, or suffering caused thereby, also domestic emergencies (FM 3‑07) major operation (DOD)
A series of tactical actions (battles, engagements, strikes) conducted by
various combat forces of a single or several Services, coordinated in time
and place, to accomplish operational and, sometimes, strategic objectives in
an operational area. These actions are conducted simultaneously or
sequentially in accordance with a common plan and are controlled by a single
commander, also operation (FM 3‑0) MAL materiel allowance list MALS Marine
aviation logistics squadron (FM 1‑02) MAM military air movement number MAMC MAMD missile
air and missile defense (FM 3‑90.61) mand mandatory (FM 7‑1) maneuver (DOD,
NATO) 1. A movement to place ships, aircraft, or land forces in a position of
advantage over the enemy. 2. A tactical exercise carried out at sea, in the
air, on the ground, or on a map in imitation of war. 3. The operation of a
ship, aircraft, or vehicle, to cause it to perform desired movements. 4.
Employment of forces in the battlespace through movement in combination with
fires to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the enemy in order to
accomplish the mission. [Note: the NATO definition replaces "in the
battlespace" with "on the battlefield."] (Army) One of the nine principles of war: Place
the enemy in a disadvantageous position through the flexible application of
combat power, also mission; operation; principles of war (FM 3‑0) maneuver (azimuth/range/
altitude) ** Informative call that specified group is maneuvering in azimuth,
range, and/or altitude) maneuver and mobility support A
military police mission performed to support and preserve the commander's
freedom of movement in his area of responsibility and enhance the movement of
friendly resources in all environments. Tasks include route reconnaissance
and surveillance, main supply route regulation and enforcement, temporary
route signing, support to river crossings, and straggler and refugee control.
Also called MMS (FM 3‑19.1) manhole (noun, MW9) man‑hour (noun, MW9) manifest (DOD)
A document specifying in detail the passengers or items carried for a
specific destination (FM 55‑1) manila hemp a strong‑fibered rope often
used in marine applications manipulative electromagnetic
deception (DOD) Actions to eliminate revealing, or
convey misleading, electromagnetic telltale indicators that may be used by
hostile forces. Also called MANIX machine aids to Nike‑X man‑made (adj, MW9) manpack (adj, MW10) man‑pack (verb, Gregg 811) MANPAD man‑portable air defense
(not "system") manpower (noun, MW9) MANSCEN MANSPT maneuver
(not 'man') support (FM 1‑02) MAO mailing address only MAP Military Assistance Program map (DOD,
NATO) A graphic representation, usually on a plane surface, and at an
established scale, of natural or artificial features on the surface of part
or whole of the Earth or other planetary body. These features are positioned
relative to a coordinate reference system, also large‑scale map;
medium‑scale map; small‑scale
map (FM 3‑25.26) map board (noun) MAPEX map exercise (ARTEP 7‑10‑MTP,
ARTEP 7‑20‑MTP, ARTEP 7‑30‑MTP,
ARTEP 7‑94‑MTP, ARTEP 71‑2‑MTP (FM 7‑0) MAPP manpower and personnel plan;
methylacetylene propadiene, propane propylene MAPPING (A/S)
Multifunction radar in an A/G mode) MAPROS maintain production schedules MAP‑TOE Management Practices in TOE Units MAPU multiple address processing unit MAR major assembly release;
multifunction array radar MAR‑1 multifunction array radar
(R&D at WSMR) MARAD Maritime Administration MARCE march column A
group of two to five serials using the same route for a single movement,
organized under a single commander for planning, regulating, and controlling,
also march serial; march unit; movement order (FM 3‑90) march serial A
subdivision of a march column consisting of a group of two to five march
units using the same route for a single movement, organized under a single
commander for planning, regulating, and controlling, also march column; march unit; movement
order (FM 3‑90) march unit The
smallest subdivision of a march column; a group of normally no more than 25
vehicles using the same route for a single movement organized under a single
commander for planning, regulating, and controlling, also march column; march serial; movement
order (FM 3‑90) MarDiv Marine
division (FM 1‑02) Marine air‑ground task
force (Marine Corps) The Marine Corps
principal organization for all missions across the range of military
operations, composed of forces task‑organized under a single commander
capable of responding rapidly to a contingency anywhere in the world. The
types of forces in the Marine air‑ground task force (MAGTF) are
functionally grouped into four core elements: a command element, an aviation
combat element, a ground combat element, and a combat service support element.
The four core elements are categories of forces, not formal commands. The
basic structure of the MAGTF never varies, though the number, size, and type
of Marine Corps units comprising each of its four elements will always be
mission dependent. The flexibility of the organizational structure allows for
one or more subordinate MAGTFs to be assigned or attached. In a joint or
multinational environment, other Service or multinational forces may be
assigned or attached to the MAGTF. Also called MAGTF, also aviation
combat element; combat service
support element; command
element; ground combat element; Marine expeditionary brigade; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air‑ground task
force; task force
(FM 1‑02) Marine expeditionary brigade (Marine
Corps) A Marine air‑ground task force that is constructed around a
reinforced infantry regiment, a composite Marine aircraft group, and a
brigade service support group. The Marine expeditionary brigade (MEB),
commanded by a general officer, is task‑organized to meet the
requirements of a specific situation. It can function as part of a joint task
force, as the lead echelon of the Marine expeditionary force (MEF), or alone.
It varies in size and composition, and is larger than a Marine expeditionary
unit but smaller than a MEF. The MEB is capable of conducting missions across
the full range of military operations. In a joint or multinational
environment, the MEB may contain other Service or multinational forces
assigned or attached. Also called MEB,
also brigade; Marine air‑ground task force; Marine expeditionary force
(FM 1‑02) Marine expeditionary force (Marine
Corps) The largest Marine air‑ground task force (MAGTF) and the Marine
Corps principal warfighting organization, particularly for larger crises or
contingencies. It is task‑organized around a permanent command element
and normally consists of one or more Marine divisions, Marine aircraft wings,
and Marine force service support groups. The Marine expeditionary force is
capable of missions across the range of military operations, including
amphibious assault and sustained operations ashore in any environment. It can
operate from a sea base, a land base, or both. In a joint or multinational
environment, it may also contain other Service or multinational forces
assigned or attached to the MAGTF. Also called MEF, also aviation
combat element; combat service
support element; command
element; ground combat element; Marine air‑ground task force; Marine expeditionary brigade; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air‑ground
task force; task force
(FM 1‑02) Marine expeditionary force
(forward) (DOD) A designated lead echelon of a Marine
expeditionary force (MEF), task‑organized to meet the requirements of a
specific situation. A Marine expeditionary force (forward) varies in size and
composition, and may be commanded by the MEF commander personally or by
another designated commander. It may be tasked with preparing for the
subsequent arrival of the rest of the MEF/joint/multinational forces, and/or
the conduct of other specified tasks, at the discretion of the MEF commander.
A Marine expeditionary force (forward) may also be a stand‑alone Marine
air‑ground task force (MAGTF), task‑organized for a mission in
which a MEF is not required. It may also contain other Service or foreign
military forces assigned or attached to the MAGTF. Also called MEF (FWD), also aviation combat element; combat service support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine air‑ground task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary unit; Marine expeditionary unit (special forces
capable); special purpose
Marine air‑ground task force; task force (FM 1‑02) Marine expeditionary unit (Marine
Corps) A Marine air‑ground task force (MAGTF) that is constructed
around an infantry battalion reinforced, a helicopter squadron reinforced,
and a task‑organized combat service support element. It normally
fulfills Marine Corps forward sea‑based deployment requirements. The
Marine expeditionary unit provides an immediate reaction capability for
crisis response and is capable of limited combat operations. In a joint or
multinational environment, it may contain other Service or multinational
forces assigned or attached to the MAGTF. Also called MEU, also aviation
combat element; combat service
support element; command
element; ground combat element; Marine air‑ground task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit (special
operations capable); special
purpose Marine air‑ground task force; task force (FM 1‑02) Marine expeditionary unit
(special operations capable) (Marine Corps) The Marine
Corps standard, forward‑deployed, sea‑based expeditionary
organization. The Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable; MEU[ MARISP Maritime Strike Plan mark** (NATO)
In artillery and naval fire support: a. a call for fire on a specified
location in order to orient the observer/spotter or to indicate targets; b.
to report the instant of optimum light on the target produced by illumination
shells. [Note: the Army definition also applies to mortar fire.] (FM 6‑30) marking smoke Smoke
employed to relay prearranged communications on the battlefield. It is
frequently used to identify targets, evacuation points, friendly perimeters,
and so forth (FM 3‑50) marking** Informative
call indicating friendly aircraft is leaving contrails (NOTE: NATO term is conning.) markpoint** Datalink
nondesignated geographic point of interest) MARKS Modern Army Record‑keeping
System MARS Military Affiliate Radio System marshalling (DOD,
NATO) 1. The process by which units participating in an amphibious or
airborne operation group together or assemble when feasible or move to
temporary camps in the vicinity of embarkation points, complete preparations
for combat, or prepare for loading (FM 90‑26).
2. The process of assembling, holding, and organizing supplies
and/or equipment, especially vehicles of transportation, for onward movement
(FM 100‑17), also staging area (FM 1‑02);
establishing at a specific point marshalling area (DOD)
A location in the vicinity of a reception terminal or pre‑positioned
equipment storage site where arriving unit personnel, equipment, materiel,
and accompanying supplies are reassembled, returned to the control of the
unit commander, and prepared for onward movement. The joint complex commander
designating the location will coordinate the use of the facilities with other
allied commands and the host nation, and will provide life support to the
units while in the marshalling area (FM 100‑17); (Marine Corps) 1. The
general area in which unit preparation areas and departure airfields may be
located and from which air movement is initiated. 2. In amphibious
operations, the designated area in which, as part of the mounting process,
units are reorganized for embarkation; vehicles and equipment are prepared to
move directly to embarkation areas; and housekeeping facilities are provided
for troops by other units, also marshalling
(FM 1‑02) MAS Military Agency for
Standardization; main aid station (FM 3‑21.20) MASCAL mass casualty (FM 7‑1) MASER microwave amplification by
stimulated emission of radiation MASF Military Assistance Service Funded;
mobile aeromedical staging facility (FM 90‑26) MASH mobile army surgical hospital MASINT measurement
and signature intelligence (FM 1‑02) mask only 1.
A protective measure that provides some relief from mission‑oriented
protective posture (MOPP) gear for personnel who must work in a vapor‑
or aerosol‑contaminated environment. Personnel must be within
protective shelters (certain types of vans, tanks, or buildings) where the
danger of transfer hazards is minimal. This posture is only used when the only
threat is vapor. Mask only cannot be used when blister agents are present. 2.
A protective measure used when the commander anticipates that his only
chemical threat is from riot control agents (FM 3‑11.4) MASL military assistance articles and
services list mass (DOD,
NATO) 1. The concentration of combat power. 2. The military formation in
which units are spaced at less than normal distances and intervals (Army) One
of the nine principles of war: Concentrate the effects of combat power at the
decisive place and time, also principles
of war (FM 3‑0) MASS Marine
air support squadron (FM 1‑02); Modern Army Supply System mass casualty (DOD)
Any large number of casualties produced in a relatively short period of time,
usually as the result of a single incident such as a military aircraft
accident, hurricane, flood, earthquake, or armed attack that exceeds
logistical support capabilities, also casualty,
FM 4‑02) MASSCAL mass casualty (ARTEP 7‑20‑MTP,
ARTEP 71‑2‑MTP) massed fire (DOD)
1. The fire of batteries of two or more ships directed against a single
target. 2. Fire from a number of weapons directed at a single point or small
area, also concentrated fire, FM 6‑30) MASSTER Modern Army Selected System test,
evaluation, and review MAST military assistant to safety and
traffic MASTARAV master army aviator mat material; materiel (use
abbreviations only in graphics) MAT Mechanical Aptitude Test MATCH MATCO Military Air Traffic Coordinating
Office(r) material factor the
strength, hardness, and mass of the material to be demolished materiel release confirmation (DOD)
A notification from a shipping or storage activity advising the originator of
a materiel release order of the positive action taken on the order. It will
also be used with appropriate shipment status document identifier codes as a
reply to a follow‑up initiated by the inventory control point, FM 10‑15) materiel release order (DOD)
An order issued by an accountable supply system manager (usually an inventory
control point or accountable depot or stock point) directing a nonaccountable
activity (usually a storage site or materiel drop point) within the same
supply distribution complex to release and ship materiel, FM 10‑15) MATES mobilization and training
equipment site MAV obsolete; use "IAV" MAW medium antitank weapon MAWLOGS Models of the max maximum
(FM 1‑02, FM 5-0‑1); use abbreviations only in graphics) max ord maximum ordinate (FM 3‑22.27) maximum effective range (DOD, NATO) The maximum distance at which a weapon may be expected to be accurate and achieve the desired effect. [Note: the NATO definition replaces "effect" with "result."] (Army) The distance from a weapon system at which a 50 percent probability of target hit is expected, or the tracer burnout range ( |