Military Dictionary (Letter Group M)

See times.

The quantity of an item required to be on hand and on order (on M-day minus one day) to equip and provide a materiel pipeline for the approved peacetime US force structure, both active and reserve.

The ratio of the velocity of a body to that of sound in the surrounding medium.

See bearing.

See magnetic mine.

(*) An instrument containing a freely suspended magnetic element which displays the direction of the horizontal component of the Earth?s magnetic field at the point of observation.

(*) 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. See also magnetic variation.

(*) A line drawn on a map or chart connecting all points at which the magnetic inclination (dip) is zero for a specified epoch. Also called aclinic line.

(*) A mine which responds to the magnetic field of a target.

The process of using magnetic detectors to determine the presence of mines or minelike objects.

(*) The direction indicated by the north seeking pole of a freely suspended magnetic needle, influenced only by the Earth?s magnetic field.

A tape or ribbon of any material impregnated or coated with magnetic or other material on which information may be placed in the form of magnetically polarized spots.

(*) 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. See also magnetic declination. 2. In cartography, the annual change in direction of the horizontal component of the Earth?s magnetic field.

A temporary shutdown or redirection of mail flow to or from a specific location. (JP 1-0)

(*) An airfield planned for permanent occupation in peacetime, also suitable for use in wartime and having sufficient operational facilities for full use of its combat potential. See also airfield; departure airfield; diversion airfield; redeployment airfield.

The request of the observer or spotter to obtain fire from the largest guns installed on the fire support ship.

(*) The principal attack or effort into which the commander throws the full weight of the offensive power at his disposal. An attack directed against the chief objective of the campaign, major operation, or battle.

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.

(*) The convoy as a whole which sails from the convoy assembly port/anchorage to its destination. It may be supplemented by joiners or joiner convoys, and leavers or leaver convoys may break off.

The highest deck running the full length of a vessel (except for an aircraft carrier?s hanger deck). See also watercraft. (JP 4-01.6)

(*) In demolition, a line of detonating cord used to transmit the detonation wave to two or more branches.

A line at the forward edge of the battle position, designated for the purpose of coordinating the fire of all units and supporting weapons, including air and naval gunfire. It defines the forward limits of a series of mutually supporting defensive areas, but it does not include the areas occupied or used by covering or screening forces.

A facility outside the United States and US territories with permanently stationed operating forces and robust infrastructure. Main operating bases are characterized by command and control structures, enduring family support facilities, and strengthened force protection measures. Also called MOB. See also cooperative security location; forward operating site. (CJCS CM-0007-05)

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. See also advanced operations base; forward operations base. (JP 3-05.1)

The route or routes designated within an operational area upon which the bulk of traffic flows in support of military operations. Also called MSR.

When used in the context of deliberate planning, the directed command will keep the referenced operation plan, operation plan in concept format, or concept summary, and any associated Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) automated data processing files active in accordance with applicable tasking documents describing the type and level of update or maintenance to be performed. General guidance is contained in JOPES, Volumes I and II. See also archive; retain.

1. All action taken to retain materiel in a 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.

A general locality in which are grouped a number of maintenance activities for the purpose of retaining or restoring materiel to a serviceable condition.

The application of techniques, engineering skills, and effort, organized to ensure that the design and development of weapon systems and equipment provide adequately for their effective and economical maintenance.

1. A nonoperating condition, deliberately imposed, with adequate personnel to maintain and preserve installations, materiel, and facilities in such a condition that they may be readily 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.

Those organizations and units described in the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan that directly produce combat capability. The size of the element varies by Service, force capability, and the total number of such elements available. Examples are Army divisions and separate brigades, Air Force squadrons, Navy task forces, and Marine expeditionary forces. See also major force.

See domestic emergencies.

A principal, permanent subdivision of the operating forces of the Navy with certain supporting shore activities. Presently there are two such fleets: the Pacific Fleet and the Atlantic Fleet. See also fleet.

A military organization comprised of major combat elements and associated combat support, combat service support, and sustainment increments. The major force is capable of sustained military operations in response to plan employment requirements. See also major combat element.

(*) Any nation that possesses a nuclear striking force capable of posing a serious threat to every other nation.

A series of tactical actions (battles, engagements, strikes) conducted by combat forces of a single or several Services, coordinated in time and place, to achieve strategic or operational 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. For noncombat operations, a reference to the relative size and scope of a military operation. See also operation. (JP 3-0)

One of a limited number of systems or subsystems that for reasons of military urgency, criticality, or resource requirements, is determined by the Department of Defense as being vital to the national interest.

One or more actions necessary to prevent or interrupt complete function of the system (traditionally synonymous with ?dearm,? ?disarm,? and ?disable?). Among the necessary actions are: (1) install (safety devices such as pins or locks); (2) disconnect (hoses, linkages, batteries); (3) bleed (accumulators, reservoirs); (4) remove (explosive devices such as initiators, fuzes, detonators); and (5) intervene (as in welding, lockwiring).

Capable of being carried by one man. Specifically, the term may be used to qualify: 1. Items designed to be carried as an integral part of individual, crew-served, or team equipment of the dismounted soldier in conjunction with assigned duties. Upper weight limit: approximately 14 kilograms (31 pounds.) 2. In land warfare, equipment which can be carried by one man over long distance without serious degradation of the performance of normal duties.

The space and weight factor used to determine the combat capacity of vehicles, craft, and transport aircraft, based on the requirements of one person with individual equipment. The person is assumed to weigh between 222-250 pounds and to occupy 13.5 cubic feet of space. See also boat space.

Items that are usually transported on wheeled, tracked, or air vehicles, but have integral provisions to allow periodic handling by one or more individuals for limited distances (100-500 meters). Upper weight limit: approximately 65 pounds per individual.

Those elements of organizations and/or activities that are part of, or are closely related to, the mobility system, and which authorize requirements to be moved, to obtain and allocate lift resources, or to direct the operation of linklift vehicles.

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 operational area through movement in combination with fires to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the enemy in order to accomplish the mission. See also mission; operation. (JP 3-0)

A reentry vehicle capable of performing preplanned flight maneuvers during the reentry phase. See also multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle; multiple reentry vehicle; reentry vehicle.

A document specifying in detail the passengers or items carried for a specific destination.

See electromagnetic deception.

See manpower requirements; manpower resources.

(*) The means of manpower control to ensure the most efficient and economical use of available manpower.

(*) Systematic evaluation of a functional area, utilizing expert knowledge, manpower scaling guides, experience, and other practical considerations in determining the validity and managerial efficiency of the function?s present or proposed manpower establishment.

Human resources needed to accomplish specified work loads of organizations.

Human resources available to the Services that can be applied against manpower requirements.

(*) A graphic representation, usually on a plane surface and at an established scale, of natural or artificial features on the surface of a part or the whole of the Earth or other planetary body. The features are positioned relative to a coordinate reference system. See also administrative map; chart index; chart series; chart sheet; controlled map; general map; large-scale map; line-route map; map chart; map index; map series; map sheet; medium-scale map; operation map; planimetric map; situation map; small-scale map; strategic map; tactical map; topographic map; traffic circulation map.

A representation of a land-sea area, using the characteristics of a map to represent the land area and the characteristics of a chart to represent the sea area, with such special characteristics as to make the map-chart most useful in military operations, particularly amphibious operations. See also map.

(*) The angle at which one meridian is inclined to another on a map or chart. See also convergence.

An exercise in which a series of military situations is stated and solved on a map.

(*) Graphic key primarily designed to give the relationship between sheets of a series, their coverage, availability, and further information on the series. See also map.

(*) A means of identifying a point on the surface of the Earth by relating it to information appearing on a map, generally the graticule or grid.

(*) A code used primarily for encoding grid coordinates and other information pertaining to maps. This code may be used for other purposes where the encryption of numerals is required.

(*) A group of maps or charts usually having the same scale and cartographic specifications, and with each sheet appropriately identified by producing agency as belonging to the same series.

(*) An individual map or chart either complete in itself or part of a series. See also map.

See air cartographic camera.

(*) In cartography, the area of a map or chart lying outside the border.

(*) All explanatory information given in the margin of a map or chart which clarifies, defines, illustrates, and/or supplements the graphic portion of the sheet.

See marginal data.

Weather that is sufficiently adverse to a military operation so as to require the imposition of procedural limitations. See also adverse weather.

A system that provides the aviation combat element commander with the means to command, coordinate, and control all air operations within an assigned sector and to coordinate air operations with other Services. It is composed of command and control agencies with communications- electronics equipment that incorporates a capability from manual through semiautomatic control. Also called MACCS. See also direct air support center; tactical air operations center. (JP 3-09.3)

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. Also called MAGTF. See also aviation combat element; combat service support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.

A base for support of Marine ground forces, consisting of activities or facilities for which the Marine Corps has operating responsibilities, together with interior lines of communications and the minimum surrounding area necessary for local security. (Normally, not greater than an area of 20 square miles.) See also base complex.

A Marine Corps air-ground team consisting of one division and one aircraft wing, together with their normal reinforcements.

The oceans, seas, bays, estuaries, and other major water bodies, including their surface interface and interaction, with the atmosphere and with the land seaward of the mean high water mark.

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. Also called MEB. See also brigade; Marine air-ground task force; Marine expeditionary force. (JP 3-18)

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 contains 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. Also called MEF. See also aviation combat element; combat service support element; command element; ground combat element; Marine air-ground task force; Marine expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.

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 an MEF is not required. Also called MEF (FWD). See 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 operations capable); special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.

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. Also called MEU. See 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.

The Marine Corps standard, forward-deployed, sea-based expeditionary organization. The Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) (MEU[SOC]) is a Marine expeditionary unit, augmented with selected personnel and equipment, that is trained and equipped with an enhanced capability to conduct amphibious operations and a variety of specialized missions of limited scope and duration. These capabilities include specialized demolition, clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance, raids, in-extremis hostage recovery, and enabling operations for follow-on forces. The MEU(SOC) is not a special operations force but, when directed by the Secretary of Defense, the combatant commander, and/or other operational commander, may conduct limited special operations in extremis, when other forces are inappropriate or unavailable. Also called MEU(SOC). See 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 purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.

The US Marines may employ the concept of the Marine Logistics Command (MLC) in major regional contingencies to provide operational logistic support, which will include arrival and assembly operations. The combat service support operations center will be the MLC?s primary combat service support coordination center for units undergoing arrival and assembly. Also called MLC. See also combat service support operations center. (JP 4-01.8)

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force is composed of 68 surge sealift assets owned and operated by the US Department of Transportation/MARAD and crewed by civilian mariners. In time of contingency or exercises, the ships are placed under the operational command of the Military Sealift Command. See also National Defense Reserve Fleet.

An area generally similar to a defensive sea area in purpose except that it may be established any place on the high seas. Maritime control areas are normally established only in time of war. See also defensive sea area.

(*) One of the subdivisions of a coastal area.

The oceans, seas, bays, estuaries, islands, coastal areas, and the airspace above these, including the littorals. (JP 3-32)

The effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a nation. (JP 3-32)

Forces that operate on, under, or above the sea to gain or exploit command of the sea, sea control, or sea denial and/or to project power from the sea. (JP 3-32)

Efforts to monitor, query, and board merchant vessels in international waters to enforce sanctions against other nations such as those in support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions and/or prevent the transport of restricted goods. Also called MIO. (JP 3-0)

Power projection in and from the maritime environment, including a broad spectrum of offensive military operations to destroy enemy forces or logistic support or to prevent enemy forces from approaching within enemy weapons? range of friendly forces. Maritime power projection may be accomplished by amphibious assault operations, attack of targets ashore, or support of sea control operations.

A rapid deployment and assembly of a Marine expeditionary force in a secure area using a combination of intertheater airlift and forward-deployed maritime pre-positioning ships. See also Marine expeditionary force; maritime pre-positioning ships. (JP 4-01.6)

Civilian-crewed, Military Sealift Command-chartered ships that are organized into three squadrons and are usually forward-deployed. These ships are loaded with pre-positioned equipment and 30 days of supplies to support three Marine expeditionary brigades. Also called MPS. See also Navy cargo handling battalion.

The waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; the territories and possessions of the United States (except Canal Zone and the inland area of Alaska), and designated areas of the high seas. See also search and rescue region.

A task-organized force formed from elements of a Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) and naval special warfare forces that can be quickly tailored to a specific mission. The maritime special purpose force can execute on short notice a wide variety of missions in a supporting, supported, or unilateral role. It focuses on operations in a maritime environment and is capable of operations in conjunction with or in support of special operations forces. The maritime special purpose force is integral to and directly relies upon the Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) for all combat and combat service support. Also called MSPF. (JP 3-05)

That degree of dominance of one force over another that permits the conduct of maritime operations by the former and its related land, sea, and air forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force.

That degree of maritime superiority wherein the opposing force is incapable of effective interference.

(*) 1. A visual or electronic aid used to mark a designated point. 2. In land mine warfare: See gap marker; intermediate marker; lane marker; row marker; strip marker. 3. In naval operations, a maritime unit which maintains an immediate offensive or obstructive capability against a specified target.

(*) In an amphibious operation, a ship which takes accurate station on a designated control point. It may fly identifying flags by day and show lights to seaward by night.

To maintain contact on a target from such a position that the marking unit has an immediate offensive capability.

(*) In naval mine warfare, the distance and bearing of a marker from a target.

(*) Fire placed on a target for the purpose of identification.

(*) A sheet of material displayed for visual communication, usually between friendly units. See also panel code.

(*) In naval mine warfare, a moored mine lying on the seabed connected to its sinker from which it has failed to release owing to defective mechanism.

A bearing, distance, and altitude fix designated by an air operations center, helicopter direction center, or carrier air traffic control center on which the pilot will orientate holding, and from which initial approach will commence during an instrument approach. See also helicopter directions center. (JP 3-04.1)

(*) 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. 2. The process of assembling, holding, and organizing supplies and/or equipment, especially vehicles of transportation, for onward movement. See also stage; staging area.

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. See also marshalling. (JP 4-01.8)

(*) 1. The concentration of combat power. 2. The military formation in which units are spaced at less than the normal distances and intervals.

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 local logistic support capabilities. See also casualty.

1. The fire of the 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.

The commanding officer of a United States Naval Ship, a commercial ship, or a government-owned general agency agreement ship operated for the Military Sealift Command by a civilian company to transport Department of Defense cargo. Also called MA. (JP 3-02.2)

A plan that contains key information that forms the foundation of the joint air tasking order. Sometimes referred to as the air employment plan or joint air tasking order shell. Information that may be found in the plan includes joint force commander guidance, joint force air component commander guidance, support plans, component requests, target update requests, availability of capabilities and forces, target information from target lists, aircraft allocation, etc. Also called MAAP. See also air attack; target. (JP 3-60)

(*) The earliest generation of imagery (negative or positive) from which subsequent copies are produced.

(*) A portion of a map or overlay on which are drawn the outlines of the areas covered by an air photographic sortie. Latitude and longitude, map, and sortie information are shown. See also sortie plot.

(*) The movement of materials (raw materials, scrap, semifinished, and finished) to, through, and from productive processes; in warehouses and storage; and in receiving and shipping areas.

Mechanical devices for handling of supplies with greater ease and economy. Also called MHE. See also materials handling. (JP 4-01.8)

All items (including ships, tanks, self-propelled weapons, aircraft, etc., and related spares, repair parts, and support equipment, but excluding real property, installations, and utilities) necessary to equip, operate, maintain, and support military activities without distinction as to its application for administrative or combat purposes. See also equipment; personal property.

Denotes responsibility for exercising supply management over items or categories of materiel.

See inventory control.

The quantity of an item required to be on hand and on order on M-day in order to equip, provide a materiel pipeline, and sustain the approved US force structure (active and reserve) and those Allied forces designated for US materiel support, through the period prescribed for war materiel planning purposes. It is the quantity by which the war materiel requirement exceeds the war materiel procurement capability and the war materiel requirement adjustment. It includes the M-day force materiel requirement and the war reserve materiel requirement.

See inventory control.

The quantity of an item required in the worldwide supply system to maintain an uninterrupted replacement flow.

A subset of logistic planning consisting of a four-step process. a. requirements definition. Requirements for significant items must be calculated at item level detail (i.e., National Stock Number) to support sustainability planning and analysis. Requirements include unit roundout, consumption and attrition replacement, safety stock, and the needs of allies. b. apportionment. Items are apportioned to the combatant commanders based on a global scenario to avoid sourcing of items to multiple theaters. The basis for apportionment is the capability provided by unit stocks, host-nation support, theater pre-positioned war reserve stocks and industrial base, and continental United States Department of Defense stockpiles and available production. Item apportionment cannot exceed total capabilities. c. sourcing. Sourcing is the matching of available capabilities on a given date against item requirements to support sustainability analysis and the identification of locations to support transportation planning. Sourcing of any item is done within the combatant commander?s apportionment. d. documentation. Sourced item requirements and corresponding shortfalls are major inputs to the combatant commander?s sustainability analysis. Sourced item requirements are translated into movement requirements and documented in the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System database for transportation feasibility analysis. Movement requirements for nonsignificant items are estimated in tonnage.

The availability of materiel required by a military organization to support its wartime activities or contingencies, disaster relief (flood, earthquake, etc.), or other emergencies.

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 followup initiated by the inventory control point.

An order issued by an accountable supply system manager (usually an inventory control point or accountable depot or stock point) directing a non-accountable activity (usually a storage site or materiel drop point) within the same supply distribution complex to release and ship materiel.

Those quantities of items of equipment and supplies necessary to equip, provide a materiel pipeline, and sustain a Service, formation, organization, or unit in the fulfillment of its purposes or tasks during a specified period.

The maximum distance at which a weapon may be expected to be accurate and achieve the desired effect.

(*) A figure, shown in each quadrangle bounded by ticked graticule lines on aeronautical charts, which represents the height in thousands and hundreds of feet, above mean sea level, of the highest known natural or manmade feature in that quadrangle, plus suitable factors to allow for inaccuracy and incompleteness of the topographical heighting information.

For any month, the sum of: a. the highest rate of basic pay payable for such month to any enlisted member of the Armed Forces of the United States at the highest pay grade applicable to enlisted members; and b. in the case of officers entitled to special pay under Title 37, United States Code, for such month, the amount of such special pay payable to such officers for such month. (JP 1-0)

(*) The maximum gross weight due to design or operational limitations at which an aircraft is permitted to land.

The keel depth that a submarine is not to exceed during operations. This depth is determined by the submarine?s national naval authority. See also test depth.

(*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, the height of the highest point in the trajectory of a projectile above the horizontal plane passing through its origin. Also called vertex height.

See radioactivity concentration guide.

(*) That radiation dose which a military commander or other appropriate authority may prescribe as the limiting cumulative radiation dose to be received over a specific period of time by members of the command, consistent with current operational military considerations.

(*) The greatest distance a weapon can fire without consideration of dispersion.

(*) In road transport, the highest speed at which a vehicle, with its rated payload, can be driven for an extended period on a level first-class highway without sustaining damage.

(*) The maximum gross weight due to design or operational limitations at which an aircraft is permitted to take off.

Distress call.

(*) A system of receiving radio beacon signals and rebroadcasting them on the same frequency to confuse navigation. The meaconing stations cause inaccurate bearings to be obtained by aircraft or ground stations.

(*) 1. The amount of nuclear irradiation of the whole body which would be fatal to 50 percent of the exposed personnel in a given period of time. 2. The dose of chemical agent that would kill 50 percent of exposed, unprotected, and untreated personnel.

In naval usage, the direction expected to be made good over a sustained period.

See mean point of impact.

(*) The point whose coordinates are the arithmetic means of the coordinates of the separate points of impact/burst of a finite number of projectiles fired or released at the same aiming point under a given set of conditions.

The average height of the surface of the sea for all stages of the tide; used as a reference for elevations. Also called MSL.

See mode of transport.

A criterion used to assess changes in system behavior, capability, or operational environment that is tied to measuring the attainment of an end state, achievement of an objective, or creation of an effect. Also called MOE. See also combat assessment; mission. (JP 3-0)

A criterion used to assess friendly actions that is tied to measuring task accomplishment. Also called MOP. (JP 3-0)

(*) In maritime navigation, distance precisely measured and marked, used by a vessel to calibrate its log.

Technically derived intelligence that detects, locates, tracks, identifies, and describes the unique characteristics of fixed and dynamic target sources. Measurement and signature intelligence capabilities include radar, laser, optical, infrared, acoustic, nuclear radiation, radio frequency, spectroradiometric, and seismic sensing systems as well as gas, liquid, and solid materials sampling and analysis. Also called MASINT. See also intelligence; scientific and technical intelligence. (JP 2-01)

A system for the management of theater and national measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) collection requirements. It provides automated tools for users in support of submission, review, and validation of MASINT nominations of requirements to be tasked for national and Department of Defense MASINT collection, production, and exploitation resources. Also called MRS. See also measurement and signature intelligence. (JP 2-01)

The unit of volumetric measurement of equipment associated with surface-delivered cargo. Measurement tons equal total cubic feet divided by 40 (1MTON = 40 cubic feet). Also called M/T, MT, MTON.

(*) In naval mine warfare, any sweep used with the object of physically contacting the mine or its appendages.

A limited number of news media who represent a larger number of news media organizations for purposes of news gathering and sharing of material during a specified activity. Pooling is typically used when news media support resources cannot accommodate a large number of journalists. See also news media representative; public affairs. (JP 3-61)

(*) The amount or quantity of chemical agent which when introduced into the body will incapacitate 50 percent of exposed, unprotected personnel.

Personnel who are wounded, injured, or ill and must be moved to or between medical facilities.

That category of intelligence resulting from collection, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of foreign medical, bio-scientific, and environmental information that is of interest to strategic planning and to military medical planning and operations for the conservation of the fighting strength of friendly forces and the formation of assessments of foreign medical capabilities in both military and civilian sectors. Also called MEDINT. See also intelligence. (JP 2-01)

(*) Physician with officer rank. Also called MO.

The actions and coordination necessary to arrange for the movement of patients through the levels of care. This process matches patients with a medical treatment facility that has the necessary health service support capabilities and available bed space. See also health service support; medical treatment facility. (JP 4-02)

The ongoing, systematic collection of health data essential to the evaluation, planning, and implementation of public health practice, closely integrated with timely dissemination of data as required by higher authority. See also surveillance. (JP 4-02)

A facility established for the purpose of furnishing medical and/ or dental care to eligible individuals. Also called MTF.

See field artillery.

Type of loft bombing wherein weapon release occurs at an angle between 35 and 75 degrees above the horizontal.

Generally defined as a quantity of material that will require one to three pallet stacks, stored to maximum height. Thus, the term refers to relatively small lots as distinguished from definitely large or small lots. See also storage.

A ballistic missile with a range capability from about 600 to 1,500 nautical miles.

A bomber designed for a tactical operating radius of under 1,000 nautical miles at design gross weight and design bomb load.

See transport aircraft.

A map having a scale larger than 1:600,000 and smaller than 1:75,000. See also map.

(*) A combat action that occurs when a moving force, incompletely deployed for battle, engages an enemy at an unexpected time and place.

(*) A nuclear weapon, the yield of which is measured in terms of millions of tons of trinitrotoluene explosive equivalents. See also kiloton weapon; nominal weapon; subkiloton weapon.

(*) A convoy consisting primarily of merchant ships controlled by the naval control of shipping organization.

In intelligence handling, communication instructions for reporting by merchant vessels of vital intelligence sightings. Also called MERINT.

(*) A vessel engaged in mercantile trade except river craft, estuarial craft, or craft which operate solely within harbor limits.

A report by message, or other means, of a casualty to a merchant ship at sea or in port. Merchant ship casualty reports are sent by the escort force commander or other appropriate authority to the operational control authority in whose area the casualty occurred.

(*) A worldwide system of communications to and from merchant ships using the peacetime commercial organization as a basis but under operational control authority, with the ability to employ the broadcast mode to ships when the situation makes radio silence necessary. Also called mercomms system.

(*) A defined area of sea or ocean inside which it may be necessary to offer guidance, control, and protection to Allied shipping.

(*) A worldwide message system for reporting the movements of and information relating to the control of merchant ships.

See merchant ship communications system.

Any thought or idea expressed briefly in a plain or secret language and prepared in a form suitable for transmission by any means of communication.

Record information expressed in plain or encrypted language and prepared in a format specified for intended transmission by a telecommunications system.

See telecommunications center.

Information about information; more specifically, information about the meaning of other data. See also data; information. (JP 2-03)

A term used to convey all meteorological (weather) and oceanographic (physical oceanography) factors as provided by Service components. These factors include the whole range of atmospheric and oceanographic phenomena, from the sub-bottom of the earth?s oceans up to the space environment (space weather). Also called METOC. (JP 3-59)

The collective of electronically connected, shore-based meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) production facilities that includes centers such as Air Force Weather Agency, Navy Fleet Numerical METOC Center, 55th Space Weather Squadron, Naval Oceanographic Office, Warfighting Support Center, Air Force Combat Climatology Center, Fleet Numerical METOC Center Detachment, Asheville, North Carolina, and the Air Force and Navy theater and/or regional METOC production activities. Also called MFC. See also meteorological and oceanographic. (JP 3-59)

Meteorological facts pertaining to the atmosphere, such as wind, temperature, air density, and other phenomena that affect military operations.

The study dealing with the phenomena of the atmosphere including the physics, chemistry, and dynamics extending to the effects of the atmosphere on the earth?s surface and the oceans. (JP 3-59)

(*) A generic term for any form, whether film, video tape, paper, or other medium, containing miniaturized or otherwise compressed images which cannot be read without special display devices.

The guidance applied to a missile between termination of the boost phase and the start of the terminal phase of flight.

That portion of the trajectory of a ballistic missile between the boost phase and the reentry phase. See also ballistic trajectory; boost phase; reentry phase; terminal phase.

A person who (1) belongs to a normally migratory culture who may cross national boundaries, or (2) has fled his or her native country for economic reasons rather than fear of political or ethnic persecution. (JP 3-57.1)

Radioactive contamination capable of inflicting radiation doses on personnel which may result in a reduction of their combat effectiveness.

A program conducted by the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in which amateur radio stations and operators participate in and contribute to the mission of providing auxiliary and emergency communications on a local, national, or international basis as an adjunct to normal military communications. Also called MARS.

A joint Service group, normally under the military command of a commander of a unified command and representing the Secretary of Defense, which primarily administers the US military assistance planning and programming in the host country. Also called MAAG.

A Department of Defense publication listing source, availability, and price of items and services for use by the unified commands and Military Departments in preparing military assistance plans and programs.

A mission of civil support involving Department of Defense support, normally based on the direction of the President, to suppress insurrections, rebellions, and domestic violence, and provide federal supplemental assistance to the states to maintain law and order. Also called MACDIS. (JP 3-26)

That portion of the US security assistance authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of l961, as amended, which provides defense articles and services to recipients on a nonreimbursable (grant) basis. Also called MAP.

The broad mission of civil support consisting of the three mission subsets of military support to civil authorities, military support to civilian law enforcement agencies, and military assistance for civil disturbances. Also called MACA. (JP 3-26)

The ability to achieve a specified wartime objective (win a war or battle, destroy a target set). It includes four major components: force structure, modernization, readiness, and sustainability. a. force structure ? Numbers, size, and composition of the units that comprise US defense forces; e.g., divisions, ships, air wings. b. modernization? Technical sophistication of forces, units, weapon systems, and equipments. c. unit readiness ? The ability to provide capabilities required by the combatant commanders to execute their assigned missions. This is derived from the ability of each unit to deliver the outputs for which it was designed. d. sustainability? The ability to maintain the necessary level and duration of operational activity to achieve military objectives. Sustainability is a function of providing for and maintaining those levels of ready forces, materiel, and consumables necessary to support military effort. See also readiness.

Those characteristics of equipment upon which depends its ability to perform desired military functions. Military characteristics include physical and operational characteristics but not technical characteristics.

The use of preponderantly indigenous military forces on projects useful to the local population at all levels in such fields as education, training, public works, agriculture, transportation, communications, health, sanitation, and others contributing to economic and social development, which would also serve to improve the standing of the military forces with the population. (US forces may at times advise or engage in military civic actions in overseas areas.)

Any construction, alteration, development, conversion, or extension of any kind carried out with respect to a military installation. Also called MILCON. (JP 4-04)

Commercial or Government owned (or leased) shipping containers that are moved via ocean transportation without bogey wheels attached, i.e., lifted on and off the ship. Also called SEAVAN.

(*) A land or maritime convoy that is controlled and reported as a military unit. A maritime convoy can consist of any combination of merchant ships, auxiliaries, or other military units.

(*) Currency prepared by a power and declared by its military commander to be legal tender for use by civilian and/or military personnel as prescribed in the areas occupied by its forces. It should be of distinctive design to distinguish it from the official currency of the countries concerned, but may be denominated in the monetary unit of either.

An appraisal of the effects of an attack on a nation?s military forces to determine residual military capability and to support planning for recovery and reconstitution. See also damage assessment.

Actions executed to deliberately mislead adversary military decision makers as to friendly military capabilities, intentions, and operations, thereby causing the adversary to take specific actions (or inactions) that will contribute to the accomplishment of the friendly mission. Also called MILDEC. See also deception. (JP 3-13.4)

One of the departments within the Department of Defense created by the National Security Act of 1947, as amended. Also called MILDEP. See also Department of the Air Force; Department of the Army; Department of the Navy.

A vehicle having military characteristics resulting from military research and development processes, designed primarily for use by forces in the field in direct connection with, or support of, combat or tactical operations.

The systematic instruction of individuals in subjects that will enhance their knowledge of the science and art of war. See also military training.

Routine contact and interaction between individuals or elements of the Armed Forces of the United States and those of another nation?s armed forces, or foreign and domestic civilian authorities or agencies to build trust and confidence, share information, coordinate mutual activities, and maintain influence. (JP 3-0)

Military geographic information that has been evaluated, processed, summarized, and published.

Information concerning physical aspects, resources, and artificial features of the terrain that is necessary for planning and operations.

The specialized field of geography dealing with natural and manmade physical features that may affect the planning and conduct of military operations.

See civil affairs.

An enactment on the authority of a military governor promulgating laws or rules regulating the occupied territory under such control.

(*) The military commander or other designated person who, in an occupied territory, exercises supreme authority over the civil population subject to the laws and usages of war and to any directive received from the commander?s government or superior.

(*) Two sets of parallel lines intersecting at right angles and forming squares; the grid is superimposed on maps, charts, and other similar representations of the surface of the Earth in an accurate and consistent manner to permit identification of ground locations with respect to other locations and the computation of direction and distance to other points. See also military grid reference system.

(*) A system which uses a standard-scaled grid square, based on a point of origin on a map projection of the surface of the Earth in an accurate and consistent manner to permit either position referencing or the computation of direction and distance between grid positions. Also called MGRS. See also military grid.

(*) A merchant ship or auxiliary sailed singly but controlled and reported as a military unit. See also independent.

Intelligence on any foreign military or military-related situation or activity which is significant to military policymaking or the planning and conduct of military operations and activities. Also called MI.

A decisionmaking forum which formulates Defense intelligence policy and programming priorities. The Military Intelligence Board, chaired by the Director, Defense Intelligence Agency, who is dual-hatted as Director of Military Intelligence, consists of senior military and civilian intelligence officials of each Service, US Coast Guard, each Combat Support Agency, the Joint Staff/J-2/J-6, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Intelligence), Intelligence Program Support Group, DIA?s Directorates for Intelligence Production, Intelligence Operations, and Information and Services, and the combatant command J-2s. Also called MIB. See also intelligence; military intelligence. (JP 2-0)

An architecture for improving the manner in which military intelligence is analyzed, stored, and disseminated. The Integrated Database (IDB) forms the core automated database for the Military Intelligence Integrated Data System (MIIDS) program and integrates the data in the installation, order of battle, equipment, and selected electronic warfare and command, control, and communications files. The IDB is the national-level repository for the general military intelligence information available to the entire Department of Defense Intelligence Information System community and maintained by DIA and the commands. The IDB is kept synchronized by system transactions to disseminate updates. Also called MIIDS/ IDB. See also architecture; military intelligence. (JP 2-01)

The deliberate act of a nation or a group of nations to introduce its military forces into the course of an existing controversy.

A US Service member or Department of Defense civilian employee providing photographic, print, radio, or television command information for military internal audiences. See also command information. (JP 3-61)

All military-owned transportation resources, designated for common-user, over the ground, point-to-point use.

(*) A standard system in which a route, bridge, or raft is assigned class number(s) representing the load it can carry. Vehicles are also assigned number(s) indicating the minimum class of route, bridge, or raft they are authorized to use. See also route classification.

(*) The principle whereby a belligerent has the right to apply any measures which are required to bring about the successful conclusion of a military operation and which are not forbidden by the laws of war.

(*) A nation which has nuclear weapons and the capability for their employment.

A condition in which territory is under the effective control of a foreign armed force. See also occupied territory; phases of military government.

A range of military force responses that can be projected to accomplish assigned tasks. Options include one or a combination of the following: civic action, humanitarian assistance, civil affairs, and other military activities to develop positive relationships with other countries; confidence building and other measures to reduce military tensions; military presence; activities to convey threats to adversaries as well as truth projections; military deceptions and psychological operations; quarantines, blockades, and harassment operations; raids; intervention operations; armed conflict involving air, land, maritime, and strategic warfare operations; support for law enforcement authorities to counter international criminal activities (terrorism, narcotics trafficking, slavery, and piracy); support for law enforcement authorities to suppress domestic rebellion; and support for insurgency, counterinsurgency, and civil war in foreign countries. See also civil affairs; foreign humanitarian assistance; military civic action. (JP 5-01.3)

A special military airlift service for ordinary official mail being sent to, from, or between overseas areas. Also called MOM.

An instrument (scrip) denominated in US dollars that is used as the official medium of exchange in US military operations designated as military payment certificate areas. Also called MPC. (JP 1-06)

A container that meets specific written standards. Aviation and Troop Command, US Army, procures military performance specification containers for the Army and will perform like services for other Department of Defense components on request. Also called MILSPEC container. (JP 4-01.7)

A branch of a designated US-based post office such as New York, San Francisco, Miami, or Seattle established by US Postal Service authority and operated by one of the Military Services. The term includes Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and established Coast Guard post offices Also called MPO.

A person of the US Armed Forces officially designated to perform postal duties.

The command, organization, personnel, and facilities established to provide, through military post offices, a means for the transmission of mail to and from the Department of Defense, members of the US Armed Forces, and other authorized agencies and individuals. Also called MPS.

The single manager operating agency established to manage the Military Postal Service. Also called MPSA.

The military disposition, strength, and condition of readiness as it affects capabilities.

(*) An established need justifying the timely allocation of resources to achieve a capability to accomplish approved military objectives, missions, or tasks. Also called operational requirement. See also objective force level.

Military and civilian personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies under the control of a Department of Defense component.

A major command of the US Navy reporting to Commander Fleet Forces Command, and the US Transportation Command?s component command responsible for designated common-user sealift transportation services to deploy, employ, sustain, and redeploy US forces on a global basis. Also called MSC. See also transportation component command. (JP 4-01.2)

The Military Sealift Command force common-user sealift consists of three subsets: the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, common-user ocean transportation, and the special mission support force. These ship classes include government-owned ships (normally civilian-manned) and ships acquired by Military Sealift Command charter or allocated from other government agencies. See also common-user sealift; Military Sealift Command. (JP 4-01.2)

Those ships assigned by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) for a specific operation. They may be MSC nucleus fleet ships, contract-operated MSC ships, MSC-controlled time or voyage-chartered commercial ships, or MSC-controlled ships allocated by the Maritime Administration to MSC to carry out Department of Defense objectives. (JP 3-02)

A branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, established by act of Congress, in which persons are appointed, enlisted, or inducted for military service, and which operates and is administered within a military or executive department. The Military Services are: the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard.

Refers to the collection, from, by and/or via humans, of foreign and military and military-related intelligence. (JP 2-01.2)

A uniform procedure established by the Department of Defense for use within the Department of Defense to govern requisition and issue of materiel within standardized priorities. Also called MILSTRIP.

Uniform and standard transportation data, documentation, and control procedures applicable to all cargo movements in the Department of Defense transportation system. Also called MILSTAMP.

A mission of civil support consisting of support for natural or man-made disasters, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosive consequence management, and other support as required. Also called MSCA. (JP 3-26)

A mission of civil support that includes support to civilian law enforcement agencies. This includes but is not limited to: combating terrorism, counterdrug operations, national security special events, and national critical infrastructure and key asset protection. Also called MSCLEA. (JP 3-26)

(*) A graphic sign used, usually on map, display or diagram, to represent a particular military unit, installation, activity, or other item of military interest.

A Federal civilian employee providing full-time support to a National Guard, Reserve, or Active Component organization for administration, training, and maintenance of the Selected Reserve. Also called MILTECH. (JP 1-03.17)

Department of Defense personnel, mail, and cargo to be, or being, transported.

1. The instruction of personnel to enhance their capacity to perform specific military functions and tasks. 2. The exercise of one or more military units conducted to enhance their combat readiness. See also military education.

Military-owned, demountable container, conforming to US and international standards, operated in a centrally controlled fleet for movement of military cargo. Also called MILVAN.

See international military education and training.

See military performance specification containers. (JP 4-01.7)

See military van (container).

The compatible chassis to which the military van (container) is attached by coupling the lower four standard corner fittings of the container to compatible mounting blocks in the chassis to permit road movement.

(*) 1. In land mine warfare, an explosive or material, normally encased, designed to destroy or damage ground vehicles, boats, or aircraft, or designed to wound, kill, or otherwise incapacitate personnel. It may be detonated by the action of its victim, by the passage of time, or by controlled means. 2. In naval mine warfare, an explosive device laid in the water with the intention of damaging or sinking ships or of deterring shipping from entering an area. The term does not include devices attached to the bottoms of ships or to harbor installations by personnel operating underwater, nor does it include devices which explode immediately on expiration of a predetermined time after laying. See also land mine warfare; mine warfare. (JP 3-15)

(*) The process of removing all mines from a route or area.

All methods for preventing or reducing damage or danger from mines. Also called MCM. (JP 3-15)

(*) The defense of a position, area, etc., by land or underwater mines. A mine defense system includes the personnel and equipment needed to plant, operate, maintain, and protect the minefields that are laid.

The operation by suitably qualified personnel designed to render safe, neutralize, recover, remove, or destroy mines.

(*) A single row of mines or clusters of mines. See also mine strip.

(*) In naval mine warfare, the process of visually observing a mine or minefield.

(*) In land mine warfare, two parallel mine rows laid simultaneously six meters or six paces apart. See also mine row.

The strategic, operational, and tactical use of mines and mine countermeasures. Mine warfare is divided into two basic subdivisions: the laying of mines to degrade the enemy?s capabilities to wage land, air, and maritime warfare; and the countering of enemy-laid mines to permit friendly maneuver or use of selected land or sea areas. Also called MIW. (JP 3-15)

(*) A special naval chart, at a scale of 1:50,000 or larger (preferably 1:25,000 or larger) designed for planning and executing mine warfare operations, either based on an existing standard nautical chart, or produced to special specifications.

Navy forces charged with the strategic, operational, and tactical use of naval mines and their countermeasures. Such forces are capable of offensive and defensive measures in connection with laying and clearing mines.

(*) A task organization of mine warfare units for the conduct of minelaying and/or mine countermeasures in maritime operations.

(*) The collective term for all weapons which may be used in mine warfare.

A number of mines (not to exceed five) laid within a two-meter semicircle of the central mine.

(*) Waters where naval mines of any given type may be effective against any given target.

(*) An area declared dangerous due to the presence or suspected presence of mines.

1. In land warfare, an area of ground containing mines emplaced with or without a pattern. 2. In naval warfare, an area of water containing mines laid with or without a pattern. See also land mine warfare; mine; mine warfare. (JP 3-15)

(*) In land mine warfare, the process of clearing a lane through a minefield under tactical conditions. See also minefield lane.

In land mine warfare, the average number of mines per meter of minefield front, or the average number of mines per square meter of minefield. In naval warfare, the average number of mines per nautical mile.

A marked lane, unmined, or cleared of mines, leading through a minefield.

Visible marking of all points required in laying a minefield and indicating the extent of such minefields.

(*) A complete written record of all pertinent information concerning a minefield, submitted on a standard form by the officer in charge of the laying operations.

An oral, electronic, or written communication concerning mining activities (friendly or enemy) submitted in a standard format by the fastest secure means available. (JP 3-15)

Employment of sensor and neutralization systems, whether air, surface, or subsurface, to locate and dispose of individual mines. Minehunting is conducted to eliminate mines in a known field when sweeping is not feasible or desirable, or to verify the presence or absence of mines in a given area. See also minesweeping. (JP 3-15)

The technique of clearing mines using either mechanical, explosive, or influence sweep equipment. Mechanical sweeping removes, disturbs, or otherwise neutralizes the mine; explosive sweeping causes sympathetic detonations in, damages, or displaces the mine; and influence sweeping produces either the acoustic and/or magnetic influence required to detonate the mine. See also minehunting. (JP 3-15)

(*) In naval mine warfare, the mine countermeasures procedure to detect, record and, if possible, track potential minelayers and to detect, find the position of, and/or identify mines during the actual minelaying.

A condition wherein normal message and telephone traffic is drastically reduced in order that messages connected with an actual or simulated emergency shall not be delayed.

(*) The minimum surface on an airfield which is essential for the movement of aircraft. It includes the aircraft dispersal areas, the minimum operating strip, and the taxiways between them. See also minimum operating strip.

The lowest altitude determined by the tactical use of weapons, terrain consideration, and weapons effects that permits the safe conduct of an air attack and/or minimizes effective enemy counteraction.

The lowest altitude at certain radio fixes at which an aircraft must cross when proceeding in the direction of a higher minimum en route instrument flight rules altitude.

That part of authorized allowances of Army equipment, clothing, and supplies needed to preserve the integrity of a unit during movement without regard to the performance of its combat or service mission. Items common within this category will normally be carried by or accompany troops to the port and will be placed aboard the same ships with the troops. As used in movement directives, minimum essential equipment refers to specific items of both organizational and individual clothing and equipment.

Those minimum actions, including the use of armed force, sufficient to bring a situation under control or to defend against hostile act or hostile intent. All actions must cease as soon as the target complies with instructions or ceases hostile action. The firing of weapons is to be considered as a means of last resort.

(*) The sum of the radius of safety and the buffer distance.

(*) The sum of system reaction time and personnel reaction time.

The specified altitude in effect between radio fixes on very high frequency omnirange airways, off-airway routes, or route segments, which meets obstruction clearance requirements for the entire route segment, and that assures acceptable navigational signal coverage only within 22 miles of a very high frequency omnirange.

(*) A runway which meets the minimum requirements for operating assigned and/or allocated aircraft types on a particular airfield at maximum or combat gross weight. See also minimum aircraft operating surface.

1. Least range setting of a gun at which the projectile will clear an obstacle or friendly troops between the gun and the target. 2. Shortest distance to which a gun can fire from a given position. 3. The range at which a projectile or fuse will be armed.

The lowest altitude required to receive adequate signals to determine specific very high frequency omnirange and tactical air navigation fixes.

(*) A nuclear weapon designed to have optimum reduction of unwanted effects from fallout, rainout, and burst site radioactivity. See also salted weapon.

(*) The altitude below which it is hazardous to fly owing to presence of high ground or other obstacles.

A temporary corridor of defined dimensions recommended for use by high-speed, fixed-wing aircraft that presents the minimum known hazards to low-flying aircraft transiting the combat zone. Also called MRR. (JP 3-52)

See photogrammetric control.

In the Air Force, a facility operated by an Active, Reserve, or Guard unit of at least squadron size that does not otherwise satisfy all the criteria for a major installation. This category includes Air Force stations; air stations; Air Reserve stations; and Air Guard stations. Examples of minor installations are Active, Reserve, or Guard flying operations that are located at civilian-owned airports. See also installation complex.

(*) A port having facilities for the discharge of cargo from coasters or lighters only.

(*) 1. Failure to fire or explode properly. 2. Failure of a primer or the propelling charge of a round or projectile to function wholly or in part.

(*) An approach which is not completed by landing.

A building, van, or other type structure located near the operational missile launching location and designed for the final assembly and checkout of the missile system.

(*) A system that serves to maintain attitude stability and to correct deflections. See also missile guidance system.

(*) Intentional destruction of a missile or similar vehicle for safety or other reasons.

(*) A system which, when operated by external command or preset internal means, destroys the missile or similar vehicle.

(*) A system which evaluates flight information, correlates it with target data, determines the desired flight path of a missile, and communicates the necessary commands to the missile flight control system. See also missile control system.

The line at which an attacking aircraft could launch an air-to-surface missile against a specific target.

A casualty status for which the United States Code provides statutory guidance concerning missing members of the Military Services. Excluded are personnel who are in an absent without leave, deserter, or dropped-from-rolls status. A person declared missing is categorized as follows. a. beleaguered ? The casualty is a member of an organized element that has been surrounded by a hostile force to prevent escape of its members. b. besieged ? The casualty is a member of an organized element that has been surrounded by a hostile force, compelling it to surrender. c. captured ? The casualty has been seized as the result of action of an unfriendly military or paramilitary force in a foreign country. d. detained ? The casualty is prevented from proceeding or is restrained in custody for alleged violation of international law or other reason claimed by the government or group under which the person is being held. e. interned ? The casualty is definitely known to have been taken into custody of a nonbelligerent foreign power as the result of and for reasons arising out of any armed conflict in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged. f. missing ? The casualty is not present at his or her duty location due to apparent involuntary reasons and whose location is unknown. g. missing in action ? The casualty is a hostile casualty, other than the victim of a terrorist activity, who is not present at his or her duty location due to apparent involuntary reasons and whose location is unknown. Also called MIA. See also casualty category; casualty status.

See missing.

1. The task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and the reason therefore. 2. In common usage, especially when applied to lower military units, a duty assigned to an individual or unit; a task. 3. The dispatching of one or more aircraft to accomplish one particular task.

The mission cycle, as it pertains to targeting, is a decisionmaking process used by commanders to employ forces. Within the cycle there are six general mission steps: detection, location, identification, decision, execution, and assessment. (JP 3-60)

A formatted non-system-specific statement containing operational capability needs and written in broad operational terms. It describes required operational capabilities and constraints to be studied during the Concept Exploration and Definition Phase of the Requirements Generation Process. Also called MNS.

An intelligence report containing information on all targets covered by one photographic sortie.

Further densification of global geospatial foundation data. Information created to support specific operations, operation plans, training, or system development. Information conforms to established Department of Defense data specifications. Also called MSDS. See also geospatial information and services. (JP 2-03)

1. Order issued to a lower unit that includes the accomplishment of the total mission assigned to the higher headquarters. 2. Order to a unit to perform a mission without specifying how it is to be accomplished.

Material condition of an aircraft indicating it can perform at least one and potentially all of its designated missions. Mission-capable is further defined as the sum of full mission-capable and partial mission-capable. Also called MC. See also full mission-capable; partial mission-capable; partial mission-capable, maintenance; partial mission-capable, supply.

1. That materiel authorized and available to combat, combat support, combat service support, and combat readiness training forces in order to accomplish their assigned missions. 2. For the purpose of sizing organic industrial facilities, that Service-designated materiel authorized to combat, combat support, combat service support, and combat readiness training forces and activities, including Reserve and National Guard activities, that is required to support approved emergency and/or war plans, and where the materiel is used to: a. destroy the enemy or the enemy?s capacity to continue war; b. provide battlefield protection of personnel; c. communicate under war conditions; d. detect, locate, or maintain surveillance over the enemy; e. provide combat transportation and support of men and materiel; and f. support training functions. Mission-essential materiel should also be suitable for employment under emergency plans to meet the purposes enumerated above.

Items for which requirements computations are based upon the assessment of enemy capabilities expressed as a known or estimated quantity of total targets to be destroyed. See also combination mission/level of effort-oriented items; level of effort-oriented items.

A flexible system of protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical contamination. This posture requires personnel to wear only that protective clothing and equipment (mission-oriented protective posture gear) appropriate to the threat level, work rate imposed by the mission, temperature, and humidity. Also called MOPP. See also mission-oriented protective posture gear. (JP 3-11)

Military term for individual protective equipment including suit, boots, gloves, mask with hood, first aid treatments, and decontamination kits issued to soldiers. Also called MOPP gear. See also decontamination; mission-oriented protective posture. (JP 3-11)

(*) In artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting, or an observation, by a spotter or an observer to indicate that the rounds fired resulted in an equal number of air and impact bursts.

(*) In naval mine warfare, a collection of mines of various types, firing systems, sensitivities, arming delays and ship counter settings.

(*) A minefield containing both antitank and antipersonnel mines. See also minefield.

Defense of an area or position in which maneuver is used with organization of fire and utilization of terrain to seize the initiative from the enemy.

A Navy surveillance unit that provides seaward security to joint logistics over-the-shore operations from either a port or harbor complex or unimproved beach sites. The mobile inshore undersea warfare unit is equipped with mobile radar, sonar, and communications equipment located within a mobile van. Also called MIUWU. See also joint logistics over-the-shore operations. (JP 4-01.6)

(*) In naval mine warfare, a mine designed to be propelled to its proposed laying position by propulsion equipment like a torpedo. It sinks at the end of its run and then operates like a mine. See also mine.

A dedicated security force designed to defeat Level I and II threats on a base and/or base cluster. Also called MSF. (JP 3-10)

Provides logistic support to ships at an anchorage; in effect a naval base afloat, although certain of its supporting elements may be located ashore.

A team consisting of one or more US military or civilian personnel sent on temporary duty, often to a foreign nation, to give instruction. The mission of the team is to train indigenous personnel to operate, maintain, and employ weapons and support systems, or to develop a self-training capability in a particular skill. The Secretary of Defense may direct a team to train either military or civilian indigenous personnel, depending upon host-nation requests. Also called MTT.

(*) A quality or capability of military forces which permits them to move from place to place while retaining the ability to fulfill their primary mission.

The Mobility Air Forces are comprised of those air components and Service components that are assigned air mobility forces and/or that routinely exercise command authority over their operations. Also called MAF.

An in-depth examination of all aspects of transportation planning in support of operation plan and operation order development.

Areas where a force will be canalized due to terrain restrictions. They allow military forces to capitalize on the principles of mass and speed and are therefore relatively free of obstacles. (JP 2-01.3)

A subordinate element of a unit that is scheduled for deployment separately from the parent unit.

Those resources that are required to: a. complement the airlift and sealift forces; and/or b. perform those work functions directly related to the origination, processing, or termination of a movement requirement.

1. The act of assembling and organizing national resources to support national objectives in time of war or other emergencies. See also industrial mobilization. 2. The process by which the Armed Forces or part of them are brought to a state of readiness for war or other national emergency. This includes activating all or part of the Reserve Components as well as assembling and organizing personnel, supplies, and materiel. Mobilization of the Armed Forces includes but is not limited to the following categories: a. selective mobilization ? Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress and/or the President to mobilize Reserve Component units, Individual Ready Reservists, and the resources needed for their support to meet the requirements of a domestic emergency that is not the result of an enemy attack. b. partial mobilization ? Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress (up to full mobilization) or by the President (not more than 1,000,000 for not more than 24 consecutive months) to mobilize Ready Reserve Component units, individual reservists, and the resources needed for their support to meet the requirements of a war or other national emergency involving an external threat to the national security. c. full mobilization ? Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress and the President to mobilize all Reserve Component units and individuals in the existing approved force structure, as well as all retired military personnel, and the resources needed for their support to meet the requirements of a war or other national emergency involving an external threat to the national security. Reserve personnel can be placed on active duty for the duration of the emergency plus six months. d. total mobilization ? Expansion of the active Armed Forces resulting from action by Congress and the President to organize and/or generate additional units or personnel beyond the existing force structure, and the resources needed for their support, to meet the total requirements of a war or other national emergency involving an external threat to the national security. Also called MOB. (JP 4-05)

The total of all resources available, or that can be made available, to meet foreseeable wartime needs. Such resources include the manpower and materiel resources and services required for the support of essential military, civilian, and survival activities, as well as the elements affecting their state of readiness, such as (but not limited to) the following: manning levels, state of training, modernization of equipment, mobilization materiel reserves and facilities, continuity of government, civil defense plans and preparedness measures, psychological preparedness of the people, international agreements, planning with industry, dispersion, and standby legislation and controls.

An exercise involving, either completely or in part, the implementation of mobilization plans.

Not to be used. See war reserves.

The designated location where a Reserve Component unit or individual mobilizes or moves after mobilization for further processing, training, and employment. This differs from a mobilization station in that it is not necessarily a military installation. See also mobilization; mobilization station; Reserve Components. (JP 4-05)

The action officer assigned the principle responsibility or additional duties related to Reserve Component mobilization actions. See also mobilization; Reserve Components. (JP 4-05.1)

The designated military installation to which a Reserve Component unit or individual is moved for further processing, organizing, equipping, training, and employment and from which the unit or individual may move to an aerial port of embarkation or seaport of embarkation. See also mobilization; mobilization site; Reserve Components. (JP 4-05)

(*) A model, built to scale, of a machine, apparatus, or weapon, used in studying the construction of, and in testing a new development, or in teaching personnel how to operate the actual machine, apparatus, or weapon.

The number or letter referring to the specific pulse spacing of the signals transmitted by an interrogator or transponder.

The various modes used for a movement. For each mode, there are several means of transport. They are: a. inland surface transportation (rail, road, and inland waterway); b. sea transport (coastal and ocean); c. air transportation; and d. pipelines.

See military capability.

The national level repository for the general military intelligence available to the entire Department of Defense Intelligence Information System community and, through Global Command and Control System integrated imagery and intelligence, to tactical units. This data is maintained and updated by the Defense Intelligence Agency. Commands and Services are delegated responsibility to maintain their portion of the database. Also called MIDB. See also database. (JP 3-51)

A joint intelligence preparation of the battlespace product used to portray the effects of each battlespace dimension on military operations. It normally depicts militarily significant aspects of the battlespace environment, such as obstacles restricting military movement, key geography, and military objectives. Also called MCOO. See also joint intelligence preparation of a battlespace. (JP 2-01.3)

(*) In air transport, the weight of a load multiplied by its distance from a reference point in the aircraft.

(*) 1. The act of listening, carrying out surveillance on, and/or recording the emissions of one?s own or allied forces for the purposes of maintaining and improving procedural standards and security, or for reference, as applicable. 2. The act of listening, carrying out surveillance on, and/or recording of enemy emissions for intelligence purposes. 3. The act of detecting the presence of radiation and the measurement thereof with radiation measuring instruments. Also called radiological monitoring.

The general surveillance of known air traffic movements by reference to a radar scope presentation or other means, for the purpose of passing advisory information concerning conflicting traffic or providing navigational assistance. Direct supervision or control is not exercised, nor is positive separation provided.

Lying with both anchors down or tied to a pier, anchor buoy, or mooring buoy. (JP 4-01.6)

(*) A contact or influence-operated mine of positive buoyancy held below the surface by a mooring attached to a sinker or anchor on the bottom. See also mine.

(*) The liquidation of remnants of enemy resistance in an area that has been surrounded or isolated, or through which other units have passed without eliminating all active resistance.

A muzzle-loading, indirect fire weapon with either a rifled or smooth bore. It usually has a shorter range than a howitzer, employs a higher angle of fire, and has a tube with a length of 10 to 20 calibers. See also gun; howitzer.

Covers the search for, recovery, identification, preparation, and disposition of remains of persons for whom the Services are responsible by status and Executive Order. See also joint mortuary affairs office. (JP 4-06)

(*) An assembly of overlapping photographs that have been matched to form a continuous photographic representation of a portion of the surface of the Earth. See also controlled mosaic; semi-controlled mosaic.

The organization that is best suited to provide common supply commodity or logistic service support within a specific joint operation. In this context, ?best suited? could mean the Service or agency that has required or readily available resources and/or expertise. The most capable Service may or may not be the dominant user in any particular operation. See also agency. (JP 4-07)

(*) A unit equipped with complete motor transportation that enables all of its personnel, weapons, and equipment to be moved at the same time without assistance from other sources.

(*) 1. All preparations made in areas designated for the purpose, in anticipation of an operation. It includes the assembly in the mounting area, preparation and maintenance within the mounting area, movement to loading points, and subsequent embarkation into ships, craft, or aircraft if applicable. 2. (DOD only) A carriage or stand upon which a weapon is placed.

A general locality where assigned forces of an amphibious or airborne operation, with their equipment, are assembled, prepared, and loaded in shipping and/or aircraft preparatory to an assault. See also embarkation area.

1. The planning, routing, scheduling, and control of personnel and cargo movements over lines of communications. 2. An organization responsible for the planning, routing, scheduling, and control of personnel and cargo movements over lines of communications. Also called movement control center or MCC. See also consumer logistics; line of communications; logistic and movement control center; movement control center; movement control teams; non-unit-related cargo; non-unit-related personnel. (JP 3-10)

See movement control.

(*) The post through which the control of movement is exercised by the commander, depending on operational requirements.

Movement control teams (MCTs) are Army units that decentralize the execution of movement responsibilities on an area basis or at key transportation nodes. The mission of the MCTs is movement control of personnel and materiel as well as the coordination of bulk fuel and water transportation at pipeline and production take-off points. To this end, the MCTs contribute to the development of procedures, documents, and practices to facilitate local movement. Their role is to expedite, coordinate, and monitor traffic moving through the transportation system. MCTs are tailored to meet the anticipated workload. Other Service movement requirements that exceed organic capability will be requested through the Army MCTs. The movement control center is the higher headquarters for the MCTs and is located at Corps level. Also called MCT. (JP 4-01.7)

(*) The allocation granted to one or more vehicles in order to move over a controlled route in a fixed time according to movement instructions.

The basic document published by the Department of the Army or the Department of the Air Force (or jointly) that authorizes a command to take action to move a designated unit from one location to another.

Those ships and embarked units that load out and proceed to rendezvous in the objective area. (JP 3-02.2)

An order issued by a commander covering the details for a move of the command.

In amphibious operations, the period during which various elements of the amphibious force move from points of embarkation to the operational area. This move may be via rehearsal, staging, or rendezvous areas. The movement phase is completed when the various elements of the amphibious force arrive at their assigned positions in the operational area. See also amphibious force; amphibious operation. (JP 3-02)

In amphibious operations, the naval plan providing for the movement of the amphibious task force to the objective area. It includes information and instructions concerning departure of ships from embarkation points, the passage at sea, and the approach to and arrival in assigned positions in the objective area. See also amphibious operation; amphibious task force. (JP 3-02)

The controlling agency for the entire movement report system. It has available all information relative to the movements of naval ships and other ships under naval control.

A system established to collect and make available to certain commands vital information on the status, location, and movement of flag commands, commissioned fleet units, and ships under operational control of the Navy.

A stated movement mode and time-phased need for the transport of units, personnel, and/or materiel from a specified origin to a specified destination.

(*) A restriction temporarily placed on traffic into and/or out of areas to permit clearance of or prevention of congestion.

A schedule developed to monitor or track a separate entity, whether it is a force requirement, cargo or personnel increment, or lift asset. The schedule reflects the assignment of specific lift resources (such as an aircraft or ship) that will be used to move the personnel and cargo included in a specific movement increment. Arrival and departure times at ports of embarkation, etc., are detailed to show a flow and workload at each location. Movement schedules are detailed enough to support plan implementation.

(*) A table giving detailed instructions or data for a move. When necessary it will be qualified by the words road, rail, sea, air, etc., to signify the type of movement. Normally issued as an annex to a movement order or instruction.

A form of the offense designed to develop the situation and to establish or regain contact. See also meeting engagement; reconnaissance in force.

Restricted areas established to provide a measure of security to submarines and surface ships in transit through areas in which the existing attack restrictions would be inadequate to prevent attack by friendly forces. See also moving submarine haven; moving surface ship haven.

(*) A display in which a symbol, representing the vehicle, remains stationary while the map or chart image moves beneath the symbol so that the display simulates the horizontal movement of the vehicle in which it is installed. Occasionally the design of the display is such that the map or chart image remains stationary while the symbol moves across a screen. See also projected map display.

(*) The collective description of mines, such as drifting, oscillating, creeping, mobile, rising, homing, and bouquet mines.

An area established by a submarine operating authority to prevent mutual interference among friendly submarines, or between friendly submarines and ships operating with towed bodies or arrays. See also moving havens.

Established by surface ship notices, a moving surface ship haven will normally be a circle with a specified radius centered on the estimated position of the ship or the guide of a group of ships. See also moving havens.

(*) A radar presentation which shows only targets which are in motion. Signals from stationary targets are subtracted out of the return signal by the output of a suitable memory circuit.

(*) In transport operations, a term applied to the movement of passengers and cargo by more than one method of transport.

A limited number of KC-135 aircraft can be equipped with external wing-mounted pods to conduct drogue air refueling, while still maintaining boom air refueling capability on the same mission. This dual refueling capability makes KC135s with multi-point refueling systems ideal for use as ground alert aircraft. Also called MPRS. See also air refueling. (JP 3-17)

A publication containing principles, terms, tactics, techniques, and procedures used by the forces of two or more Services to perform a common military function. It is approved by two or more Services and is promulgated as a Service publication. It may include differing perspectives on operational employment. It is authoritative to the same extent as other Service publications but requires judgment in application. It must be consistent with approved joint publications. (CJCSI 5120.02)

(*) The image of an object obtained simultaneously in a number of discrete spectral bands. Also called MSI.

Those ships certified to have three or more adjacent landing areas. See also spot. (JP 3-04.1)

Pertaining to communications, usually full duplex, on more than one channel simultaneously. Multichannel transmission may be accomplished by either time-, frequency-, code-, and phase-division multiplexing or space diversity.

Between two or more forces or agencies of two or more nations or coalition partners. See also alliance; coalition. (JP 5-0)

Fundamental principles that guide the employment of forces of two or more nations in coordinated action toward a common objective. It is ratified by participating nations. See also doctrine; joint doctrine; multi-Service doctrine.

An exercise containing one or more non-US participating force(s). See also exercise.

A force composed of military elements of nations who have formed an alliance or coalition for some specific purpose. Also called MNF. See also multinational force commander; multinational operations. (JP 0-2)

A general term applied to a commander who exercises command authority over a military force composed of elements from two or more nations. The extent of the multinational force commander?s command authority is determined by the participating nations. Also called MNFC. See also multinational force. (JP 3-16)

Two or more nations agree to provide logistic assets to a multinational force under operational control of a multinational force commander for the logistic support of a multinational force. See also logistic support; multinational integrated logistic support unit; multinational logistics; multinational logistic support arrangement. (JP 4-08)

An organization resulting when two or more nations agree to provide logistics assets to a multinational logistic force under the operational control of a multinational commander for the logistic support of a multinational force. Also called MILU. See also logistic support; multinational; multinational integrated logistic support. (JP 4-08)

Any arrangement involving two or more nations that facilitates the logistic support of a force (either the forces of the countries participating in the arrangement or other countries). See also logistic support; multinational; multinational logistics. (JP 4-08)

Any coordinated logistic activity involving two or more nations supporting a multinational force conducting military operations under the auspices of an alliance or coalition, including those conducted under United Nations mandate. Multinational logistics includes activities involving both logistic units provided by participating nations designated for use by the multinational force commander as well as a variety of multinational logistic support arrangements that may be developed and used by participating forces. See also logistics; multinational; multinational logistic support arrangement. (JP 4-08)

A collective term to describe military actions conducted by forces of two or more nations, usually undertaken within the structure of a coalition or alliance. See also alliance; coalition; coalition action. (JP 3-16)

A staff composed of personnel of two or more nations within the structure of a coalition or alliance. See also integrated staff; joint staff; parallel staff.

Warfare conducted by forces of two or more nations, usually undertaken within the structure of a coalition or alliance. (JP 3-05)

See multiple unit training assemblies.

Two scheduled inactive duty training periods performed in one calendar day, each at least four hours in duration. No more than two inactive duty training periods may be performed in one day. multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle ? A reentry vehicle carried by a delivery system that can place one or more reentry vehicles over each of several separate targets. See also maneuverable reentry vehicle; multiple reentry vehicle; reentry vehicle.

The reentry vehicle of a delivery system that places more than one reentry vehicle over an individual target. See also maneuverable reentry vehicle; multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle; reentry vehicle.

Two or more unit training assemblies executed during one or more consecutive days. No more than two unit training assemblies may be performed in one calendar day.

Deriving warning information from two or more systems observing separate physical phenomena associated with the same events to attain high credibility while being less susceptible to false reports or spoofing.

A device that combines (multiplexes) multiple input signals (information channels) into an aggregate signal (common channel) for transmission.

(*) A complete device charged with explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, initiating composition, or nuclear, biological, or chemical material for use in military operations, including demolitions. Certain suitably modified munitions can be used for training, ceremonial, or nonoperational purposes. Also called ammunition. (Note: In common usage, ?munitions? [plural] can be military weapons, ammunition, and equipment.) See also explosive ordnance. (JP 3-11)

Conducted concurrently and interactively with battle damage assessment, the assessment of the military force applied in terms of the weapon system and munitions effectiveness to determine and recommend any required changes to the methodology, tactics, weapon system, munitions, fusing, and/or weapon delivery parameters to increase force effectiveness. Munitions effectiveness assessment is primarily the responsibility of operations with required inputs and coordination from the intelligence community. Also called MEA. See also assessment; battle damage assessment; munition. (JP 2-01)

(*) That support which units render each other against an enemy, because of their assigned tasks, their position relative to each other and to the enemy, and their inherent capabilities. See also close support; direct support; support.

A device attached to the muzzle of a weapon that utilizes escaping gas to reduce recoil.

A device attached to the muzzle of a weapon that utilizes escaping gas to control muzzle movement.

The velocity of a projectile with respect to the muzzle at the instant the projectile leaves the weapon.

Military Dictionary (Letter Group M)

All official U.S. DoD military terms, and their definitions, beginning with the letter M.