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Glossary of Military Terms
mach number
The ratio of the velocity of a body to that of sound in
the surrounding medium.
magnetic bearing
See bearing.
magnetic circuit
See magnetic mine.
magnetic compass
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.
magnetic declination
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.
magnetic equator
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.
magnetic mine
A mine which responds to the magnetic field of a
target.
magnetic minehunting
The process of using magnetic detectors to determine the
presence of mines or minelike objects.
magnetic north
The direction indicated by the north seeking pole of
a freely suspended magnetic needle, influenced only by the
Earth's magnetic field.
magnetic tape
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.
magnetic variation
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.
mail embargo
A temporary shutdown or redirection of mail flow to or
from a specific location.
main airfield
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.
main armament
The request of the observer or spotter to obtain fire from
the largest guns installed on the fire support ship.
main attack
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.
main battle area
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.
main convoy
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.
main deck
The highest deck running the full length of a vessel
(except for an aircraft carrier's hanger deck). See also
watercraft.
main detonating line
In demolition, a line of detonating cord used to
transmit the detonation wave to two or more branches.
main line of resistance
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.
main operations base
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.
main supply route
The route or routes designated within an operational area
upon which the bulk of traffic flows in support of military
operations. Also called MSR.
maintain
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.
maintenance area
A general locality in which are grouped a number of
maintenance activities for the purpose of retaining or restoring
materiel to a serviceable condition.
maintenance engineering
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.
maintenance (materiel)
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.
maintenance status
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.
major combat element
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.
major disaster
See domestic emergencies.
major fleet
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.
major force
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.
major nuclear power
Any nation that possesses a nuclear striking force
capable of posing a serious threat to every other nation.
major operation
A series of tactical actions (battles, engagements,
strikes) conducted by various combat forces of a single or
several Services, coordinated in time and place, to accomplish
operational and, sometimes, strategic objectives in an
operational area. These actions are conducted simultaneously or
sequentially in accordance with a common plan and are controlled
by a single commander. See also operation.
major weapon system
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.
make safe
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).
management and control system (mobility)
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.
maneuver
1. A movement to place ships, aircraft, or land forces in
a position of advantage over the enemy. 2. A tactical exercise
carried out at sea, in the air, on the ground, or on a map in
imitation of war. 3. The operation of a ship, aircraft, or
vehicle, to cause it to perform desired movements. 4. Employment
of forces in the battlespace through movement in combination
with fires to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the
enemy in order to accomplish the mission. See also mission;
operation.
maneuverable reentry vehicle
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.
manifest
A document specifying in detail the passengers or items
carried for a specific destination.
manipulative electromagnetic deception
See electromagnetic deception.
man portable
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.
manpower
See manpower requirements; manpower resources.
manpower management
The means of manpower control to ensure the most
efficient and economical use of available manpower.
manpower management survey
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.
manpower requirements
Human resources needed to accomplish specified work loads
of organizations.
manpower resources
Human resources available to the Services that can be
applied against manpower requirements.
man space
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.
man transportable
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.
map
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.
map chart
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.
map convergence
The angle at which one meridian is inclined to
another on a map or chart. See also convergence.
map exercise
An exercise in which a series of military situations is
stated and solved on a map.
map index
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.
mapping camera
See air cartographic camera.
map reference
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.
map reference code
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.
map series
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.
map sheet
An individual map or chart either complete in itself
or part of a series. See also map.
margin
In cartography, the area of a map or chart lying
outside the border.
marginal data
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.
marginal information
See marginal data.
marginal weather
Weather that is sufficiently adverse to a military
operation so as to require the imposition of procedural
limitations. See also adverse weather.
Marine air command and control system
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.
Marine air-ground task force
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.
Marine base
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.
Marine division and wing team
A Marine Corps air-ground team consisting of one division
and one aircraft wing, together with their normal
reinforcements.
marine environment
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.
Marine expeditionary brigade
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.
Marine expeditionary force
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.
Marine expeditionary force (forward)
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.
Marine expeditionary unit
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.
Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable)
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.
Marine Logistics Command
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.
maritime control area
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.
maritime defense sector
One of the subdivisions of a coastal area.
maritime environment
The oceans, seas, bays, estuaries, islands, coastal areas,
and the airspace above these, including the littorals.
maritime power projection
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.
maritime pre-positioning force operation
A rapid deployment and assembly of a Marine expeditionary
force in a secure area using a combination of strategic airlift
and forward-deployed maritime pre-positioning ships. See also
Marine expeditionary force; maritime pre-positioning ships.
maritime pre-positioning ships
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.
maritime search and rescue region
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.
maritime special purpose force
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.
maritime superiority
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.
maritime supremacy
That degree of maritime superiority wherein the opposing
force is incapable of effective interference.
marker
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.
marker ship
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.
marking
To maintain contact on a target from such a position that
the marking unit has an immediate offensive capability.
marking error
In naval mine warfare, the distance and bearing of a
marker from a target.
marking fire
Fire placed on a target for the purpose of
identification.
marking panel
A sheet of material displayed for visual
communication, usually between friendly units. See also panel
code.
married failure
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.
marshal
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.
marshalling
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.
marshalling area
A location in the vicinity of a reception terminal
orpre-positioned equipment storage site where arriving
unitpersonnel, 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.
mass
1. The concentration of combat power. 2. The
military formation in which units are spaced at less than the
normal distances and intervals.
mass casualty
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.
massed fire
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.
master
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.
master air attack plan
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.
master film
The earliest generation of imagery (negative or
positive) from which subsequent copies are produced.
master plot
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.
materials handling
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.
materials handling equipment
Mechanical devices for handling of supplies with greater
ease and economy. See also materials handling.
materiel
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.
materiel cognizance
Denotes responsibility for exercising supply management
over items or categories of materiel.
materiel control
See inventory control.
materiel inventory objective
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.
materiel management
See inventory control.
materiel pipeline
The quantity of an item required in the worldwide supply
system to maintain an uninterrupted replacement flow.
materiel planning
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.
materiel readiness
The availability of materiel required by a military
organization to support its wartime activities or contingencies,
disaster relief (flood, earthquake, etc.), or other emergencies.
materiel release confirmation
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.
materiel release order
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.
materiel requirements
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.
maximum effective range
The maximum distance at which a weapon may be expected to
be accurate and achieve the desired effect.
maximum elevation figure
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.
maximum enlisted amount
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.
maximum landing weight
The maximum gross weight due to design or
operational limitations at which an aircraft is permitted to
land.
maximum operating depth
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.
maximum ordinate
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.
maximum permissible concentration
See radioactivity concentration guide.
maximum permissible dose
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.
maximum range
The greatest distance a weapon can fire without
consideration of dispersion
maximum sustained speed
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.
maximum take-off weight
The maximum gross weight due to design or
operational limitations at which an aircraft is permitted to
take off.
mayday
Distress call.
M-day
See times.
M-day force materiel requirement
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.
meaconing
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.
mean lethal dose
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.
mean line of advance
In naval usage, the direction expected to be made good
over a sustained period.
mean point of burst
See mean point of impact.
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.
mean sea level
The average height of the surface of the sea for all
stages of the tide; used as a reference for elevations. Also
called MSL.
means of transport
See mode of transport.
measured mile
In maritime navigation, distance precisely measured
and marked, used by a vessel to calibrate its log.
measurement and signature intelligence
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.
Measurement and Signature Intelligence Requirements System
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.
measurement ton
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.
measures of effectiveness
Tools used to measure results achieved in the overall
mission and execution of assigned tasks. Measures of
effectiveness are a prerequisite to the performance of combat
assessment. Also called MOEs. See also combat assessment;
mission.
mechanical sweep
In naval mine warfare, any sweep used with the
object of physically contacting the mine or its appendages.
median incapacitating dose
The amount or quantity of chemical agent which when
introduced into the body will incapacitate 50 percent of
exposed, unprotected personnel.
media pool
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.
medical evacuees
Personnel who are wounded, injured, or ill and must be
moved to or between medical facilities.
medical intelligence
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.
medical officer
Physician with officer rank. Also called MO.
medical regulating
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.
medical surveillance
The ongoing, systematic collection of health data
essential to the evaluation, planning, and implementation of
public health practice, closely integrated with the timely
dissemination of data as required by higher authority. See also
surveillance.
medical treatment facility
A facility established for the purpose of furnishing
medical and/or dental care to eligible individuals. Also called
MTF.
medium-angle loft bombing
Type of loft bombing wherein weapon release occurs at an
angle between 35 and 75 degrees above the horizontal.
medium artillery
See field artillery.
medium-lot storage
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.
medium-range ballistic missile
A ballistic missile with a range capability from about 600
to 1,500 nautical miles.
medium-range bomber aircraft
A bomber designed for a tactical operating radius of under
1,000 nautical miles at design gross weight and design bomb
load.
medium-range transport aircraft
See transport aircraft.
medium-scale map
A map having a scale larger than 1:600,000 and smaller
than 1:75,000. See also map.
meeting engagement
A combat action that occurs when a moving force,
incompletely deployed for battle, engages an enemy at an
unexpected time and place.
megaton weapon
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.
merchant convoy
A convoy consisting primarily of merchant ships
controlled by the naval control of shipping organization.
merchant intelligence
In intelligence handling, communication instructions for
reporting by merchant vessels of vital intelligence sightings.
Also called MERINT
merchant ship
A vessel engaged in mercantile trade except river
craft, estuarial craft, or craft which operate solely within
harbor limits.
merchant ship casualty report
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.
merchant ship communications system
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.
merchant ship control zone
A defined area of sea or ocean inside which it may
be necessary to offer guidance, control, and protection to
Allied shipping.
merchant ship reporting and control message system
A worldwide message system for reporting the
movements of and information relating to the control of merchant
ships.
mercomms system
See merchant ship communications system.
message
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
message center
See telecommunications center.
message (telecommunications)
Record information expressed in plain or encrypted
language and prepared in a format specified for intended
transmission by a telecommunications system.
metadata
Information about information; more specifically,
information about the meaning of other data. See also data;
information
meteorological and oceanographic
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.
Meteorological and Oceanographic Forecast Center
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.
meteorological data
Meteorological facts pertaining to the atmosphere, such as
wind, temperature, air density, and other phenomena that affect
military operations.
meteorology
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.
microform
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.
midcourse guidance
The guidance applied to a missile between termination of
the boost phase and the start of the terminal phase of flight.
midcourse phase
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.
migrant
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.
militarily significant fallout
Radioactive contamination capable of inflicting radiation
doses on personnel which may result in a reduction of their
combat effectiveness.
Military Affiliate Radio System
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.
military assistance advisory group
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.
military assistance advisory group
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.
Military Assistance Articles and Services List
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.
Military Assistance Program
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.
Military Assistance Program training
See international military education and training.
military capability
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.
military characteristics
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.
military civic action
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.)
military construction
Any construction, alteration, development, conversion, or
extension of any kind carried out with respect to a military
installation. Also called MILCON.
military container moved via ocean
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.
military convoy
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.
military currency
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.
military damage assessment
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.
military deception
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. The five categories of
military deception are as follows. a. strategic military
deception--Military deception planned and executed by and in
support of senior military commanders to result in adversary
military policies and actions that support the originator's
strategic military objectives, policies, and operations. b.
operational military deception--Military deception planned and
executed by and in support of operational-level commanders to
result in adversary actions that are favorable to the
originator's objectives and operations. Operational military
deception is planned and conducted in a theater to support
campaigns and major operations. c. tactical military
deception--Military deception planned and executed by and in
support of tactical commanders to result in adversary actions
that are favorable to the originator's objectives and
operations. Tactical military deception is planned and conducted
to support battles and engagements. d. Service military
deception--Military deception planned and executed by the
Services that pertain to Service support to joint operations.
Service military deception is designed to protect and enhance
the combat capabilities of Service forces and systems. e.
military deception in support of operations security
(OPSEC)--Military deception planned and executed by and in
support of all levels of command to support the prevention of
the inadvertent compromise of sensitive or classified
activities, capabilities, or intentions. Deceptive OPSEC
measures are designed to distract foreign intelligence away
from, or provide cover for, military operations and activities.
See also deception.
Military Department
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.
military designed vehicle
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.
military education
The systematic instruction of individuals in subjects that
will enhance their knowledge of the science and art of war. See
also military training.
military geographic documentation
Military geographic information that has been evaluated,
processed, summarized, and published.
military geographic information
Information concerning physical aspects, resources, and
artificial features of the terrain that is necessary for
planning and operations.
military geography
The specialized field of geography dealing with natural
and manmade physical features that may affect the planning and
conduct of military operations.
military government
See civil affairs.
military government ordinance
An enactment on the authority of a military governor
promulgating laws or rules regulating the occupied territory
under such control.
military governor
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.
military grid
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.
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.
military independent
A merchant ship or auxiliary sailed singly but
controlled and reported as a military unit. See also
independent.
military installation
A base, camp, post, station, yard, center, or other
activity under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a Military
Department or, in the case of an activity in a foreign country,
under the operational control of the Secretary of a Military
Department or the Secretary of Defense. See also base; station.
military intelligence
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.
Military Intelligence Board
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.
Military Intelligence Integrated Data System/Integrated Database
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.
military intervention
The deliberate act of a nation or a group of nations to
introduce its military forces into the course of an existing
controversy.
military journalist
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.
military land transportation resources
All military-owned transportation resources, designated
for common-user, over the ground, point-to-point use.
military load classification
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.
military necessity
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.
military nuclear power
A nation which has nuclear weapons and the
capability for their employment.
military objective
A derived set of military actions to be taken to implement
President or Secretary of Defense guidance in support of
national objectives. A military objective defines the results to
be achieved by the military and assign tasks to commanders. See
also national objectives.
military occupation
A condition in which territory is under the effective
control of a foreign armed force. See also occupied territory;
phases of military government.
military operations other than war
Operations that encompass the use of military capabilities
across the range of military operations short of war. These
military actions can be applied to complement any combination of
the other instruments of national power and occur before,
during, and after war. Also called MOOTW.
military options
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.
military ordinary mail
A special military airlift service for ordinary official
mail being sent to, from, or between overseas areas. Also called
MOM.
military payment certificate
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.
military performance specification container
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.
military postal clerk
A person of the US Armed Forces officially designated to
perform postal duties.
Military Postal Service
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.
Military Postal Service Agency
The single manager operating agency established to manage
the Military Postal Service. Also called MPSA.
military post office
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.
military posture
The military disposition, strength, and condition of
readiness as it affects capabilities.
military requirement
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 resources
Military and civilian personnel, facilities, equipment,
and supplies under the control of a Department of Defense
component.
Military Sealift Command
A major command of the US Navy, 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.
Military Sealift Command-controlled ships
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.
Military Sealift Command force
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) 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 MSC charter or
allocated from other government agencies. See also common-user
sealift; Military Sealift Command.
Military Service
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.
military standard requisitioning and issue procedure
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.
military strategy
The art and science of employing the armed forces of a
nation to secure the objectives of national policy by the
application of force or the threat of force. See also strategy.
military symbol
A graphic sign used, usually on map, display or
diagram, to represent a particular military unit, installation,
activity, or other item of military interest.
military technician
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.
military traffic
Department of Defense personnel, mail, and cargo to be, or
being, transported.
Military Traffic Management Command
A major command of the US Army, and the US Transportation
Command's component command responsible for designated
continental United States land transportation as well as
common-user water terminal and traffic management service to
deploy, employ, sustain, and redeploy US forces on a global
basis. Also called MTMC. See also transportation component
command.
military training
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 van (container)
Military-owned, demountable container, conforming to US
and international standards, operated in a centrally controlled
fleet for movement of military cargo. Also called MILVAN.
MILSPEC container
See military performance specification containers.
MILVAN
See military van (container).
MILVAN chassis
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.
mine
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.
mineable waters
Waters where naval mines of any given type may be
effective against any given target.
mine clearance
The process of removing all mines from a route or
area.
mine-cluster
A number of mines (not to exceed five) laid within a
two-meter semicircle of the central mine.
mine countermeasures
All methods for preventing or reducing damage or danger
from mines. Also called MCM.
mined area
An area declared dangerous due to the presence or
suspected presence of mines.
mine defense
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.
mine disposal
The operation by suitably qualified personnel designed to
render safe, neutralize, recover, remove, or destroy mines.
minefield
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.
minefield breaching
In land mine warfare, the process of clearing a lane
through a minefield under tactical
minefield density
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.
minefield lane
A marked lane, unmined, or cleared of mines, leading
through a minefield.
minefield marking
Visible marking of all points required in laying a
minefield and indicating the extent of such minefields.
minefield marking
Visible marking of all points required in laying a
minefield and indicating the extent of such minefields.
minefield record
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.
minefield report
An oral, electronic, or written communication concerning
mining activities (friendly or enemy) submitted in a standard
format by the fastest secure means available.
minehunting
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.
mine row
A single row of mines or clusters of mines. See also
mine strip.
mine spotting
In naval mine warfare, the process of visually
observing a mine or minefield.
mine strip
In land mine warfare, two parallel mine rows laid
simultaneously six meters or six paces apart. See also mine row.
minesweeping
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.
mine warfare
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
mine warfare chart
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.
mine warfare forces (naval)
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.
mine warfare group
A task organization of mine warfare units for the
conduct of minelaying and/or mine countermeasures in maritime
operations.
minewatching
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.
mine weapons
The collective term for all weapons which may be
used in mine warfare.
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