COMBAT MilTerms: M

M I L T E R M S :

M : MIKE

MA :

Mechanical Ambush, being any passive threat or automatic KILL ZONE triggered by electrical or pressure/release or TRIPWIRE devices; also called WIDOW MAKER; see ALPHA-ALPHA, ALL AMERICAN, BOOBY-TRAP, AMBUSH. Also, notation for Mission Accomplished. Also, abbreviation for MASTER-AT-ARMS, being a Naval Petty Officer responsible for keeping order on-board ships; also cited as "MAA".

MAA :

MASTER-AT-ARMS in the US Navy, a petty officer (PO) who's responsible for discipline and accountability in each department aboard ship, serves as a parttime deputy under the direction of a Chief Master-At-Arms (CMAA); see SHERIFF, SP, POLICE, CAPTAIN'S MAST, ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, BRIG.

MAAG :

Military Advisory Assistance
Group Viet Nam shoulder patch

MAAG-VN

Military Advisory Assistance Group, precursor of Military Assistance Command (MAC); in Vietnam, MAAG-VN was the predecessor of MACV, with MAAG-INDOCHINA formed in 1950 and MAAG-Vietnam in 1955.

MAB :

Marine Amphibious Brigade.

MAC :

(mack) Military Airlift Command, which is Uncle Sugar's no-frills airline for "Space Available" travel by dependents and retirees; often interpreted as "Maybe Airplane Come". See ATC, MATS, ATS, AMC, SPACE A, DEADHEAD. Also, Military Assistance Command, as in MACV and MACTHAI.

MACADAM / MACADAMIZED :

a road or RUNWAY base made of broken stone, oil, tar, pitch, or bituminous composition, creating a stable, all-weather surface, that's easily maintained; also called "tarmacadam" or "tarmac", after its inventor J.L. McAdam, as distinguished from cobblestone and corduroy. See PSP, MARSDEN MATTING.

MACCOC :

Military Assistance Command (Vietnam) Combat Operations Center; see OPN.

MACH :

a number indicating the ratio of the speed of an object to the speed of sound in the medium through which the object is moving; being an eponym (Ernst Mach) that's abbreviated "M". MACH is not a measure of the speed of an object but of the speed of sound from that object passing through a particular medium, as effected by atmospheric pressure and temperature, which is not constant; most modern jets fly at about 420 to 580 miles per hour (mph), or at about 75 percent of the speed of sound. See SONIC BOOM, SUPERSONIC, HYPERSONIC, SCRAMJET, JET PROPULSION, FAE. [nb: the velocity and distance that sound travels in either air or water depends upon atmospheric pressure, medium temperature, molecular density, and turbulence; such that under equivalent conditions, sound moves faster in salt water than in fresh, faster in fresh water than in air. The audible range of sound wave frequencies for humans is 20 - 20,000 Hz; above which ultrasonic waves may be felt, instead of heard.]

MACHETE :

a heavy utilitarian implement for slashing and chopping, and also used as a weapon in sword-like cutting; this Spanish-American knife derives its name from "macho sledgehammer". Consisting of a painted 16-inch carbon steel blade with a straight back, its single-edge curved deeply from the tip and tapered to the handle, drilled for a wrist thong; formerly the handle was unfinished wood and the scabbard was canvas, but during the VIETNAM WAR, the handle was black plastic and the scabbard was green plastic, making the tool noiser and harder to grasp. See BANANA BOLO, BOLO, KNIFE. [v: Knife Terms]

MACHO :

an assertive or domineering male, especially an arrogant specimen exhibiting exaggerated characteristics out of ignorance, inexperience, or immaturity; a misbegotten attitude that virility and strength, as masculine concomitants, confer social standing as an entitlement. Machismo embodies a mistaken sense of manliness; it is a contrapositive of "effeminate / effeminacy". Such a poseur is often known as a "mouth fighter", braggart, or TOY SOLDIER. See GUTS, MOXIE, ONIONS, HERO, WATCH MY SMOKE, BITE THE BULLET, BRAGGING RIGHTS, BTDT, COUNT COUP, PISSING CONTEST, COLD WAR, FLOWER WAR, SHOW THE FLAG.

MACI :

Military Adaptable Commercial Item; see LOGISTICS. [nb: in an effort to control costs and reduce waste, the DoD has instituted a policy of "non-duplication" in military procurement (Military Adaptable Commercial Item {MACI}), such that a mil-spec contract will NOT be let whenever a commercial "off the shelf" (COTS) product is "close enough for government work" and does not require special features; so some name brand items are now in logistical inventory]

MACOI :

Military Assistance Command (Vietnam) Office of Information; see PIO, PAO, WIEU, FIVE O'CLOCK FOLLIES, DOG 'n' PONY SHOW, SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS.

MACT :

(mack-tee) Military Assistance Command (Vietnam) Training directorate; see TRNG, TRAIN.

MACTHAI :

(mack-tie) Military Assistance Command THAIland; properly abbreviated as USMACTHAI.

MACV :

MACV

(mack-vee, not "m-a-c-v") Military Assistance Command Vietnam, from 8 Feb 1962, through 16 May 1964 reorganization after MAAG-VN deactivation, to 29 Mar 1973 disbandment. The crenelated yellow wall depicted fess on the MACV SSI represents the Great Wall of China (CHINESE WALL), while the crusader's sword stops the gap of invasion.

MACV-SOG / MACVSOG :

COVERNAME for the interservice project known as SOG (qv); also known as MAC-SOG / MACSOG.

MAD :

Magnetic Anomaly Detector, as used to about 3000ft in ASW searches; also called "MAD gear"; see GUPPY, ORION. Also, acronym for Mutually Assured Destruction, being a US strategic policy of deterrence through irrevocable retaliation; compare GRADUATED RESPONSE, see BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK, OVERKILL, KNOCK INTO A COCKED HAT, KILL 'EM ALL, GENOCIDE. [v: vernichtungsgedanken]

MAD HOUSE :

slang for MACV headquarters, located at Ton Son Nhut (TSN) airport, and staffed by MAD MONKEYS; also called "Pentagon East", Fort Fumble, or Fudge Factory. Compare PUZZLE PALACE, GROUND ZERO; see FIVE O'CLOCK FOLLIES, DOG 'n' PONY SHOW, JCS, HEADQUARTERISM.

MAD MINUTE :

concentrated fire of all weapons on perimeter for a brief period of time at optimum rate, set to coincide with STAND-TO or previously scheduled attack, so as to interrupt any enemy plans; also called MIKE-MIKE, "mad-mike", or "red splash", and formerly known as "morning concert". See HOSE, ROCK 'n' ROLL, BUSTING CAPS, SPRAY, FLOCK SHOOT, FPL, BLIND FIRE, HAPPY FIRE.

MAD MONKEYS :

MACV staffers occupying the MAD HOUSE.

MAE WEST :

inflatable life vest. Also, parachute malfunction where suspension lines divide the main canopy into two sections, like a gigantic brassiere; derived from allusion to famous full-breasted actress as namesake.

MAF :

Marine Amphibious Force; see III MAF.

MAG :

short for MAGazine; where ammunition is stored after being loaded from cartons, CLIPs, or BANDOLEERs until placed in the "magazine well" or "...housing" of a weapon. Magazine-fed weapons are distinguished from single-shot (eg: M-79) and from belt-fed (eg: M-60). See DRUM, BANANA CLIP, C-CLIP, RIFLE, PISTOL, SMG, SAW, STONER; compare BLOOPER, MG, LINK AMMO, AMMO CAN. [v: Firearms Glossary]

MAGGIE'S DRAWERS :

a firing range signal indicating that the shooter completely missed the target; originating with flag signals to score shooting accuracy. This is an obsolete expression (shooting has been scored electronically since the GULF WAR) but modern MIL-PERS have mistakenly used it as a synonym for FLYING BRAVO, especially in the sense of menstruation and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS); however the MAGGIE'S DRAWERS firing range signal was white, evocative of the color of women's panties of the era, while the FLYING BRAVO range warning flag is solid red in color. See BOLO, BULL'S-EYE, POINT-BLANK, RED FLAG; compare WIGWAG, GUIDON, WAVE OFF, DAP.

MAGGOT :

person assigned or serving with any MAAG element; may be spelled "MAAGgot". Also, Marine slang for a DUD, based upon classic definition of "soft-bodied legless larva"; compare SMACK, BOOT, PYHOOYA, see TADPOLE. Also, the larva of certain flies; see RICE KRISPIES, CRISPY CRITTER, TADPOLE, CREATURE FEATURE, FLOATER, BODY BAG. Also, an odd whim or fancy.

MAGINOT LINE :

a zone of heavy defensive fortifications erected along France's eastern border after WWI, which was outflanked by a German BLITZKRIEG invasion through Belgium in 1940; named after Andre Maginot, the French Minister of War. Compare STAR WARS, SMEZ, BERLIN WALL, IRON CURTAIN, BAMBOO CURTAIN, BAR LEV LINE, CACTUS CURTAIN, McNAMARA'S WALL, McNAMARA LINE, CHINESE WALL, DEW LINE, PHASE LINE. [cf: Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall, Great Wall of China] [nb: "The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the men who defend it." by Genghis Khan]

MAIL :

letters, correspondence, communiqués, documents, and the like that's distributed to individuals and commands; see MAIL CALL, SUGAR REPORT, FREE, TRADE ENVELOPES, CARE, ASH 'n' TRASH, COMM SHACK, MARS, DB, POOP, RED TAPE, FINDING, REPORT, WHITE PAPER; compare DEAD LETTER, OUT-GOING MAIL, MERCHANT MARINE. Also, the interstices in a NET, being the origin of flexible armor; see FLAK JACKET, FLAK VEST, CHICKEN PLATE, HAPPY SUIT, OTV, IOTV.

MAIL CALL :

the hierarchical distribution of correspondence and parcels, particularly official communications or formal communiqués, passed to the appropriate or designated recipient for his information or attention, including ORDERs and other POOP (eg: Daily Bulletin), but most especially, the personal and private letters addressed to individuals and handed-out in a formation, often daily, similar to SICK CALL, POLICE CALL, OFFICER'S CALL, or other BUGLE CALLs. See SUGAR REPORT, FREE, TRADE ENVELOPES, CARE, ASH 'n' TRASH, COMM SHACK, MARS; compare DEAD LETTER, OUT-GOING MAIL, MERCHANT MARINE. [nb: a "mail buoy" is a non-existent navigational aid, where mail packets from passing vessels have supposedly been posted for collection by another vessel, used as mild harassment by OLD SALTs for FRESH CATCH when standing watch; compare MERMAID, DRAGON, PROP WASH, SNIPE HUNT]

MAIN FORCE :

fully trained and equipped Viet Cong and regular North Vietnamese military units; Vietnamese term CHU LUC. Compare LOCAL FORCE; see B-5 FRONT, NLF, PRG, PLA, NVA, VC.

MAIN-GUN :

the primary or principal gun of a vehicle/vessel or crew, variously from machineguns to flamethrowers, including cannons; see BORESIGHT, MUZZLE, KICK, FIREPOWER, TURRET, ARTY, TUBE, TUBE MONKEY, NLOS-C, TANK, KILL RING. [nb: "The King's Final Argument" is a phrase that was routinely incised into European cannon barrels from the Renaissance until World War I; typically inscribed in Latin ("Ultima Ratio Regis"; "Utema Rasio Regum"), it means that the greatest weaponry ultimately settles any dispute (ie: MIGHT MAKES RIGHT)]

MAINSTAY :

anything that serves as chief part or primary support; including an essential person, such as the "anchorman" or "right-hand man". Specific naval use as the stay that secures the mainmast forward. [v: sine qua non, causa sine qua non]

MAJ :

the abbreviation for MAJor, a field grade rank in the Army, Air Force, and Marines, that's equivalent to Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) in the Navy.

MAJOR :

MAJ

the field-grade officer RANK (MAJ) or RATING (O-4) intermediate between Captain (CPT) and Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), and equivalent to Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) in the Navy; being one of superior ability or power, as derived from large or great, and related to majesty. The first officer so designated in the U.S. Army was Thomas Knowlton, commander of a Connecticut militia unit known as "Congress' Own Knowlton Rangers", who was mortally wounded 16 September 1776 during a skirmish with the Black Watch in the Battle of Harlem Heights. See OFFICER, RANK.

MALARIA :

a group of intermittent or remittent diseases that are characterized by attacks of chills, fever, aches, and sweating, and are caused by a parasitic protozoan transferred to the human bloodstream by an anopheles mosquito; usually treated with quinine, quinacrine (Atabrine/Atebrin), amodiaquin, chloroquine, chloroquine-primaquine, and acedapsone. Sickle cell, a genetic defect of hemoglobin that causes anemia, prevents malaria. Term means "bad air" since the disease was supposed to derive from unwholesome or poisonous air; has also been called ague, bilious fever, congestive fever, intermittent fever. Although there are not supposed to be any mosquitos above the approximate 3,000 foot level, altitude is less of a barrier than cold. See HORSE PILL, FUO, BONE BREAK FEVER, YELLOW JACK, CHIKUNGUNYA; compare DAPSONE, CORK.

MALAYAN GATE :

a BOOBY-TRAP consisting of a spike-mounted sapling positioned to swing upon release and sweep an arc area at groin height; also called "Malayan Whip". Compare PUNJI STAKE, FRAISE; see TU DAI.

MALE CALL :

(forthcoming); featuring Miss Lace by Milton Caniff; spin-off from "Terry and the Pirates"; later created STEVE CANYON

MAMA-SAN / MAMA-SAHN :

any mature Asian woman; term borrowed from Japanese. Compare BA, CO; see PAPA-SAN, BABY-SAN. [cf: grandam, nana, nanny, amah, ayah]

MAMELUKE SWORD :

the ceremonial sword of the U.S. Marine Corps that's worn by warrant and commissioned officers, as derived from such a sword presented by Prince Hamet Bey, an Ottoman pasha, to Marine lieutenant Presley N. O'Bannon, who successfully led Arabs in an attack on pirates during the 1804-5 "shores of Tripoli" campaign; the Mamelukes were former slaves who became an Egyptian military class, influential from about 1250 until 1811.

MANDARIN :

an influential government official or powerful bureaucrat, also called a "suit"; see POLITICIAN, POTUS, VP, WISE MEN, BEST AND BRIGHTEST, WHIZ KID, MILICRAT, RING-KNOCKER, KHAKI MAFIA. Also, a member of an influential or preeminent group, of a dominant or elite class. [cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs] [nb: the personal representatives of the G8 (ie: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) Heads of State and Government, who arrange the annual summit meeting in a series of pre-/post-meeting sessions, are commonly called "sherpas", and their assistants are known as "sous-sherpas", named after the Nepalese porters who assist Himalayan climbers]

MAN FRIDAY :

any BLACK GI who BROWN NOSES his white superior to retain a good job or to avoid combat; a factotum, comprador, horse-holder, shield-bearer, spear-carrier, water-hauler, stamp-licker, or henchman. Compare ATTABOY, BROWN NOSER, DOGSBODY, HACK, RING-KNOCKER, CANDY-ASS, HOUSE MOUSE, RUNNER.

MANG YANG PASS :

a highland pass on Highway 19 (STREET WITHOUT JOY), between An Khe and Pleiku; site of a decisive ambush of French troops (Groupe Mobile 100) by VIET MINH forces in 1954. Compare HAI VAN PASS, AN KHE PASS.

MANIFOLD SET :

a thin sheet of typing paper with a flimsy page of carbon paper already attached, available in pale colors and with the word "copy" preprinted in outline block letters as a watermark; also called "manifold carbon set", "copy set", or "flimsy setup". This configuration was ideal for CLERKS 'n' JERKS since it was practically foolproof. Although the pull-apart flimsy sets could be recycled, the carbon pages were not expected to be reused. Carbon paper, which had originally been invented (1803) to help blind people write, was fairly complicated, mandating that the correct side be properly layered in the paper "sandwich", and that it be offset from its previous placement so as to utilize the unexposed portions of the page ... a situation fraught with numerous pitfalls, typically resulting in several retyping jobs when the text inevitably appeared in reverse on the back of the original! A marvel of technology known as No Carbon Required, a special paper first marketed in 1954, which actually contained minute beads of ink throughout the whole sheet of carbonless paper, such that any untoward pressure would immediately mark the paper in an unsightly manner, proved to be even more complicated than carbon paper! ... at least carbon paper had alternate dull and shiny sides, but NCR paper just smelled good and messed everything up no matter how many layers were added or removed. It's axiomatic that everything committed to paper in the Armed Forces must be generated in CYA duplicates or circulation multiples, such that the extensive paperwork necessary to operate any military organization will collapse it by sheer volume and cripple its leaders with writer's cramp! The only thing that kept America's enemies "beyond the pale" during the COLD WAR was MANIFOLD SETs! ... and in the latest Global War On Terror (GWOT), computer driven jet propelled printers have come to the rescue! As long as there's paper and ink to document the battles, our great nation will triumph! See FORM, REPORT, ANNEX, PAPER BULLET, RED TAPE, ORIFICE. [cf: true or fair copy] [nb: multiple-part form 1882] [nb: "If it isn't documented then it doesn't exist!"]

MAN-OF-WAR :

a BATTLE WAGON or WARSHIP; also known as "man o' war".

MANUAL OF ARMS :

the prescribed orders and drill for handling a weapon, such as Inspection Arms, Order Arms, STACK ARMS, and so forth. See SALUTE, HIGH BALL, CLOSE ORDER, DISMISS, THE BIBLE, DRILL, CHECKING THE DICTIONARY, SCRIPTURES. [cf: vade mecum]

MAP :

topographic map; see COMICS, TOPO, AZIMUTH, GRID COORDINATES, GRID LINES, CONTOUR LINES, DEAD-RECKONING, SLANT DISTANCE, UTM, GPS, CHART, MOSAIC MAP, NIMA, MUX. [nb: clay relief maps were used in Mesopotamia around 3000BC. The first carved stone relief map of a Chinese district was sent to the Emperor in 210BC, and it was so impressive as to scale and detail that all administrators were commissioned to similarly survey and map their districts, until the entire Empire was represented. To offset the inconvenience of stone and wooden maps, China began making silk maps around 266BC. Chinese archives document terrain modeling with rice, sawdust, and melted wax by various military commands in AD32. Scale-model relief maps were made portable by hinged folding and by segmental disassembly ca421-466 ... which inspired the creation of "jigsaw puzzles".] [nb: the Army Corps of Engineers was assigned the responsibility for surveying America's borders and features in 1831, resulting in a separate Topographic Corps in 1838] [nb: during WWII, the OSS issued a playing card deck to some teams that, when laid out in a particular order, formed an operational map detailing the assignments for a specific mission; furthermore, escape maps hidden on playing cards in a deck were also provided to assist downed crewmembers evade capture in select areas] [nb: the source for military maps was changed from US Geologic Survey to Nat'l Imaging and Mapping Agency in Oct 1996 due to downlink satellite profiles, then renamed National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)] Also, USAF Military Advisory Project oriented to training Vietnamese pilots and aircrew, being separate from MAAG. Also, Military Air Program. Also, Military Assistance Program. Also, Marine Assistance Program.

MARATHON :

a long-distance footrace, typically extending over a course measuring 26 miles (42km), in honor of the 490BC run made by Pheidippides, when the Athenians requested aid from Sparta before the battle at Marathon plain against the Persians; see PT, PFT, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, TRUSCOTT TROT, BIATHLON, PENTATHLON, DECATHLON, TRIATHLON, FIELD HOUSE, WAR GAMES. Also, any endurance event or grueling ordeal, as anything arduous or exhausting; a formidable tribulation.

MARBLE MOUNTAIN :

(forthcoming); Buddhist shrine, Radio Relay (RR) site near DaNang compare MONKEY MOUNTAIN, BLACK LADY MOUNTAIN.

MARCH :

to walk with regular and measured tread, as soldiers on PARADE who advance in step as an organized body; as derived from 'to pace out a mark'; see CLOSE ORDER, QUICK TIME, DOUBLE TIME, FUNERAL PACE, PARADE, MARK TIME, JODY CALL, HEP, CADENCE, COUNTERMARCH, FORCE MARCH, ROUTE STEP, STUTTER-STEP, WALK LIKE A PUSSY, DITTY-BOP, FROGMARCH, DUCK-WALK. Also, the act or course of marching, by execution of this command. Also, the course or distance covered in a single period of marching. Also, to walk in a deliberate manner, as to 'march-past' or 'march toward'; see PARADE, PASS IN REVIEW. Also, to go forward; to advance, proceed, progress, or prepare. Also, to secretly gain an advantage over, as to slyly steal a march on an opponent or goal. Also, a tract of land along the border of a country, as a frontier or border district; also known as "marches" or "marchland", as derived from 'mark'. [nb: mush, the command urging or spurring a dogsled team to travel, is a corruption of 'march' as spoken by French voyageurs]

MARCH FRACTURE :

a hairline crack in a bone, especially in the foot or leg, caused by repeated impact or prolonged tension, and usually occurring with runners, dancers, and soldiers; properly called a "stress fracture".

MARCHING FIRE :

an artillery (ARTY) barrage that "walks" forward from a line of advancing troops, or moves in an incremental line over enemy positions until concentrated or LIFTed; compare SCREEN, see SHOT IN, RUNNING FIRE. Also, small arms fire delivered from the hip or shoulder of troops advancing toward an enemy position; not precision shooting, but fire upon an area by moving riflemen and other elements; compare SNIPER'S TRIANGLE, RECON BY FIRE.

MARCHING ORDERS :

orders to begin a march or other troop movement. Also, an informal request to start moving or to proceed with some activity. Also, a euphemism for dismissal or discharge, often used to conceal reproach or disgrace; also called "walking papers". [nb: a "march order" is differentiated from an "order of march", which denotes a position in line, an ordered sequence by unit or element; cf: order of battle (OB)]

MARINE :

a member of the separate corps of "naval infantry" within the U.S. Navy; elsewhere known as "naval assault commando"; see GYRENE, LEATHERNECK, SNUFFY, RAIDER, FORCE RECON, AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT, GUNNY, BULLDOG, SEAGOING MARINE, HORSE MARINE, CHINA MARINE, JARHEAD, THE CROTCH, TELL IT TO THE MARINES, MAMELUKE SWORD, USMC. [nb: the word Marine has been converted into an acronym meaning: Muscles Are Required, Intelligence Not Essential; also referred to as "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children", "Unlimited Shit and Mass Confusion", or "seagoing bellhop"] [nb: the doctrine of amphibious assault by waterborne forces was developed by John Archer Lejeune (LTG USMC) after studying the Gallipoli Peninsula landing in WWI, and this specialization prevented the Marine Corps from being disbanded between the World Wars; Marines then taught amphibious doctrine during 1941-2 to soldiers of the Army's 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions at both New River NC and Cape Henry VA in preparation for the North African landing] [nb: President Harry S. Truman planned to abolish the Marine Corps after WWII because "the Navy does not need its own army", but the Marines' conduct as a FIRE BRIGADE in the Pusan Perimeter during the KOREAN WAR persuaded him that they should be retained; however, the Supreme Allied Commander Douglas ("El Supremo") MacArthur refused to approve a Presidential Unit Citation for the Marines, saying that "they have enough medals", when every other unit was so recognized]

MARKER ROUND :

the initial artillery (ARTY) round fired to mark the target for adjustment; also called SPOTTER or "spotter round". See REGISTRATION.

MARKET TIME :

combined US/VN Navy program using small fast patrol BOATs to prevent seaborne entry by the enemy into South Vietnam; see NAD, SWIFT BOAT, NASTY BOAT, PBR, DAGGER THRUST.

MARK TIME :

the command to march in place at the same tempo; by extension, any busy-work or make-work activity. See CADENCE, ROUTE STEP, HEP, HURRY-UP AND WAIT.

MARLIN :

Martin SP-5 aircraft.

MARS :

Military Affiliate Radio System; being the unofficial radio transmissions sent by OFF-DUTY MIL-PERS, who are using military communications apparatus during low traffic intervals to call civilians in the United States, by linking to volunteer amateur radio (HAM) operators to complete a toll-free connection with a local phone call patched into the radio. Technology has overcome the drawbacks (eg: inconvenience, unavailability, lack of privacy) of this modality with worldwide e-mail of text, voice, and image for all servicemembers at no cost. Also, identifies the "Mars Task Force", or 5332nd Brigade, formed from the 475th Inf Rgt and 124th Cav Rgt, together with the lineage of the 5307th Composite Unit, to operate along the LEDO ROAD from October 1944 until being disbanded in July 1945; see MERRILL'S MARAUDERS, RANGER.

MARSDEN MATTING :

roll of steel mesh or metal net used for aircraft landing strip and vehicular road base constructions during WWII; compare PSP, MACADAM.

MARSHALL PLAN :

the beginning of America's foreign aid program in 1948 that was not aimed at any ideology or nation, but "against hunger, poverty, desperation, and chaos", and was advanced as a method of "waging peace" ... this program, which earned George C. Marshall the Nobel Prize, was the basis for Lyndon B. Johnson's offer to give North Vietnam foreign aid in an amount equivalent to America's military expenditure if the DRV/NVN would cease and desist its aggression against RVN/SVN. See TRUMAN DOCTRINE, GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY, CLIENT STATE, NATION BUILDING. [nb: foreign aid was called "dollar diplomacy" during the William Howard Taft administration to characterize the policies of Secretary of State Philander C. Knox] [nb: "We have tried since the birth of our nation to promote our love of peace by a display of weakness. This course has failed us utterly." by George Catlett Marshall (1945)]

MARTIAL ART :

a form, either traditional or scientific, of self-defense or combat that utilizes disciplined coordination and physical skill, with or without weapons, and may be practiced as a physical fitness regimen or as a rated sport; although unarmed fighting techniques, recognized by degrees of proficiency with colored belts, are the most common modes, practices with specific armaments are also recognized. MARTIAL ARTs (budo) include capoeira, shintaido, t'ai chi chuan, choi kwang do, stav, hwa rang do, hapkido, taido, wrestling, sumo, judo / jujitsu, aikido, shorinji kempo, jeet kune do, karate (shotokan, shito ryu, goju ryu, wado ryu), kalaripayattu, soo bahk do, tae kwon do, tang soo do, kung fu (hung-gar, wu shu, wing chun), vovinam viet vo dao, boxing, kickboxing, muay thai (Thai boxing), savate (boxe Francais), krav maga, kuk sool won, bando thaing, kali silat, daito ryu aiki bujutsu, kajukenbo, mowie di do, gatka, chanbara / goshindo, iaido, haidong gumdo, kumdo, kendo, fencing, kyudo, archery, naginata, ninjutsu, kobudo, truncheon or stick-fighting.

MARVIN THE ARVN :

dismissive reference by rhyming to any soldier serving in the Army of the Republic of VietNam; as HERMAN THE GERMAN was used during World War Two. Compare CHARLIE, GOMER, IVAN, BAD GUYS.

MASH :

Mobile Army Surgical Hospital supporting military actions at brigade and higher levels; has been superseded by the Forward Surgical Team (FST). See SICK CALL, AID STATION, EVAC, CSH, FIELD HOSP, MEDEVAC, CHOP SHOP.

MASHER :

American operation in Bihn Dinh province during 1966

MASSACRE :

commonly misused to mean "a general slaughter of opponents" or "to inflict a great defeat", it has a specific and limited application in the deliberate killing of unarmed and unresisting persons. As with the term "decimate" [to reduce by one-tenth, from the ancient Roman (and Chinese) practice of punishing every tenth man], the accuracy of a term's usage distinguishes its political value from its military correctness. The usual reference during the VIETNAM WAR is the 1968 "My Lai MASSACRE", with its political connotations; but historical revisionists are ignoring PAVN atrocities, such as at Dak Son (1967), at Hue (1968), and at Cai Lay District School (1974). See BODY COUNT, KILL 'EM ALL, OVERKILL, KNOCK INTO A COCKED HAT, HEADHUNTING, TURKEY SHOOT, HOLOCAUST, APOCALYPSE, GENOCIDE, ATROCITY, WAR CRIMES TRIAL. [cf: blood feud; v: vernichtungsgedanken, pogrom/pogróm (destructive thunder)] [v: Myths of the Vietnam War] [eg: Albi, Atlanta, Beziers, Carthage, Columbia, Covington, Dresden, Glencoe, Guernica, Hiroshima, Lidice, Meroë, Nagasaki, Nanking/Nanjing, Shanghai, Sybaris, Tiananmen Square, Veii] [re: decimate is a culture-specific term that cannot be modified to properly reflect its modern sense of "only one-tenth remains" or of "nine-tenths destroyed"; v: decuple, cf: duple, triple, quadruple, quintuple, sextuple, sevenfold, octuple, ninefold]

MASTER-AT-ARMS :

a Naval petty officer (PO) responsible for maintaining discipline and determining accountability in each department on-board ship; the MAA serves as a parttime deputy to the Chief Master-At-Arms (CMAA). See SHERIFF, SP, POLICE, CAPTAIN'S MAST, ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, BRIG.

MASTER BLASTER :

NICKNAME for a Master Parachutist or JUMPMASTER; see WINGS.

MASTER SERGEANT / MSG :

being the non-commissioned officer (NCO) grade (E-8) between Sergeant First Class (E-7) and Sergeant Major or Command Sergeant Major (E-9), and represented by three chevrons above three ROCKERs as sleeve rank insignia; this rank is rated equal to First Sergeant (1SG / FSG). See SARGE, BUCK, RIGHT ARM, FIRST SHIRT, TOP, NCO, SUPER GRADE, RATING, GRADE, RANK.

MAT :

Mobile Advisory Team. Usually a six-member team of two U.S. Army officers, three enlisted men, and an interpreter responsible for training territorial forces (RF/PF). See MTT, ADV.

MATA :

Military Assistance and Training Advisory course, being a 6-week program of orientation and instruction, including 120-hours of Vietnamese language, taught in the Special Warfare Center and School (SWC&S) at Fort Bragg beginning in 1962; see MATS, ADV, CAP, COUNTERPART, SHEEP-DIPPED, CO VAN MY, INDIG, LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, UGLY AMERICAN.

MATERIEL :

aggregate of military equipment and supplies used by any organizational unit. Compare Personnel.

MATING MOSQUITOES :

CPL

slang for the sleeve RANK insignia of a Corporal (CPL/E-4), the lowest GRADE non-commissioned officer (NCO), showing two chevrons ... that is, one MOSQUITO WING coupled to another! See SWINE LOG, EM, RATING, GRADE, RANK.

MATS :

Military Air Transport Service, which is Uncle Sugar's no-frills airline for "Space Available" travel by dependents and retirees; often interpreted as "Maybe Airplane Take-off Soon". See MAC, ATC, ATS, AMC, SPACE A, DEADHEAD. Also, abbreviation for Military Advisor Training School, being a 2-week course at Di-Anh after 1968 that oriented and instructed ADVISORs dispatched to ARVN units; see MATA, ADV, COUNTERPART, CAP, SHEEP-DIPPED, CO VAN MY, INDIG, LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, UGLY AMERICAN.

MAU :

Marine Amphibious Unit.

MAVERICK :

an OFFICER promoted from the ranks, as by OCS or direct commission; see MUSTANG, UP THE HAWSEPIPE, BLUE BLOOD, OFFICER'S COUNTRY. Also, any independent-minded or non-conformist person, such as an OFFICER with enlisted experience, who cares more about the welfare of his troops than about being a "good company man" [cf: ROGUE, imp, scamp, rascal, scalawag, scapegrace, miscreant, rake, roué, knave, scoundrel, villain, whoreson]. Also, designation for the AGM-65 Air-to-Ground MISSILE. Also, a misappropriated or misused government vehicle, as one "branded" for personal use; compare POV.

MAW :

Marine Air Wing

MAYDAY :

an international RADIO/TELEPHONE distress call used by ships and aircraft that involves the imminent loss of life or property; origin "m'aider" (Venez) "Come help me!". Compare SECURITE, PAN; see SOS, CSEL, GUARD, BLIND TRANSMISSION, RTP, PROWORD.

MBT :

heavily armored Main Battle Tank, such as SHERMAN, PERSHING, PATTON, ABRAMS; see TANK, TRACK. [nb: WWII Sherman was 9ft wide weighing 38tons, while GULF WAR Abrams is 11ft wide weighing 70tons; fuel rate: 0.5mpg; the logistics tail "rule of thumb" for armored vehicles is: for each tone of vehicle weight, move 4tons of supplies (fuel, parts, ammo, etc)]

MC :

(m-c) abbreviation for Mission Commander, principally used by USAF, for the specific and limited designation of a unit or operational leader with the most experience or best proficiency, regardless of RANK. This is a common practice in training scenarios, but special operations forces (SOF) also use it in combat, when the technically qualified ranking officer is untested, becoming a STRAP-HANGER observer until "approved" by his subordinates to his superiors. See COMMANDER, CO, COMMAND ELEMENT, CHAIN-OF-COMMAND, LDR, OLD MAN, SKIPPER, TOP DOG, MOTHER HEN, HONCHO, 10, WALLAH, DCO, XO, OVERSIGHT.

MCAS :

Marine Corps Air Station.

MCB :

Marine Corps Base.

MCCDC :

Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Virginia.

McGUIRE RIG :

devised by SGM Charles T. McGuire, an SF sergeant serving with Project Delta (see GREEKS); this is an extraction method for when helicopters cannot land, which utilizes the same equipment for a RAPPEL insertion. Originally the RIG "string" was conceived as a stirrup LINE or sling EYE; it was later refined by MSG Norman Donny as a quick connect for the integral Swiss seats to be converted into body loops over existing field gear. Lifted and moved like sling-loaded cargo, the team had to secure the ropes during landing to prevent fowling of the helicopter rotors. Adaptations to the basic technique occurred, such as safety wrist straps and linking arms to prevent spinning. The major defect of the McGUIRE RIG was for wounded or unconscious team members, who were liable to fall out of their hookup. The STABO (QV) full-body harness, invented at the MACV RECONDO School, remedied this problem.

McNAMARA LINE :

a theoretical line, extending from the DMZ through Laos to Thailand, involving high-tech surveillance equipment and space-age munitions, as a barrier to North Vietnamese infiltration of South Vietnam. Considered for implementation as late as Operation Lam Son 719; an eponymous phrase after Secretary of Defense Robert Strange McNamara. See HO CHI MINH TRAIL; compare McNAMARA'S WALL, STAR WARS, MAGINOT LINE, SMEZ, IRON CURTAIN, BAR LEV LINE, CACTUS CURTAIN, BAMBOO CURTAIN, CHINESE WALL, DEW LINE, PHASE LINE. [cf: Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall, Great Wall of China] [nb: "The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the men who defend it." by Genghis Khan]

McNAMARA'S HUNDRED THOUSAND :

a draft quota to be achieved by lowering the minimum score of the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), as established by DoD to meet force requirements of the VIETNAM WAR, Korea, Germany, Panama, and elsewhere. See DRAFT, DRAFT LOTTERY, DRAFTEE, MUSTER, AFEES, CALL TO THE COLORS. [eg: 1994 "Forrest Gump" movie]

McNAMARA'S WALL :

a scheme to construct a 25-mile barrier along the northern border of South Vietnam (SVN) to block North Vietnamese Army (NVA) infiltration across the DMZ; officially designated "Operation Die Marker", and eponymously named after Secretary of Defense Robert Strange McNamara. Perhaps inspired by the 660 yards wide by 8.2 mile long "fire break" erected by Marines from Con Thien through Gio Linh, but "McNamara's Wall" was a more ambitious project, consisting of land mines and barbed wire, as well as acoustic sensors and infrared intrusion detectors. The project began in April 1967, but was preempted by the relief of the siege of Khe Sanh in 1968, remaining incomplete. Compare STAR WARS, MAGINOT LINE, SMEZ, IRON CURTAIN, BAMBOO CURTAIN, BAR LEV LINE, CACTUS CURTAIN, McNAMARA LINE, CHINESE WALL, DEW LINE, PHASE LINE. [cf: Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall, Great Wall of China] [nb: "The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the men who defend it." by Genghis Khan]

M-DAY :

Mobilization-Day; the term used to designate the unnamed day on which full mobilization commences or is due to commence. The M-DAY materiel inventory objective is the quantity of things needed on or before operational commencement by active or reserve forces with delivery through the prescribed operational period. See TIME.

MEACONING :

a system of receiving radio beacon signals and rebroadcasting them on the same frequency, causing inaccurate bearings to be obtained, so as to confuse navigation by air and ground stations. See BEAM, VECTOR.

MEATBALL :

an Imperial Japanese, or an Imperial Japanese engine of war so emblazoned, with specific reference to the "Rising Sun" motif, and by extension of the informal slur (ie: stupid, ineffectual, etc); also called "burning asshole", "fiery asshole", "flaming asshole", "shining asshole", "radiant-" or "radiating asshole" (with the latter pertaining to the wartime flag). See NIP, JAPE, BAD GUYS.

MEAT MARKER :

an indelible mark or sign, specific to a particular unit and often personalized, that's tattooed onto a MIL-PERS body in a unique location, for the purpose of identifying the individual's corpse after dismemberment on the battlefield; also called a "torso tattoo". Specimen MEAT MARKERs have included unit logos or mascots, with a unit number or personal name, however these special markings are not ornamental TATTOOs. Even though some MEAT MARKERs are placed in obscure locations, not ordinarily visible, the standard restrictions regarding inappropriate legends or depictions remain in effect. The MEAT MARKER probably originated (out of gallows humor) by imitation of the purple dye stamp applied by USDA inspectors when grading the quality of butchered meat sold in the commissary. See SAT CONG, EARRING, DOG TAGS, ID CARD, BRACELET, COINING, CLEAN, STERILE. [nb: Tom Custer, twice awarded the Medal of Honor, was so badly mutilated at the Battle of the Little Bighorn (26 June 1876) that his body could only be identified by a distinctive tattoo] [nb: members of the Nazi Schutzstaffel (SS) were purportedly marked with a personalized fraternal tattoo near their armpit, which served as both identification and authentication]

MEB :

Marine Expeditionary Brigade, being the designation for the first USMC force sent to RVN in March 1965, with the mission of protecting the AIRFIELDS; as more assets arrived IN-COUNTRY, became Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF).

MECH :

MECHanized infantry (designated blue); derived from mounted rifles (designated green) or dragoons (designated orange), who rode to battle but fought on foot. See CHECKERBOARD, HERRINGBONE, LAAGER; compare CAV, ACR, AIR CAV, YELLOWLEG, DRAGOON, PONY SOLDIER, LONG KNIFE, BLUELEG, INF, DOZER INFANTRY. Also, short for MECHanic, NICKNAMEd GREASE MONKEY, or called artificer; see SNIPE, BLACK GANG.

THE MED :

NavSpeak slang for the general area of the Mediterranean Sea, being the inland sea surrounded by Africa, Europe, and the Near East of Asia; See THE GULF, POND, FLOAT, THE MOG, ABSURDISTAN, THE STANS; compare THE ROOT, THE NAM.

MEDAL OF FREEDOM :

the highest civilian award in recognition of an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors; also known as the "Presidential Medal of Freedom". Established by President Harry Truman in 1945 to honor civilian service during World War II, but in 1963, after falling into disuse, President John F. Kennedy revived and expanded the medal's purpose. The MEDAL OF FREEDOM is awarded annually, and at other times as directed, to recognize recipients selected by the president, either on his own initiative or based on the recommendations of the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board. In common with the highest grades of the LEGION OF MERIT, the MEDAL OF FREEDOM may be presented to non-citizens for their outstanding contributions to America. The medal can be awarded to an individual more than once, and may be awarded posthumously. The badge of the MEDAL OF FREEDOM is taken from the crest of the United States Coat of Arms, having the form of a golden star with white enamel, with a red enamel pentagon behind it; the central disc bears thirteen white enamel stars on a blue enamel background within a golden ring; golden American eagles with spread wings stand between the arms of the star; with the whole suspended on a blue neck ribbon with white edge stripes. A special grade of the medal, known as the "Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction", has the abovementioned medal worn as a star on the left chest; or is worn as a sash on the right shoulder, with its rosette (blue with white edge, bearing the central disc of the badge at its centre) resting on the left hip. Another special grade of the medal, known as the "Presidential Medal of Freedom with Military Distinction, has the abovementioned medal worn from a ribbon differenced by a series of white stars. See PRESIDENTIAL CITIZENS MEDAL, DSM, LOM, MSM, GREEN WEENIE, AAM, GONG.

MEDAL OF HONOR / MOH :

1862 Medal of Honor

1896 Medal of Honor

the nation's highest award for valor; it was created (first presented 25 March 1863) during the CIVIL WAR as a pendant medal, and was the only award for gallantry until WWI. It is widely misrepresented as the "Congressional Medal of Honor" (CMH, or "Coffin with Metal Handles"), but it is awarded by the President in the name of Congress (hence Douglas MacArthur's second award without review); it's sometimes called "Blue Max". Each branch of service has its own unique version. All awards are presented to recipients to recognize their accomplishment; no medal can "make" a HERO, and no medal is "won" by a 'contestant'. See PURPLE HEART (PH) medal, GONG.

MED BAG :

either the M-3, M-5, or M-17 medical supply bag, or the USN "Unit 1" ("Unit One") field medical kit bag, that's packed from a recommendation list by the Army medic or Navy corpsman carrying and using it, who could alter or augment as required, and was slung by strap or lashing; also called the "med kit bag" or "field med kit bag". See MUSETTE, CLS, COMPRESS, ASA, APC, SYRETTE, BLOOD EXPANDER, ABO, DOG BITE, STRETCHER, BAND-AID, MEDEVAC, MEDIC, DOC. [nb: "rucksack" = back-sack; "knapsack" = bite/snap-up/eat, food sack; "kit-bag" = soldier's small bag/knapsack; "haversack" = single strap over one shoulder / musette] [cf: bundle, bindle/bindlea, swag, bluey, dilly bag, tucker-bag, bag, pouch, tote, sack, pack, grip, gripsack, overnighter, weekender, carpetbag, suitcase, portmanteau, Gladstone bag, traveling case, garment bag, Val-Pack, luggage; v: "scrip" wayfarer's bag or wallet; "viaticum" traveler's money and necessities]

MEDCAP :

Medical Civic Action Program; military physicians and medical assistants provided public health treatment in many remote VILLEs. See CA, CAP, DENTCAP, ICAP.

MEDEVAC :

a contraction of MEDical EVACuation, being primarily associated with the helicopter transport of casualties from the field to a HOSPITAL; also called DUSTOFF (1964 radio CALL-SIGN of LT Paul B. Kelley) or AIR AMBULANCE. The term MEDEVAC, which may also be spelled "med-evac", refers to both the mission and the vehicle, with any capable aircraft without a higher priority serving the role whenever necessary. The UH-1 HUEY utility helicopter, with its wide doors, excelled at this mission, but transport by any type of AIR AMBULANCE improved a soldier's chance of survival. The sound of a helicopter, probably the most ubiquitous memory of the VIETNAM WAR, is almost universally associated with some form of assistance or relief, and therefore an important factor in troop morale, which made pilots and aircrew more willing to take risks on behalf of beleaguered elements. With nearly 98% of WIAs evacuated alive from the battlefield, and no battlefield being more than an hour's travel time distant from medical care, the VIETNAM WAR had the highest casualty survival rate of any American conflict to date. See CRACKER BOX, BAND-AID, EVAC. [nb: James Webb has aptly called the MEDEVAC a "deus ex machina"] Also, by extension, any MEDical EVACuation from training or combat by any means; see LUGGAGE TAG, TRIAGE.

MEDIC :

medical aidman or medical CORPSMAN, who's affectionately known as DOC by most troops; also called "shank mechanic" or "pill pusher". The symbolic color of the medical and medical service corps is maroon for blood. See BAC-SI, Y-SI, BABY DOC, BONE CUTTER, ANGEL, ORDERLY, AIR AMBULANCE, MEDEVAC, DUSTOFF, CRACKER BOX, BAND-AID, SICK CALL, AID STATION, CHOP SHOP, MASH, EVAC, FST, CSH, FIELD HOSP, HOSPITAL, LUGGAGE TAG, STRETCHER, COMPRESS, DOG BITE, MED BAG, ASA, APC, SYRETTE, ABO, BLOOD EXPANDER, TRIAGE. [nb: the field occupations most often targeted in combat, because their loss so immediately influences unit effectiveness and morale, are the leader, signalman, machinegunner, and medic]

MEETING ENGAGEMENT :

the inadvertent collision between advancing forces, neither of which is deployed for BATTLE; an unanticipated combat action at an unexpected time and place by maneuvering elements. Compare PITCHED BATTLE, SPOILING ATTACK, AMBUSH, FIREFIGHT, CONTACT, BATTLEFIELD, FORCE MULTIPLIER, LAW OF AVERAGES.

MEMCON :

(mem-khon) MEMorandum of CONversation, being a verbatim transcript of a dialogue, conversation, or discussion that's documented for safekeeping; compare MFR.

MEMORIAL DAY :

proclaimed a holiday by GEN John Logan in General Order 11 on 5 May 1868, it was first observed as Decoration Day on 30 May 1868 to commemorate CIVIL WAR dead. The name of Decoration Day was changed in 1882 to MEMORIAL DAY; and its date of observance was changed in 1971 to the last Monday in May. Known as "Remembrance Day" by AUSSIE, KIWI, and other UK veterans. See TAPS, TROPHY, ANZAC, BUGLE CALL, TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS, POW-MIA DAY, FLAG DAY, BRONZE BRUCE, GABRIEL, KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL, VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL, MISSING MAN FORMATION; compare VETERANS' DAY, PATRIOT'S DAY. [nb: many civilians confuse the meaning of the principal national holidays, combining each and commemorating all together at each date; instead of according honors to military servicemembers on Armed Forces Day, honors to veterans on Veterans' Day, and honors to the war dead on Memorial Day] [nb: the Yasukuni (meaning "peaceful country") shrine, dedicated in 1869 to the remembrance of Japan's honorable military dead in battle and recognition of their dutiful loyalty, has become a national "peace" monument since the atomic bombings that concluded WWII]

MENU :

the series of secretive cross-border air operations, from March 1969 through the May-June 1970 Cambodian INCURSION, including Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner, Supper, and Dessert, as developed by Henry A. Kissinger.

MEPS :

the Military Enlistment Processing Station, that's commonly called a RECEPTION STATION or "Reception Center". See PMOS, AIT, AFEES, ASVAB, AFQT, AFGCT, Q-COURSE, OJT, CROSS-TRAINING, BILLET, BERTH.

MERCENARY :

any venal person working primarily for rewards, especially someone hired to serve in a private or foreign army; also called "soldier of fortune". Formerly, a class of professional soldiers who sold their skills to various sovereigns; but the modern era has drawn psychopaths, criminals, and other corrupt adventurers into this category. Some governmental agencies employ military professionals under contract for temporary assignments or deniability, but selection and supervision is stringent. A popular slogan during Vietnam was: "If you kill for pay, then you're a MERCENARY. If you kill for pleasure, then you're a sadist. If you kill for peace, then you're a fanatic. If you do it all, then you're a grunt!". See CIA, CIDG, PRU, LETTER OF MARQUE, SHEEP-DIPPED, SINGLETON, HACK, WHITE VC. [nb: the original "Wild Geese" were Irish patriots who served with Napoleon against England, but their notorious name is recurrent among "hired muscle" seeking prestige; because the legs of breeches- or kilt-wearing Scottish mercenaries were exposed and bare, not covered by trousers, they were called "red-shanks"] [nb: the official history of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) notes that Vietnamese communist forces acted as MERCENARY rebels across the border in southern China so as to monopolize elements of the Kuomintang army, enabling Maoist revolutionaries to elude the remainder, thus preventing a Nationalist Chinese (CHINAT) victory] [nb: just before the Boxer Rebellion, a 1895 coup attempt against the Manchu Dynasty failed because the mercenaries, who were supposed to disguise themselves as civilians and travel with their freighted armamentarium, began bickering over their prowess while awaiting the ferry, and became so involved that they missed the boat!] [v: condottiere

MERCHANT MARINE :

Merchant Marine

properly known as the U.S. Maritime Service, it was established as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce by the 1936 Merchant Marine Act; and like the Coast Guard under the Department of Transportation, is subject to call-up onto active service under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy during wartime or other emergency. Beginning with a 1874 Congressional act that directed the U.S. Navy to use its ships for "the instruction of navigation and seamanship", several training centers were created for the basic training of MERCHANT MARINE officers. Congress later mandated, by the 1891 Postal Aid Law and the 1928 Jones-White Act, that ships accepting U.S. Government mail subsidies should take CADETs to be "educated in the duties of seamanship", with these seamen to later be examined for certification. To fill the emergency need for MERCHANT MARINE officers during WWI, the United States Shipping Board established an OCS-type course called "Free Training Schools for Merchant Marine Officers", which trained eligible seamen for officer BERTHs from 1917 until 1921. On 15 March 1938, the Merchant Marine Cadet Corps was founded by the U.S. Maritime Commission, under the authority of the 1936 Merchant Marine Act. Instruction at other centers, such as the New York Nautical School (1874), was consolidated by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy under the guidance of the Coast Guard and the War Shipping Administration; graduating the first USMMA class in 1942, and dedicating its campus on 30 September 1943. During WWII, the four-year undergraduate curriculum was condensed to 18 months, including an on-board practicum at sea. Unlike the Coast Guard Academy, but in common with the other service academies, USMMA placement is by Congressional Appointment. By virtue of its CADET at sea term of training during wartime, when seven CADET crewmembers earned the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), which is the Maritime Service's highest award for valor, the USMMA is the only Federal Academy authorized to carry a Battle Standard. The motto of the MERCHANT MARINE is: "We'll Deliver" ... which they have. See USMS, compare COASTIES, USCG, USN, TRADE SCHOOL.

MERCHANTS OF DEATH :

catch-phrase coined during WWI to condemn the armaments industry, such as DuPont and other businesses that specialized in war materiel, and applied when indicting German production during WWII, then revived to excoriate American manufacturers, such as Dow Chemical, during the VIETNAM WAR ... anti-war PROTESTORs proclaimed that "War is good business, so invest your son!"

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL / MSM :

MSM

created in 1969 to recognize non-combat meritorious service, including staff or support work in a combat zone. This was an attempt to restore the prestige of the BRONZE STAR medal for meritorious service, but became just another GONG for TICKET-PUNCHERs to collect ... it's regarded as the junior (or company-grade) officer's version of the "Good Conduct" medal. This award ranks between the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. See BSM, LOM, DSM, GREEN WEENIE, AAM, OLC, DEVICE, GONG.

MERMAID :

a folkloric sea creature, half woman and half fish, that's representative of the class of non-existent monsters, of mythic animals or legendary beasts, also known as DRAGON; including glacier snake, sea serpent, sea monster, triton, kraken, siren, centaur, hydra, cerberus, firedrake, wyvern, griffin, chimera, cockatrice, basilisk, manticore, ogre, afreet, satyr, lamia, sphinx, unicorn, werewolf, sasquatch/yeti, or other teratoid. Compare PROP WASH and other SNIPE HUNT objectives.

MERMITE CONTAINER :

an insulated, subdivided, sturdy container for transporting hot or cold food to troops in the field; military version of the portable "cooler" chest. The metal MERMITE has been succeeded by the "Insulated Food Container" (IFC), made of impact-resistant high-density polyethylene, which uses standardized steam-table inserts, is more convenient to handle, and is easier to clean.

MERRILL'S MARAUDERS :

Merrill's Marauders

popular name bestowed upon the 5307th Composite Unit by a journalist after its commander Frank D. Merrill, being a raiding unit formed as Galahad in Oct 1943 to train under Orde Wingate's CHINDIT force in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater of WWII. After more than seven months of combat, the remnants of the 5307th Composite Unit were combined with replacements to form the 475th Inf Rgt, which was joined by the 124th Cav Rgt and other support elements to form the 5332nd Brigade, or "Mars Task Force", on 15 Oct 1944. The 5332nd Bde operated along the LEDO ROAD until its July 1945 disbandment. The MERRILL'S MARAUDERS heritage was briefly revived as the 75th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) during 1954-6, before being transferred to the 75th Airborne Ranger Infantry Regiment in January 1969 during the VIETNAM WAR. See MARS, RANGER, SPECIAL OPERATIONS; compare RAIDER.

MESS / MESSHALL :

a regular meal served to a group; term derived from a course at a meal, being the quantity of food sufficient for one group serving. Also, a dining room or refectory where such meals are served. The hygiene inspections of MESSHALLs are conducted by veterinarians (DVM), not Public Health sanitarians or physicians. Compare GALLEY, DINING-IN, CANTEEN, ANNEX, O CLUB; see BEANS, CHOW, GI JOE, chow line, COMFORT STATION, KP, DRO, COOKIE. [aka: greasy spoon, eatery, beanery, hash house, coffee shop, cafeteria, luncheonette, automat, salad bar, snack bar, soda fountain, lunch counter, dining room, lunchroom, tearoom, tea garden, teahouse, sandwich shop, burger joint, fast-food establishment, drive-in, truck stop, pizzeria, diner, restaurant, chophouse, steakhouse, carvery, trattoria, inn, tavern, dinner theater, supper club, brasserie, coffeehouse, bistro, cafe/café, grillroom, bar and grill, rathskeller, nightclub, cabaret, nitery] [v: napery]

MESS DRESS :

military version of formal attire, similar to a dinnner jacket or tuxedo in its various colors and styles, worn with bow tie, cummerbund, gloves, miniature medals, cape (called "boat cloak" by Navy), and sometimes sword. The tuxedo-style uniform (eg: Mess Dress Blue or Mess Dress White) is required wear by all officers, but the cutaway-style uniform (eg: Dinner Dress Blue or Dinner Dress White), being the military version of "top hat and tails", is only required of senior officers. The MESS DRESS dinner jacket uniform, usually called a "monkey suit" due to its decorative or theatrical appearance on an "ape man", as donning "dress blues and tennis shoes", is also called a "penguin outfit", and the white version is known as a "blizzard blazer" or "snow suit". The Army dress blue uniform sustains the tradition of the Continental Army, the lapel facings of which changed by RANK and regiment. See DRESS, DRESS WHITES, ICE-CREAM SUIT, CONTRAFOIL, CLASS-A, WAR PAINT, FEATHERS, MUFTI, CIVVIES, PARTY SUIT, DINING-IN. [v: glad rags] [nb: when the Navy specifies a sidearm and cape ("boat cloak") with formal evening wear, officers wear swords and petty officers wear cutlasses; v: Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Surface Warfare Officer (aka: WATER WINGS)]

MESS KIT :

5-pc mess kit

a two-piece oblong metal tray, designed so the latching handle can serve as a support for the reciprocal cover so as to make two dishes; suitable for individual cooking of C-RATIONS. The MESS KIT could be used as a fry pan or covered sauce pan. Any utensils stowed inside had to be padded to prevent rattling. Most MESS KITs were field DX, because it was much easier and cleaner to simply cook in the C-RATION can itself. The best substitute for a MESS KIT is an extra CANTEEN CUP (qv). See CHOPSTICK, SPOON, PARTISAN'S SECRET WEAPON, KFS, COVER, P-38. Also, a metaphor for personal space or private property, due to individual usage; hence, the admonition "Don't SHIT in your own MESS KIT!" is a military axiom equivalent to "don't foul your nest" and "not in my backyard". [nb: when served SLOP or WAD from a field kitchen, the MESS KIT was commonly called a "slop bucket" or "slop pail", as the CANTEEN CUP was called a "slop bowl" or "slop jar" for the dirty liquid filling it ... a direct comparison to "thunder mugs" and "chamber pots", "honey buckets" and "commodes"]

MESSMATE :

a person with whom one regularly takes meals, typically a COMRADE in the same unit, or a SHIPMATE who works in the same specialty. Since the Army and Marine Corps feed by units, and the Air Force and Navy feed by schedules (sometimes in 24-hour galleys), the interactions and associations during meals is often unique. See BUDDY SYSTEM, TRADE ENVELOPES.

MESS TRAY :

mess tray

a subsectioned dining tray, sized about 12" X 16", made of stainless steel or thermoplastic in various colors, used only in cafeteria-style food service, such as aboard ships or in GARRISON; replaced by personal MESS KIT on BIVOUAC or in the field. Due to soldiers DXing their MESS KITs in Vietnam, whenever hot CHOW was brought to troops on operation in the field, the cooks included paper plates to accommodate those without containers; disposable Styrofoam plates and Lucite trays have also been used since the VIETNAM WAR to save on the bulk and cleanup of MESS TRAYs.

MET MESSAGE / MET MSG :

meteorological message, a weather conditions report sent from a meteorological unit. See WEATHER EYE, MONSOON, STORM WARNING, WIND, ZERO-ZERO. [nb: due to axial tilt during earth's rotation, the hemispheric seasons are not the same length, with the southern summer / northern winter being the shortest season, and northern summer / southern winter being the longest]

MEU :

Marine Expeditionary Unit, being the smallest expeditionary organization of USMC assets consisting of a Battalion Landing Team (BLT) and a composite aviation squadron (SQDN).

MEXICAN BORDER CAMPAIGN :

Mexican Border
Service Medal

Mexican War
Service Medal

after the death toll rose and border violations multiplied, including the execution of 18 American mining engineers on 10 January 1916 and a raid into Columbus NM on 9 March 1916 that left 17 civilians dead, Congress compelled Woodrow Wilson to abandon his policy of "watchful waiting" to intervene on 15 March 1916 in Mexico, which was beset by freebooters and insurgents; although dispatched with the consent of the Mexican government, the 15,000-man punitive expedition, headed by John Joseph Pershing, unsuccessfully sought revolutionaries (like Pancho Villa) and other bandits, but only exacerbated anti-American sentiments. Wilson stationed an additional 150,000-man border guard along the boundary, but by 24 November, a bilateral proposal for withdrawal and joint border guarding had reached an impasse. Wilson abandoned the campaign on 5 February, and extended de jure recognition to Mexico's new constitutional government on 11 March 1917.

MEXICAN STANDOFF :

a confrontation that neither side can win, or a situation that cannot be resolved without alteration or re-alignment; as an impasse or stalemate, at loggerheads or discontinuance, dead-end or standstill; see DEADLOCK.

MEXICAN WAR :

under the direction of President James K. Polk and the tenets of Manifest Destiny, those western and southwestern lands that could not be negotiated for purchase from Mexico by the United States were forceably annexed by this war. Hostilities began on 25 April 1846 over a border incident, so the U.S. declared war against Mexico on 13 May 1846, with several battles until the 24 August 1847 armistice, and the cessation of hostilities on 14 September 1847. About 13,000 U.S. troops died in the MEXICAN WAR, with only 1700 killed in actual combat; while Mexican losses are estimated at 25,000 dead. The 2 February 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ceded 40% of Mexican territory (including California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming), for which a $15million indemnity was paid. [nb: the MEXICAN WAR should not be confused with the 1835-6 Texas Revolution, culminating in the defeat of Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto, where the "Remember the Alamo!" motto became a BATTLE CRY; however, among the provisions of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was the establishment of the Rio Grande (Rio Bravo) border and the possession of Texas by the United States] [nb: the MEXICAN WAR changed American smoking habits, from a preference for pipes (typically clay) to cigars and cigarettes]

MF :

see MIKE FORCE, MAIN FORCE.

MFF :

U.S. Army MFF

Military Free Fall; see FREE FALL, HARP, GABRIEL, AIRBORNE, PARACHUTE.

MFR :

(em-eff-ar) abbreviation for Memorandum For the Record, being a formal date-stamped and signed objection, disagreement, or protest that's filed for the sake of accountability during any official review or investigation that may occur after the fact; such an exception by a subordinate will have repercussions, whether warranted or not. Compare MEMCON; see CYA, PING-PONG, SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT.

MG :

MachineGun; being a magazine or belt fed fully automatic (continuous firing) weapon of various RIFLE calibers [nb: an MG fires RIFLE ammunition, but an SMG fires PISTOL ammunition] M-60: American-made 7.62mm (.308 cal) machinegun. aka: PIG, NUMBER SIXTY; design inspired by WWII German MG-42. M-1919 .30cal (water- / air- cooled) machinegun. M-240G 7.62mm medium mg 24lb M-2 .50cal mg (tripod / pedestal) blowback recoil opn 84lb c1919 See HEAVY MG, QUAD 50, COOK-OFF, COAX, LINK AMMO, MAGAZINE, DRUM, PINTLE, MUZZLE, FLASH SUPPRESSOR, SILENCER, KICK, FIREPOWER, SPONSON, LMG, SAW, MINIGUN, FPL, SPRAY, HOSE, ROCK 'n' ROLL, MOAN 'n' GROAN, MAD MINUTE, CREW-SERVED WEAPONS; compare CAR, BAR, RIFLE, SMG, PISTOL, BLOOPER, STONER. [nb: the first "machinegun" was a magazine-fed crossbow, repeating @200-bolts/15-seconds, with effective range of 80-180 yds, and able to penetrate two layers of body armor, as used by Chinese during AD 11th-12th century. The Gatling Gun, also called the "coffee grinder" due to its crank operation, which was introduced during the American CIVIL WAR, was developed as "a weapon too terrible to be used", in hopes that it would make war too violent to be practiced.] [v: Firearms Glossary] [nb: the field occupations most often targeted in combat, because their loss so immediately influences unit effectiveness and morale, are the leader, signalman, machinegunner, and medic] Also, abbreviated RANK of Major General.

MGF :

Mobile Guerrilla Force; also called MIKE FORCE or STRIKERS. See MSF, CSF, SF, BLACKJACK; compare UNPFK.

MGL :

M-32 MGL

Multiple-shot Grenade Launcher (M-32), being adopted in 2006 for infantry operations to supersede all versions of the single-shot 40mm grenade launcher. The prototype Milkor MGL-140, a shoulder fired six-shot revolver, is a modification of their earlier Milkor Mk-1S (stainless-steel) / Mk-1L (long-range) series MGL that was further adapted to MIL-SPEC after preliminary field testing. Barrel rifling is progressive, with a minimum safe arming distance of 98 feet. The M32 has a maximum range against area targets of 400m, and an effective range against point targets of 150m, and this new MGL configuration allows the grenadier to accurately place all six (6) 40mm rounds onto a target in under three (3) seconds. Aiming is accomplished through a parallax-free electro-optical night vision compatible holographic sight that can be adjusted to compensate for long range shooting. The M32 foregrip is equipped with a MILSTD-1913 quad rail system to accommodate currently issued weapon accessories, such as grips, laser illuminators/designators, and flashlights. The MGL shoots the full array of special-purpose high- and low-velocity 40mm munitions, including the new DRACO (Direct Range Air Consuming Ordnance) thermobaric round, the high-explosive / breaching ("Hellhound") round, and the improved less-than-lethal (M433I) Low-Velocity crowd control round developed by Martin Electronics. See BLOOPER, THUMPER, OVER 'n' UNDER, DOVER DOG, BOFORS, DUSTER, compare SHOTGUN, GYROJET, FRAG, GRENADE, RPG.

MGRS :

Military Grid Reference System, being a standardized scale that's superimposed upon a map projection of the earth's surface for the accurate and consistent position of locations, or the computation of direction and distance between locations; also known as "military grid", "grid", and GRID LINES.

MI :

Military Intelligence ... the classic oxymoron; their unofficial motto is "we bet YOUR life". See CIC, DLI, MIS, FLAPS 'n' SEALS, ASA, CODE, COMICS, CHATTER, RUMOR, INTEL. [nb: more tactical advantages have been acquired, and more battle casualties spared by good military intelligence than all the heroism on all the battlefields! ... INTEL isn't glamorous or dramatic, and proper implementation takes skill and courage, but MI is a vital component in winning wars, perhaps the most vital]

MIA :

Missing In Action; see MEMORIAL DAY, TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS, POW-MIA DAY. [nb: the first war memorial dedicated to the "unknown soldier" was proposed by British author J. Rudyard Kipling, who's son died in combat]

MIC :

microphone.

MICKEY MOUSE :

anything trite, petty, or trivial; being a denigrating term applied to unrealistic training or to "make work" duties which wasted resources and diminished morale; compare CHICKEN SHIT, SEAT OF THE PANTS, TAP-DANCER, BLOW SMOKE, FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER FUCK, WTFO, SOL, BOHICA. Also, an anthropomorphized cartoon character created by Walt Disney, characterized by white gloves, red shorts, and oversized shoes, it debuted in the 1928 animated short "Steamboat Willie", the 1940 feature "Fantasia", and dozens of other films; MICKEY MOUSE (originally conceived as "Mortimer") has a girlfriend ("Minnie"), a dog ("Pluto"), and symbolizes Disney productions, including the "Mickey Mouse Club" (c1955); compare TUNNEL RAT.

MICKEY MOUSE BATTLESHIP :

slang designation for a motor launch that was lightly armored and fitted with three .50cal machineguns (MG) as an improvised patrol vessel in the Pacific at the beginning of WWII; see PT BOAT, PBL, GUNBOAT, SKIMMER, BOAT.

MICKEY MOUSE BOOTS :

waterproof and insulated rubber boots, with traction sole and ventilation ports, worn over regular issue combat boots for protection in severe winter conditions; so called do to their exaggerated appearance. MICKEY MOUSE BOOTS, which were colored white for arctic camouflage, and were designed to readily fit onto cross-country (Nordic) skis, actually worked too well; causing the feet of an active soldier to overheat, and risk frostbite when the perspiration froze. This boot was developed after the experiences of WWII and Korea, when the military issued "shoepacs" as winter boots ... 'shoepacs' (or "shoepacks"), often called "pacs", were heavy waterproofed boots imitative of "double insole" moccasins originating with the Delaware Indians. See FOOTWEAR. [cf: mukluk, a high soft boot of sealskin or deerhide, usually double-soled and fur-lined, originally worn by Eskimos; also spelled "mucluc" or "muckluck", as derived from 'bearded seal' ("maklak"), misapplied to sealskin boots]

MICROMANAGEMENT :

to manage or control with excessive attention to minor details; to direct people or procedures with unnecessary guidance; a person exhibits such compensatory behavior as an obsessive/compulsive adjustment to his powerlessness in larger affairs, whether consciously or subconsciously recognizing his impotence, so that his manifest preoccupation with minutia will grant him the impression of, if not actually bestow or restore, some level of reinforcing control over the conduct or disposition of events affecting his life, because he either lacks the strength of character to accept uncertainty, or is too psychicly frail to trust anyone else's judgement and competence. See WIGGLE ROOM, OFF THE RESERVATION, CHECKING THE DICTIONARY, VFR DIRECT, UNODIR, SCRIPTURES, READ-BACK, PARTY LINE, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE, MILICRAT, BRASS EAR, HANDLER, BRIEF-BACK, COMPARTMENTALIZATION, HEADQUARTERISM, COMMAND RATIO, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, COMBAT EFFECTIVE, DON'T DO NOTHING, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, NO EXCUSE, ZERO TOLERANCE, OVERSIGHT; compare BIG PICTURE. [nb: a good leader cultivates competence; real life always transcends the rule book]

MID :

Military Intelligence Detachment; see MI, DET.

MIDNIGHT REQUISITION :

misappropriation of government property, also called "midnight redistribution"; distinguished from "theft" (peculation) in that the goods are used for unit operations, and are not for personal enrichment or Black Market profit. Under-supplied GRUNTs with field skills regarded stealing from REMFs as "good practice" for enemy action. Compare SCROUNGE; see REDNECK CREDIT CARD.

MIDWATCH :

the night shift, usually extending from midnight until dawn; also called "middle watch", and known as "sunrise watch", "graveyard shift", or "graveyard watch". In the Navy, this is the midnight to 0400 DUTY shift, which is also known as "00 to 4" or "balls to four". Compare DOGWATCH; see WATCH, TIME, O-DARK-THIRTY, WHITE NIGHT.

MIGHT MAKES RIGHT :

a catch-phrase denoting REALPOLITIK, and as ancient a concept as WAR itself, wherein force or power reigns; also represented as "might is right". Ideationally, it first appears in Hesiod's parable of Homer and the Hawk (vae victis), then in Thucydides' representation of The Melian Dialogue (the strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must) during the Peloponnesian War. Furthermore, this phrase also connotes the rationale for whatever sociopolitical system that happens to dominate society, be it moral authority, religious zeal, legalistic conviction, genetic superiority, democratic plurality, or any other imperative. Prescriptively, the strongest or most dominant element always determines social policy, and therefore cultural norms, in the same way that the victors write the history ... whatever level of proscriptive control or punitive restraint is exercised over divergence or dissent is also a function of that same governance. History has shown that every such system, from ethnarchy and oligarchy to theocracy and gerontocracy, from plutocracy and stratocracy to timocracy and ochlocracy, inevitably becomes corrupt and oppressive, necessitating a change when itself also becomes dysfunctional and self-defeating. The latest iteration of "the will to power" (Nietzsche) is egalitarian technocracy, a pseudo-scientific social Darwinism, that only manifests humanity's obsession with self-delusion. [nb: "But now, instead of discussion and argument, brute force rises up to the rescue of discomfited error, and crushes truth and right into the dust. Might makes right, and hoary folly totters on in her mad career escorted by armies and navies." by Adin Ballou; "Where might is, the right is: / Long purses make strong swords. / Let weakness learn meekness: / God save the House of Lords!" by A.C. Swinburne; "Let us have faith that right makes might; and in that faith let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." by Abraham Lincoln; "Soldiers have many faults, but they have one redeeming merit; they are never worshippers of force. Soldiers more than any other men are taught severely and systematically that might is not right. The fact is obvious. The might is in the hundred men who obey. The right (or what is held to be right) is in the one man who commands them." by G.K. Chesterton] [nb: "The King's Final Argument" is a phrase that was routinely incised into European cannon barrels from the Renaissance until World War I; typically inscribed in Latin ("Ultima Ratio Regis"; "Utema Rasio Regum"), it means that the greatest weaponry ultimately settles any dispute]

MIGHTY MITE :

a high-powered blower used to force smoke or tear gas (CS) into BUNKER systems and tunnel complexes; sometimes called "mighty mike". See SMOKY BEAR, POP SMOKE.

MIHN OI :

sweetheart in Vietnamese; compare CO, SHACK-JOB, SLEEPING DICTIONARY, CAMPAIGN WIFE, SHORT-TIME, BUTTERFLY.

MIKE :

the phonetic letter "M", representing minute (eg: "one-five mikes" = 15 minutes), meter (eg: "two-hundred mikes" = 200 meters), or millimeter (eg: "twenty mike-mike" = 20mm). Also, the word assigned to represent the letter "M" in the international phonetic alphabet. See ALPHABET SOUP, PHONETIC ALPHABET. [v: Alphabet Codes & Signal Flags]

MIKE-MIKE :

phonetic representation of MAD MINUTE; also of millimeter (@0.001m or 0.03937").

MIKE FORCE :

Mike Force

Mike Force Command

either Mobile Strike Force (MSF) or Mobile Guerrilla Force (MGF), also called STRIKERS; composed of INDIGenous personnel trained as airborne infantry with Special Forces ADVISORs, and used as a reaction force or special mission unit. Headquarters under MIKE FORCE Command (MFC), DET B-55, 5th SFGA. See CSF, BLACKJACK, NECK SCARF; compare UNPFK. [nb: not to be confused with RVN's Civillian Defense Force ("Nhan Dan Tu Ve") which was only a part-time MILITIA]

MIL :

abbreviation for MILitary or MILitia (qv). Also, a measurement equal to the angle subtended by 1/6400 of a circumference, or a one-thousandth degree, as derived from Latin "millesimus"; see AZIMUTH, BEARING, COMPASS, HEADING. [nb: the 4 cardinal points are subtended by 32 compass points, which are equivalent to 360 degrees or 6400 mils; as a rule of thumb: 1 mil subtends 1 meter at 1 kilometer] Also, a unit of length equal to 0.001 of an inch (0.0254 mm), or a one-thousandth inch; see PEEPERS, ZERO.

MIL-CRAFT :

any vessel, vehicle, or craft, especially aircraft, meeting military specifications. Also, slang for the body of knowledge and skills necessary to perform in military situations; also known as "skill-set", as derived by analogy to TRADECRAFT, priestcraft, kingcraft, statecraft, stagecraft, campcraft, woodcraft, etc. See MIL-SPEAK.

MILE :

a unit of distance measured on land in English-speaking countries that's equal to 5280 feet, 1760 yards, or 1.609 kilometers; abbreviated 'mi', and formally known as "statute mile"; as derived from Latin (milia passuum) for "a thousand paces". Also, any of various other units of distance at different periods and in different countries, such as Roman mile (approximately 1620 yards or 1480 meters), geographical mile (a minute of longitude on the equator). Compare MIL, NAUTICAL MILE, KNOT, KLICK.

MILES :

Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, being a casualty scoring method for use in WAR GAMES and other modern combat simulations. Compare SIM-AMMO, BLANK; see AMMO.

MILICRAT :

contraction of MILItary bureauCRAT, being a military manager who thinks that the Armed Forces [later: Uniformed Services] should operate like a corporation; also known as "gutless wonder" for unwillingness to take risks, and as "ladder monkey" for ambition for promotion by imitation; sometimes known as "militute" as a contraction of military prostitute. See HOMESTEADER, LIFER, OLD BREED, TICKET-PUNCHER, RING-KNOCKER, KHAKI MAFIA, FAST TRACK, UP OR OUT, MIL-PERS, FLATHEAD, WONK, HONCHO, GADGET, ACTING JACK, BREVET, OFFICER, BRASS HAT, RHIP, SWINE LOG, MIL-SPEC, MIL-SPEAK, BRASS EAR, PARTY LINE, SCRIPTURES, HEADQUARTERISM, WIGGLE ROOM, TAP-DANCER, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE, WANGLE, CYA, DODGE THE BULLET, SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT, HIC, PYHOOYA, SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS, BLOW SMOKE, HOT AIR, SNOW, PING-PONG, SNOWFLAKE, CONFETTI, ORIFICE, RED TAPE, PAPER BULLET, FORM, REPORT, WHITE PAPER, PM, ZD, NO EXCUSE, VULCANIZE, BOOTSTRAP, PROFESSOR, RAINMAKER, WALLAH, SANTA CLAUS, BEAN-COUNTER, ACETATE COMMANDO, CHAIRBORNE, RHIP, BROWN NOSER, DOG ROBBER, DOGSBODY, PUKE, DRONE, AIDE, RAPPORTEUR, STAFF, TASK SATURATION, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, OVERSIGHT, ROUGHSHOD, DOUBLE-DIP. [cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs] [nb: "Algerism", an eponym for the politico who was probably the worst Secretary of War in American history, became the national byword for bureaucratic sloath, cronyism, and incompetence, becoming a synonym for venality and ineptitude; after Russell A. Alger, attorney and capitalist, Michigan governor and U.S. Senator, CIVIL WAR Major General and Spanish American War Secretary of War] [nb: every MILICRAT knows that the most dangerous people in the military are not HEROes, but are disgruntled MIL-PERS who are frustrated by MICKEY MOUSE and CHICKEN SHIT, by SNOW and RED TAPE, and having been passed over twice for promotion, are serving their terminal assignment, and because they are honorable men who have not STACKed ARMS, they know that there is nothing that the TICKET-PUNCHERs and RING-KNOCKERs of the KHAKI MAFIA can do to them!]

MILITARY CREST :

the distance below the top of a hill or ridge, which varies depending upon the terrain, where personnel or vehicles can move without being silhouetted, and from which the other side can be observed. Sometimes called "shoulder", as distinct from the brink, brim, or brow. See SKYLINE, REVERSE SLOPE. [v: Climbing Terms]

MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX :

the collective influence of the Armed Forces, the industries which supply them, and the government entities which regulate them; from a 1961 precautionary speech by Dwight David Eisenhower. See SAND CRAB, BELTWAY BANDIT, PORK BARREL, YANKEE, UNCLE SAM, SOG, THE G, POLITICIAN, ACT OF CONGRESS, FOGGY BOTTOM. [nb: "Over grown military establishments are, under any form of government, inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty." by George Washington]

MILITARY PRESS :

a sharp horizontal crease at the yoke, with bisecting vertical creases descending, ironed into a military dress shirt or BLOUSE, now only worn by performance drill teams; called "military creases" by Marines, they were sometimes sewn-in for an even more dramatic effect; see CHROME-DOME, SAM BROWNE BELT, MILITARY TUCK, TOY SOLDIER, DRESS. Also, an exercise for upper-body strength; see PT. [nb: this phrase does not refer to RUMOR, PARTY LINE, PROPAGANDA, or publications, such as YANK or STARS AND STRIPES]

MILITARY TAN :

the pattern of tanned skin obtained by outdoorsmen (eg: soldiers, foresters, farmers, etc) compelled to wear uniforms or protective clothing; a sun-tan only on the face, neck, throat, forearms, and hands, leaving the rest of the body untanned. This tan pattern becomes amusingly obvious when the individual changes attire, or is naked. [nb: a civilian version of this phenomenon is the "slam tan", which is produced by extended outdoor exposure while wearing protective gear, such as pads for the knees, elbows, and wrists, while engaging in various extreme sports activities]

MILITARY TUCK :

the tightly folded side seams of the uniform shirt that are held in place by properly aligned and buckled trousers, which presents a smooth taut appearance, because military clothing sizes are only approximate at best. The MILITARY TUCK is performed on all uniforms for a good appearance, but tailoring should only be performed on dress uniforms due to diminished range of motion. See GIG LINE, MILITARY PRESS, SAM BROWNE BELT, SPIT 'n' POLISH, CHROME-DOME, TOY SOLDIER.

MILITIA :

that venerable body of "citizen soldiers" (including sailors and airmen) who are enrolled for military service, called out periodically for drill, but serving full time only during war and in declared emergencies; the National Guard or reserve component, as distinguished from a "standing army" of professional soldiers. A "cornstalk" or "broomstick" MILITIA is one without weapons, using simulated arms for drill and training, but otherwise acting as a deterrent by its mere existence or presence. Also, in the broadest sense, all able-bodied males eligible by law for military service. See WEEKEND WARRIOR, MINUTEMAN, PARAMILITARY, STRIKER, DRAFT, DRAFTEE. [nb: during WWII, the term "militiaitis" was coined by USMC MG Holland "Howling Mad" Smith to summarize the contemptible condition of reserve units composed of incompetent socialites with obsolete skills, that were oriented toward style over substance and reputation over mission, which needed almost as much (re-)training and (re-)organization as brand new units]

MILK RUN :

any ordinary event or routine procedure, especially a safe or secure undertaking in an area otherwise designated as 'hostile' or 'hazardous'; see NO SWEAT, LAUGH A MINUTE, PIECE OF CAKE, WALK IN THE PARK, CAKEWALK, DUCK SOUP, ASH 'n' TRASH.

MILLION DOLLAR WOUND :

any combat injury severe enough for medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) but not permanently disfiguring or totally disabling; a means to obtain convalescent LEAVE for recovery, which is why this wound was also called a "hometowner". This wound often elicits a PROFILE for a "light duty" reassignment. The wartime rule for anyone who's earned three PURPLE HEARTS prohibits reassignment to a combat role, but serious professionals subvert this dictum. See LINE OF DUTY, GI BILL, WIA, GSW-TTH, PH, DUSTOFF, MEDEVAC, PTSD, CONVERSION SYMPTOMS, WHOLE MAN, DOUBLE-DIP, THE EAGLE SHITS; compare SIW, DOW, KIA. [nb: the MILLION DOLLAR WOUND is often mistaken for acquiring an injury that "hits the benefits' jackpot" or "breaks the VA bank", but it is actually synonymous with a "minor wound", one that can be recuperated from ... a permanent handicap is not something to willingly seek!]

MILLPOND :

a 17-point program, approved by President John F. Kennedy on 9 March 1961, to prepare or improve the US military posture in Laos; also known as OPN MILLPOND. See PEO, WHITE STAR.

MIL-PERS :

anyone serving in uniform with the Armed Forces [later, Uniformed Services], a servicemember; compare SHEEP-DIPPED, see MILICRAT, SWINE LOG, BRASS HAT, BOOT, BIRDMAN, GROUND HOG, SQUID, SWABBY, SNUFFY, DOGFACE, CRUNCHY, LEG, SKIRT, GI JANE, GI JOE, GI. [nb: persons or groups engaged in violent conduct against a duly constituted authority or its designated adherents are not entitled to the protective provisions of domestic or international laws; see MILITIA, MINUTEMAN, PARAMILITARY, MERCENARY, GUERRILLA, INSURGENT, TERRORIST]

MILS / MISLS :

Military Intelligence (Service) Language School, operated at Fort Snelling MN during WWII; see DLI, MI, CIC, YANKEE SAMURAI.

MIL-SPEAK :

military slang and jargon, military lingo. May be compared to Orwellian "doublespeak", and subdivided into "NavSpeak" or "ArSpeak" as a hierarchally multiplex mode of convoluted symbolic parameters and indecipherable synergistic algorithms representative of the transpersonal colloquies and interfaced confirmations essential for redundant bureaucratic authorizations. See TALK TRASH, RED TAPE, PIDGIN, CREOLE, LINGUA FRANCA, JARGON, VERNACULAR, PIG LATIN, POLYGLOT.

MIL-SPEC :

conforming to MILitary SPECifications for minimum performance or standard quality. The "good enough for government issue" criterion is based upon the lowest cost for all the required features of any procurement. See HALF-ASSED, NSN, GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOVERNMENT WORK, 100 MPH TAPE, FLASHLIGHT, LIGHT STICK, HOOLIGAN, FLASHBANG, GPS, MUGR, ENVIS, VIPER. [nb: "A brontosaurus is a salamander designed to Mil-Spec."] [nb: in an effort to control costs and reduce waste, the DoD has instituted a policy of "non-duplication" in military procurement (Military Adaptable Commercial Item {MACI}), such that a mil-spec contract will NOT be let whenever a commercial "off the shelf" (COTS) product is "close enough for government work" and does not require special features; so some name brand items are now in logistical inventory]

MIND CANDY :

slang expression for an improbable course, an absurd proposal, or an unworkable solution; as a vision, prospect, proposition, aspiration, scheme, notion, desire, fancy, dream, fantasy, phantasm, concoction, figment, contrivance, illusion, mirage, chimera, hallucination, reverie, daydream, musing, wishful thinking, brown study, delusion, pipe dream, castles in the air, pie in the sky, will-o'-the-wisp, wisp, ignis fatuus. See COURSE OF ACTION, PLAN B, BAND-AID, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE, WIGGLE ROOM, WHITE ELEPHANT, BELL THE CAT, WANGLE, McNAMARA'S WALL, RAIN ON PARADE.

MINE :

usually subdivided into automatic and command detonated, and further categorized as Anti-Personnel (aP) and Anti-Tank (AT) or Anti-Vehicle, and as standardized or improvised construction; also known as an "egg", as well as CLAYMORE, BOUNCING BETTY, TOE-POPPER, CAISSON, DEVIL'S GARDEN, FISH. See EOD, EFP, UDT, IED, LO DUN, TU DAI, ALPHA-ALPHA, BOOBY-TRAP, DET CORD, CLACKER, TRIPWIRE, TRIGGER, SAPPER, COCKTAIL, SOUP, CHARGE, EXPLOSIVE, BOMB, FANFARE, PARAVANE, RAMICS, MUSETTE, MINEFIELD, MINESWEEPER, COUNTER-MINE. [nb: the Chinese first used iron-cased land mines in AD 1277, modified the casement to bamboo and converted the "ground thunder" mines to self-tripping automatic triggers by 1412, and self-detonating mines were made by 1573 ... mine craft arrived in Europe by technomigration in 1403.]

MINE DETECTOR :

(forthcoming); aka: metal detector; AN/PRS-4 - Mine detector used by combat engineers; compare FALL GUY [nb: "Every foot soldier can be a mine detector ... once."]

MINEFIELD :

(forthcoming); aka: DEVIL'S GARDEN

MINESWEEPER :

(forthcoming); see GUINEA-PIG [nb: "Any ship can be a mine sweeper ... once."]

MINIGUN :

a light (complete assembly weighs a third less than one M-2 heavy MG) but effective six-barrel machinegun (MG) of 7.62mm caliber that's able to fire by barrel rotation (similar to old Gatling Gun) at rates up to 4,000 rounds per minute; first made by General Electric in 1960. Because the MINIGUN (variously M-134, GAU-17/A, GAU-2B) is electrically operated, it is almost always mounted on-board a vessel, aircraft, or assault vehicle, such as SPOOKY, SPECTRE, DRAGON SHIP, GO-GO SHIP, COBRA, etc. See MOAN 'n' GROAN, HOSE, VULCAN, BOFORS. [v: "gat", slang derived from Gatling gun, referred to any machinegun, then any portable or compact machinegun, and finally to a pistol]

MINI-POUNDER :

small RADAR transmitter used to mark locations on the ground for radar-carrying aircraft.

MINISUB :

a small submarine, holding only one or a few persons, as used in naval special operations, underwater explorations, or when conducting underwater experiments; a contraction of MINIature SUBmarine, and also called "midget sub". See GIGGLES 'n' BANGS, PRESSURE HULL, MOTHER SHIP, SUBMARINE. [nb: a 2-man version, sized about 6' by 70', used during WWII by the Imperial Japanese Navy was identified as a Special Purpose Submarine, and was transported (PIGGYBACKed) on deck behind the CONNING TOWER of a full sized sub (MOTHER SHIP), before being occupied and launched into action]

MINUTEMAN :

an American intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with three stages that's powered by solid-propellant rocket engines; see MISSILE. Also, a member of a group of American militiamen just before and during the Revolutionary War who held themselves in readiness for instant military service; see AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Also, a member of a small, secretive, ultraconservative organization that formed into armed groups for the declared purpose of conducting GUERRILLA WARFARE against a communist invasion of the United States; compare MILITIA, WEEKEND WARRIOR, PARAMILITARY, COUNTER-GUERRILLA, COUNTERINSURGENCY.

MIS :

(m-i-s) Military Intelligence Service, established September 1941 in cooperation with the Defense Language School (later redesignated the Military Intelligence Language School) for training INTEL specialists who could translate documents and interrogate prisoners in order to acquire and assess military information. Military Intelligence Service members, called "MISers" (m-i-s-ers), comprised about 6,000 Japanese-American interpreters, being Neisei, Kibei, and Sansei citizens, who were attached for temporary duty (TDY) to combat units in the Pacific, China-Burma-India, and European theaters of operation. The MIS translation / interrogation intel element assigned to OSS Det 101 operating in the CBI theater with "rebel" GUERRILLAs was NICKNAMEd "Dixie" for this association with "confederates" for shared objectives. During the final year of WWII in the Pacific theater, the MIS published a Japanese language newspaper that was called "Parachute News" because it was delivered to Imperial forces and civilians by AIRDROP from B-29s in an effort to counter the anti-American PARTY LINE with WHITE PROPAGANDA and encouragements to surrender. See DLI, CIC, MI, PURPLE HEART BATTALION, LOST BATTALION.

MISREP :

the Joint Tactical Air Reconnaissance/Surveillance MISsion REPort, being a preliminary report of information from tactical reconnaissance aircrews rendered by designated debriefing personnel immediately after landing, and dispatched prior to the compilation of the Initial Photo Interpretation Report; providing a summary of the route conditions, observations, and aircrew actions, identifying sensor products. See SITREP, SPOT REPORT.

MISSILE :

any weapon that's thrown, shot, launched, or otherwise propelled at a target, such as a GRENADE, bullet, torpedo (FISH), guided ROCKET (steer after launch), or ballistic ROCKET (no power or no guidance after launch); including AAM, AGM, ALCM, AMRAAM, Atlas, AVENGER, CHAPARRAL, CRUISE, HARM, Harpoon, HAWK (HA), Hellfire, Hercules (HE), Honest John (HJ), Hound Dog, ICBM, JAVELIN, Jupiter, LAW, LGM, Little John (LJ), MAVERICK, MINUTEMAN, MOAB, Nike-Hercules (NH), PATRIOT, Peacekeeper, PERSHING (PE), PGM, PHOENIX, PREDATOR, Quail, RED EYE, RPG, RR, SAM, Sergeant (SG), SHILLELAGH, SHRIKE, SIDEWINDER, SPARROW, SPARTAN, STINGER, Thor, Titan, TOMAHAWK, TOW, TRIDENT, and 2.75 "rocket" (diameter of the side- or pod-mounted MISSILEs carried on all older "B" model HUEY gunships and the newer Cobras). Enemy large-caliber "rockets" at 122mm, 140mm. "Stalin's Organ" was NICKNAME for WWII mobile "rocket" launchers [cf: "Screaming MeMe" and "Moaning Mini" at WHIZ BANG and WHISTLER]. See AA, AAA, DDG, DRONE, DOODLEBUG, SHERIDAN, WARHEAD, E-WARHEAD, PAYLOAD, DRUMFIRE, SALVO, VOLLEY, SLBM, CWI, CATAPULT, SILO, BLOCKHOUSE, IRON HAND, WILD WEASEL. [nb: The Chinese invented a two-stage ignition rocket in AD 1150, which achieved increased thrust and velocity by choking the exhaust (later called the "Venturi Effect"), with a range of over 1800yds, and was used during battle in 1206. On 16 March 1926, Robert Hutchings Goddard launched the first liquid-fuel rocket.]

MISSILEMAN :

someone who works on, launches, or operates guided MISSILEs.

MISSILE PLOT :

the missile system fire control computer room aboard ship; see GUN PLOT.

MISSING MAN FORMATION :

a symbolic PARADE formation of marching soldiers or flying aircraft where a prominent gap in the arrangement represents a comrade who has died on active duty service to his country. This overflight or passing formation also represents the enduring commitment of the others to continue to march, to CARRY ON the mission. The accountability FLYOVER first became a tribute when performed for the funeral of King George V by the RAF in 1935, and in 1938 at the funeral of MG Oscar Westover by the USAAC, but the first MISSING MAN FORMATION was flown at Japan's Johnson Field in Nov 1951 to recognize the death of a fighter pilot in the KOREAN WAR. As with the burial of USAF GEN Hoyt Vandenberg in April 1954, the KOREAN WAR had made this a new "traditional" practice to be observed by militaries worldwide. "The McConnell Story", a Warner Brothers movie about the death of test pilot Captain Joseph McConnell in 1954, prominently featured the MISSING MAN FORMATION overflight, both the simple vacancy and the dramatic vertical pull-out, captivating an even larger audience. Paramilitary and civilian usurpation of this practice includes parachutists in Canopy Relative Work (CRW) or FREE FALL formations, antique aircraft and classic automobiles paraded past the mourners, sometimes using colored smoke or lights for special effects, which celebratory display is never done at military funerals. See TAPS, MEMORIAL DAY, TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS, KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL, VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL, POW-MIA DAY, TROOP THE LINE, PASS IN REVIEW; compare VETERANS' DAY.

MISSION :

a specific task that one or more persons is assigned to accomplish, often in a limited time; an operation that's designed to carry out the goals of a particular plan or program; see OBJ, OPN, BALL GAME, DUTY, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), LAWS OF WAR, THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS, MIGHT MAKES RIGHT, WATCH MY SMOKE, FOLLOW ME, CHARGE, STORM. Also, a group of persons sent to a foreign country to conduct negotiations, establish relations, provide technical assistance, or the like, especially the establishment of a diplomatic embassy abroad. [v: portfolio]

MISSION READY :

synonym for COMBAT LOADED, and sometimes known as "mission capable", being briefed and equipped for a specific operation; frequently applied to helicopters and their crew, but universally understood as GOOD TO GO for each OP TEMPO period; see BATTAILOUS.

MISTER :

the proper title of address for Warrant Officers (WO) in all branches, and for Naval officers below the RANK of Commander (O-5), as derived from master, as an indication of skill; see CHIEF, OFFICER. Also used informally or pejoratively when addressing a CRUIT or CADET about his unmilitary or unskillful performance; thus categorizing him with other nugatory civilians. [nb: similar contranym is SOLDIER as either fugleman or shirker]

MISTY FAC :

designation for jet Forward Air Controllers; see FAC, CAS.

MLR :

Main Line of Resistance; standard term in conventional warfare for a FRONT LINE or FLOT designated at the Forward Edge of the Battle Area (FEBA) for the purpose of coordinating all mutually supporting fire, including TAC-AIR and naval gunfire; but does not include the areas utilized by COVERing or SCREENing forces. It's use in a COUNTERINSURGENCY combat zone without static borders or defensive boundaries is indicative of a counterproductive military mindset. See FCSL, DMZ, UW; compare MSR.

MOA :

Military Operations Area, or Military Operational Area, being a restricted zone or region that is exclusive to military forces for the period of an exercise or test, with civilian access prohibited by land, sea, or air for the duration; compare AO, TO, AOR, OA, TAOR, CHOP LINE, UA.

MOAB :

(mow-ab) Massive Ordnance Airburst Bomb, being a satellite-guided MISSILE that generates a mushroom cloud; with the acronym widely re-interpreted as the "Mother Of All Bombs".

MOAFU :

literally Mother Of All Fuck Ups, or more euphemistically as "... foul ups"; see FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER FUCK, WTFO, SOL, BOHICA.

MOAN 'n' GROAN :

the sound of MINIGUN or VULCAN firing; see SPRAY, HOSE, ROCK 'n' ROLL, MAD MINUTE. Also, the incessant complaints of wimps, wusses, or whiners; see REMF, CLERKS 'n' JERKS, WANNABE, CANDY-ASS, POGUE.

THE MOG :

(maug) slang phrase referring to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia (Somali Democratic Republic), where the multinational peacekeeping mission was headquartered during 1992-5. See RESTORE HOPE, SKINNY, AD HOC, THE MED, THE GULF, ABSURDISTAN, THE STANS; compare THE ROOT, THE NAM.

MOB :

Main Operations Base; being a joint special operations command and support facility established in FRIENDLY territory by a component commander to provide sustained administrative and logistical support to special operations activities in designated areas; compare FOB, AOB, FSB, CP, JUMP CP, BASE CAMP, BASE.

MOCK-UP :

a testing or teaching model, usually full-size, such as an aircraft fuselage or prison camp building; see TRAIN HARD - FIGHT EASY, DON'T DO NOTHING, KILL HOUSE, WAR GAMES, DUMMY. [cf: "folly" as a useless structure built as an extravagance or indulgence]

MOGAS :

MOtor vehicle GASoline, supplied as low-octane military-grade fuel; see PETROL, POL, JUICE, TOP-OFF, REDNECK CREDIT CARD.

MOHAWK :

Grumman OV-1 observation / RV-1 radio/RADAR reconnaissance aircraft.

MOJO :

intuition or extrasensory perception, a prescient or presentiment feeling; a foreknowledge of danger or a foreboding of harm; as derived from the word for the personal magnetism of a voodoo medicine man, practiced in the art of divination, casting spells, or creating magic charms (amulet or talisman). Term also spelled "mo-jo", and also known as "juju" or "grigri"; but not to be confused with getting a "combat itch" or "battle twitch", or becoming "nervous in the service", which are forms of anxiety, jitters, or fright. A person with MOJO is often calm, composed, and calculating. Its conjuring is sometimes dismissed as 'experience', except that MOJO is not quantifiable ... a person knows, but usually does not know how he knows what he knows. Also, an alcoholic concoction that's intended to be powerful rather than tasteful; an extemporaneous drink designed to alter consciousness; see HOOCH, BREW, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE, SUNDOWNER, HATCH, MOONSHINE, THE DRINK, HOIST, JUICE.

MOLE :

undercover operative or espionage agent; see SECRET AGENT, SPOOK, CRYPTO, SLEEPER, PROVOCATEUR, FIX, THROW-AWAY, STOOGE. [v: intelligencer] Also, a BREAKWATER, groyne/groin, or jetty used to form or protect an anchorage or harbor, to reinforce or protect a pier or quay; see WHARF.

MOLLE :

(mollie) acronym for MOdular Lightweight Load-bearing Equipment, includes load-bearing vest (LBV) and CamelBak-style CANTEEN; see RUCK, ALICE, LBE, WEB GEAR, STABO.

MOLOTOV COCKTAIL :

a crude incendiary device, usually consisting of a petrol-filled bottle corked by a wick, which is ignited just before throwing; also called a "bush cocktail". The combustible contents may be made adhesive or jellied by various additives, such as detergent or oil. Eponymous derivation from Vyacheslav Mikhailovich (Skryabin) Molotov, the Russian commissar of foreign affairs. See IED, GAMMON GRENADE, SOUP, COCKTAIL.

MONGO :

a basic monetary unit of currency for the Mongolian People's Republic, equal to one-hundredth part of the TUGRIK; see LEGAL TENDER.

MONGOOSE :

CODENAME for overt military plans and covert operations scheduled against Castro and Cuba during the early VN era, formulated between the failed Bay of Pigs INVASION (April 1961) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (22 Oct - 20 Nov 1962).

MONKEY FIST :

a casting knot (often a figure-8 on a bight) added to the trailing-end of a ROPE or LINE to lend weight and direction for throwing; see KNOT, LIFELINE, ROPE, LINE, HAWSER, TURK'S HEAD.

MONKEY MOUNTAIN :

(forthcoming); Radio Relay (RR) site near CCN/FOB#4 compare MARBLE MOUNTAIN, BLACK LADY MOUNTAIN.

MONROE DOCTRINE :

the precept, promulgated by James Monroe on 2 December 1823, that the United States opposed further European colonization of or intervention in the western hemisphere; this unilateral tenet reciprocated for this "hands'-off" policy with a non-interference policy that echoed George Washington's warning against foreign entanglements; being the first foreign policy of the United States, it remained in effect until WWI. See ISOLATIONISM, ROOSEVELT COROLLARY, GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY, TRUMAN DOCTRINE, MARSHALL PLAN, CONTAINMENT, INTERVENTIONISM, NIXON DOCTRINE, CARTER DOCTRINE, REAGAN DOCTRINE, NATION BUILDING. [nb: "We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those [European] powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety." by James Monroe (2 Dec 1823)] [v: "manifest Destiny" was coined by John L. O'Sullivan (1839); "White Man's Burden" was coined by J. Rudyard Kipling (1899)]

MONSOON :

the seasonal wind of the Indian Ocean and the nearby lands of southern Asia, blowing from the southwest in summer and from the northeast in winter, commonly marked by heavy rains; often called the "rainy season" or the "wet". See WIND, BEAUFORT SCALE, SAFFiR-SIMPSON SCALE, STORM WARNING, WINDSOCK, TELLTALE. [nb: due to irresponsible pollution and waste disposal practices on our over-populated globe, it is dangerous to drink unfiltered or untreated water anywhere on earth, but especially in "under developed" countries where livestock is not sequestered from human habitation; these contaminating conditions are complicated in some regions, like Southeast Asia, by MONSOON rains and other inclement weather conditions; see WATER PURIFICATION TABLET] [nb: due to axial tilt during earth's rotation, the hemispheric seasons are not the same length, with the southern summer / northern winter being the shortest season, and northern summer / southern winter being the longest]

MONSTER :

NICKNAME for the relatively large and heavy, backpack portable, field RADIO (AN/PRC-77) equipped with a "secure net" SCRAMBLEr; also called PRICK-77.

MONTAGNARD :

the ethnic tribal peoples who inhabit the remote uplands of Southeast Asia, affectionately known as YARDs or LITTLE BROWN BROTHERs by ADVISORs; see BAJARHAKO, FULRO, BUDDHAHEAD, INDIG, STRIKER. [nb: extremists or radicals in French politics are also called "Montagnards" by association with those who occupied the upper tiers in the assembly during the French Revolution]

MOONBEAM :

nighttime name of ABCCC HILLSBORO. Moonbeam was a night-time command and control aircraft that flew with big searchlights at fairly low altitudes, illuminating the ground.

MOONSHINE :

a flare-carrying helicopter GUNSHIP; see FIREFLY, SMOKY BEAR. Also, natural or artificial illumination at night; compare FLARE, SLAP-FLARE, VERY PISTOL, BASKETBALL, FLASHLIGHT, LIGHT STICK, BUD LIGHT, NVG, BLINKER. Also, slang for illicit homemade liquor; see DEAD-SOLDIER, DUTCH COURAGE, HOOCH, BREW, JUICE, MOJO, BYOB, TOAST, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE, SOAK, HOIST, HATCH. Also, slang for exaggerated tales or fabricated stories, without the opprobrium of pernicious lies; see TALK TRASH, SHOOT THE SHIT, GAS BAG, WAR STORY, SEA STORY, MIL-SPEAK, RUMOR.

MOOSE :

acronym for Move Out Of Saigon Expeditiously; for unit decentralization and displacement. See MOOT.

MOOT :

acronym for Move Out Of Town; being a program to reduce troop concentrations in developed or built-up city areas. See MOOSE.

MOPP :

Mission Oriented Protective Posture; especially a CBR or HAZMAT protective suit. The MOPP suit is commonly called a "body bag with a window". See BUNNY SUIT, JSLIST, CPOG, GAS MASK; compare COFFIN, PRO KIT. [cf: remote mechanical agents or servo-manipulation systems for use in sterile, hazardous, or contaminated environments began during WWII with the handling of radioactive materials; initially in the form of insulated gripper arms named "Waldo" (being a cognate of 'rule' or 'command', after the 1942 novel by Robert A. Heinlein), later known as the "Waldo F. Jones Synchronous Reduplicating Pantograph", and now as a telefactoring device, useful in bomb disposal and extraterrestrial maintenance]

MORNING REPORT :

the military considers the MORNING REPORT to be its most important form, hence it is designated Form 1, listing the status (ie: present, hospitalized, incarcerated, on leave, etc) of all assigned personnel, while the most common is Form 1049 for requests of all kinds to senior authority; such time-consuming FORMS and REPORTS were derisively called PAPER BULLETs during the American CIVIL WAR. See FORM, LOG, WAR DIARY. [nb: "If it isn't documented then it doesn't exist!"]

MORSE CODE :

an arbitrary alphanumeric system of short and long sounds or flashes, separated by spaces, that's used to signal messages; also known as "Morse's alphabet" or "telegrapher's signs". [nb: in standardizing the transmission speed of the International Code, the following relationships exist between the elements: 1) the "dit" (dot) is the basic unit of length; 2) the "dah" (dash) is equal in length to three dits; 3) the space (pause) between dits and dahs within a character (letter) is equal to one dit; 4) the space between characters (letters) in a word is equal to three dits; 5) the space between words is equal to seven dits. (TM-11-459/TO 31-3-16 - Sept 1957) Operator transmission speed rating, measured in words-per-minute (WPM), is established by counting the number of times the 5-letter word 'PARIS' is sent in one minute] See CW, EOT, GA, HAND, II, SOS, RADIO, TWX, SALTING, HELIOGRAPH, WIGWAG / WIGWAGGER, TAP CODE, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH. [v: Alphabet Codes & Signal Flags] [nb: in 1832, Samuel F.B. Morse was intrigued by the idea, propounded by André Marie Ampère, of transmitting code electrically, so set about developing it with the aid of Leonard Gale, Joseph Henry, and Alfred Vail; the first message ("successful experiment with telegraph") was sent on 4 Sept 1837, and was patented on 20 June 1840 with the demonstration test message: "What hath God wrought"] [nb: the original American Morse Code included pauses within some letters, but in 1920 the simplified International Morse Code (aka: Continental Code) eliminated them, and changed some letter patterns (11 letters, 9 numbers, and punctuation)]

MORTAR :

81mm mortar

a large bore, muzzle-loading, indirect high-angle fire weapon, with either a rifled- or SMOOTHBORE short-barreled cannon, and usually of shorter range than a HOWITZER; also called "vest-pocket artillery", "mortie", "stove pipe", and "piss tube"; including the 60mm (M-224) ranging to 2000m, the 81mm (M-29, M-252, M-291) ranging to 3500m, and the 4.2-inch (M-30) ranging to 6000m. See FOUR DEUCE, BARBETTE, CREW-SERVED WEAPONS, SHOT OUT, FDC, FIRE MISSION, HIGH ANGLE HELL, IN-COMING, BIPOD, NLOS-C, APC. [cf: bombard as the earliest type of indirect cannon launching stones, from "noise" (bomb) and "stone-throwing engine" (bombarda)] [v: ship mounted "carronade" ca1779] [nb: the surplus propellent from mortar and artillery fire can be ignited to sterilize the contents of a cesspool [eg: SLIT TRENCH, CAT HOLE], and thus maintain local sanitation]

MORTUARY AFFAIRS :

(forthcoming); see NOK, KIA, DOW, KINFORMING, HUG SQUAD, GHOUL, BODY BAG, RICE KRISPIES, CRISPY CRITTER, FLOATER, CREATURE FEATURE, GRAVES REGISTRATION, NATIONAL CEMETERY, BOX JOB, BONEYARD, GARDEN OF STONES, TOMB, CATAFALQUE. [nb: funeral (disposal) versus funeral ritual (memorial); about a third of veteran burials in NATIONAL CEMETERYs are unattended, and veteran family burials are stacked in the same gravesite; while graveyards in America are relocated whenever the public requires (eminent domain) the space, the gravesites in European cemeteries have long been exchanged for replacement occupancy, sometimes stacked, sometimes vacated; mortuary options include: (burial) decomposition, cremation, medical research dissection, (predatory) digestion, (lime) water reduction, in line (ph neutral) composting, or freezedry pulverization] [nb: although cremation is a Hindu tradition, it was not employed as a method of corpse disposal in the West until 1874, but is now the preferred mode, with cremains either scattered or vaulted in a columbarium; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate crematoria, because the public does not want the reduction of human remains to be treated like the disposal of "solid waste" (incinerators are regulated by the Clean Air Act)]

MOS :

Military Occupational Specialty; the military job designation for one's duty assignment or job title. The process of induction begins with a mental and physical assessment, and supplemental training will augment everyone's service. To qualify for promotion, a serviceman usually had to do the job, to get the rating, to get the pay. Basic MOS could be modified by prefix or suffix to indicate further qualification (eg: 3-prefix/S-suffix = SF). See PMOS, AIT, AFEES, RECEPTION STATION, MEPS, ASVAB, AFQT, AFGCT, Q-COURSE, ASI, SQI, OJT, CROSS-TRAINING, SHEEP-DIPPED, MIL-CRAFT, DOG TAG, BILLET, BERTH, DUTY, POST, ON STATION, WATCH, HARDSHIP TOUR, BUMFUCK, TDY / TAD, PCS. [nb: USAF term is Specialty Code (AFSC)]

MOSAIC MAP :

photos or illustrations pieced together from other elements to create a composite image, also called a "mosaic pattern map"; especially a "photomosaic" or "aerial mosaic", which is an assembly of aerial photographs matched in such a way as to show a continuous photographic representation of an area. See MAP, COMICS; compare TOPO, CHART.

MOSQUITO :

designated the F-8 and called "The Wooden Wonder" or "The Timber Terror", this twin-engined (V-12 liquid-cooled 1710hp) military aircraft, with the pilot and navigator seated abreast, relied on speed (415mph at 28,000 alt) and agility (without defensive armaments) to act as a fighter-bomber, tactical bomber, intruder, photo-recon or pathfinder as used by the USAAF, RAF, RAAF, and other allied air forces from 1941 until 1956. It was developed as a prototype by the manufacturer, DeHavilland in Hertfordshire UK, to utilize available resources when metals were scarce, but the government was disinterested until the test flights proved its superior performance, being one of the fastest and most maneuverable aircraft of WWII, due to its balsa and birch plywood construction (44ft L by 54ft W by 17ft H). It proved to be the most effective fighter-bomber of WWII, and various models were equipped with machineguns, rockets, cannons, bombs, flares, chaff, and RADAR, giving rise to rumors of "cat-eyed" pilots with superior eyesight. Compare HORNET; see BIRD.

MOSQUITO FLEET :

any group of small armed BOATs. Also, the assemblage of wooden hulled civilian BOATs (converted yachts) that have served as armed patrol boats during wartime; also known as "suicide fleet". See GUNNBOAT, PT BOAT, CUTTER, SWIFT BOAT, TANGO BOAT, ZIPPO BOAT, WARSHIP.

MOSQUITO SMILE :

slang for the sleeve RANK insignia of a Lance Corporal (LCPL) during the Vietnam-era showing one chevron (MOSQUITO WING) and one ROCKER (smile). See SWINE LOG, EM, RATING, GRADE, RANK; compare NCO.

MOSQUITO WING :

PFC

a single chevron of RANK representing a Private First Class (PFC) during the Vietnam-era, formerly an E-3 but now, since the elimination of the two SLICK SLEEVE ratings and the introduction of Lance Corporal (LCPL) RANK, an E-2 Private (PVT); so called for seeming small and forlorn in its solitary state, and for the fact that there is usually a multitude whenever any single individual is found. See MOSQUITO SMILE, MATING MOSQUITOES, SWINE LOG, EM; compare NCO.

MOSSBACK :

reactionary; a person holding antiquated notions. Sometimes called "mossy horn", and derived from a reference to a large old fish or turtle. See OLD BREED, OLD SALT, SHELLBACK, DINOSAUR, MAVERICK, BROWN SHOE / BOOT, SILENT MAJORITY. [nb: a pompous old reactionary, "Colonel Blimp", was a post-WWI cartoon character conjured by David Low that satirized resistance to progressive change]

MOTHBALL :

to inactivate something disused for preserved storage as a reserve; by extension of the protective storage process for textiles with balls of naphthalene or camphor; see BONEYARD, TOMB, DUMP, CANNIBALIZE; compare STANDBY. Also, to place an idea or plan in abeyance; removed from further consideration, suspended from implementation.

MOTHER HEN :

slang for the leader (LDR) of a CHALK or STICK, who is functioning as a team, squad, or section leader to get "all the little chicks in a row"; properly known as the STICK COMMANDER or CHALK COMMANDER, which is independent of RANK. See HONCHO, TOP DOG, 10, MC, OVERSIGHT. [nb: a female unit commander is not called the OLD MAN nor "old lady", not "chieftain" nor "chieftess", not the HONCHO nor "honchette", not TOP DOG nor "top bitch", but is rather antonomastically identified by the generic "boss" or "boss lady", or by her designated NICKNAME or CODENAME; also see "GI Jane", "Jane Bond", "Acting Jane", "Swinging Dickless", "Dear Jane", SKIRT, ANGEL]

MOTHER SHIP :

slang for a supply or maintenance ship (eg: TENDER) or delivery ship (eg: SUBMARINE) that provides combat support to other vessels; see SRV, MINISUB, PIGGYBACK, DUMP, NSD, DEPOT, GODOWN, PRE-POS, LOGISTICS. [cf: a large resupply submarine, called "Milch Cow", provided fuel, ammunition, and provisions to patrolling Nazi U-boats during WWII, enabling them to remain on station in their sector for extended periods]

MOTOR MOUTH :

someone who talks too much (if not incessantly) and works too little (v: HALF-ASSED), always trying to offer an excuse (v: NO EXCUSE) for substandard or failed performance instead of making the extra effort to accomplish the mission; a typically fast talking and glib TAP-DANCER using SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS. Compare SILENT INSOLENCE; see SCUTTLEBUTT, SHOOT THE SHIT, TALK TRASH, VERBAL DIARRHEA, BLOW SMOKE, WOOF, BAD-MOUTH, RUMOR, BACK CHANNEL.

MOTOR POOL :

a fleet of motor vehicles made available for temporary use by assigned military personnel. Also, the designated lot or yard where such military vehicles are parked and maintained; sometimes called "vehicle depot" or "motor park". See JEEP, HUMVEE, TRUCK, TRACK, TANK, DUCK/DUKW, GAMMA GOAT, CANNIBALIZE, PM, TANK PARK; compare BIRD FARM.

MOTTO :

(forthcoming); compare NICKNAME, CODENAME, COVER, PASSWORD, CALL-SIGN, BATTLE CRY, GUSTO, HOOAH, OORAH, GUNG-HO, ESPRIT DE CORPS, WETSU, DIEHARD, WAKE UP, TOAST, SIGNATURE, CREST, PATCH. [v: mottoes and nicknames of military units] [nb: the term 'slogan' is derived from the Scottish words (sluagh + gairm) meaning "army cry" or "war cry"; cf: misnomer "slughorn"] [nb: Imperial Japanese "banzai" (ten-thousand years; not "bonsai" gardening) similar to Chinese "wàn-sue"] [cf: warison; v: clarion call] [nb: the "thin red line" was applied to the British ("Redcoats") in the Crimean War because they did not form into a defensive square when engaged, making their line weak, which impugned their military prowess; likewise, the Scottish bagpipers accompanying British troops in WWI were labeled "ladies from hell" for wearing kilts into battle while playing an instrument instead of carrying a weapon ... each attribution was initially offensive, but both were later adopted as distinctions] [v: Names of Foreigners or Foes]

MOUNTAIN :

NICKNAME for Xa Dao Tru (geo: 21 31 39N 105 31 52E; UTM: 48QWJ55008040), site of major NVN prison camp for captive allied population; also known as [nb: some names only refer to sections within this prison] Mountain Retreat, K.77 or K.71, D.1, Vinh Quang B, Vinh Ninh, Duong Ke. Dates US POWs present: 24 Aug 68 to 25 Nov 70. Located about 60 kilometers northwest of Hanoi, this camp was dismantled after the war. The Ministry of Public Security apparently ran this camp until LTC Ben Purcell escaped, but the military seemingly assumed camp administration afterwards. USAF Captain Robert N. Daughtrey, who was captured on 02 Aug 65 after his F105 went down in NVN, called this site "Camp D.1", because this legend appeared on the building in which he was detained; however "D.1" could be an abbreviation for "Doanh Trai No. 1", meaning "Barracks No. 1". Captain Daughtrey recalled that the American POWs from this camp were moved to the CITADEL / PLANTATION (17 Pho Ly Nam De) about two days after the American raid on SON TAY in November 1970. See POW.

MOUNTAINEER :

10th Mtn Div

a person skilled in mountaineering; able to conduct military operations in the severe climate and rugged terrain of various uplands. The Mountain Warfare training course is a challenging two-week program conducted under tactical conditions at Camp Ethan Allen in Jericho Vermont. The Mountain Warfare school develops and conducts resident training under both summer and winter conditions, emphasizing survival and mobility techniques. The WWII Mountain and Winter Warfare Board commenced training in 1942 at Fort Lewis (Mount Rainier and Mount Bryce), in 1943 at Elkins Maneuver Area (Seneca Rocks), and in 1943 at Camp Hale (Aspen, Vail, Mount Albert, Sawatch Range). The volunteers who formed the 10th Mountain Division (officially activated August 1943) received training in skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tobogganing, and climbing with related snow shovel, ice axe, and rope work. Their infantry and recon elements were augmented by heavy weapons, including 81mm mortar and 75mm pack howitzer. The Mountain and Winter Warfare Board was assisted by members of the Sierra Club in developing specialized equipment, including boots, mummy-style sleeping bags, mountain stoves and rations, a rucksack that converted skis into a toboggan, and the first operational snowmobile (IRON DOG). The mountaineering phase of both RANGER and SPECIAL FORCES qualification has been conducted in some sector of the Appalachian range since their inception, with only occasional treks to more rugged or severe or higher ranges, to "real mountains". See RAPPEL, BELAY, SNAP-LINK, BIGHT, KNOT, LINE, ROPE, SNOWSHOE, WEASEL, LRRP-RATIONS; compare WINTER WARRIOR, JUNGLE EXPERT. [v: Climbing Terms]

MOUNTAIN TENT :

(forthcoming); experimental waterproof neoprene tent developed for alpine operations during WWII was uncomfortable and unhealthy for occupancy see TENT

MOURNING BAND :

a black-colored ribbon or cloth displayed as a symbol of grief or sorrow, mourning or lamentation for a period after a loved one's death; may be coincident with flying the flag at HALF-MAST. Wear is restricted to individual display on CLASS-A and dressier uniforms for personal (not unit) expressions of grief for only the period lasting from the time of death to the funeral or memorial; such MOURNING BANDs were conspicuous on all uniforms during the CIVIL WAR. See YELLOW RIBBON.

MOUSE HOLE :

a one-man SPIDER HOLE situated in an urban area; see MOUT, FIBUA, HOUSEWARMING.

MOUSY DUNG :

a play on words for Mao Tse-tung (Mao Zedong), also called "Chairman Mao", who was then premier of Red China, as used by KOREAN WAR prisoners subjected to BRAINWASHING during their captivity; a clever homophone that represented the POW's opinion of their opposition: drab and timid (mousy) shit (dung), which is also spelled "mousey dung". See PAPER TIGER, CIVILIAN, PRC, CHICOM; compare UNCLE HO, UNCLE JOE.

MOUT :

Military Operations in Urban Terrain; commonly called "urban combat" or "house-to-house fighting". See FIBUA, BREACHER, SQUAD, FIRE TEAM, STACK, WAY POINT, MOUSE HOLE, HOUSEWARMING, KILL HOUSE.

MOVCON :

MOVement CONtrol; the command and control element for a convoy.

MOVE OUT :

the informal command used by a leader to commence or continue an operation; see CHARGE, SADDLE-UP, FOLLOW ME, WATCH MY SMOKE, STORM, JUMP-START, BATTAILOUS.

MOWING THE LAWN :

slang description of the typically repetitive search pattern used during surveillance or rescue operations by air or sea, whether by sight or by device, so as not to skip any of the designated area; like SENTRY duty, such grid-work repetition, also called "cutting the grass", becomes boring when extended over time, which increases the likelihood of missing the objective by inattention, even when supplemented by automation. Compare SWEEP; see SAR, SCREEN, GRASS.

MOXIE :

bold vigor and courage, fortitude and endurance; derived from the trademark for "Moxie Nerve Food", an invigorating temperance tonic widely sold as a refreshing beverage since 1876, being more popular than "CocaCola" until the Depression Era. See V-DEVICE, GUTS, ONIONS, BRAGGING RIGHTS, WATCH MY SMOKE, BITE THE BULLET, PAIN, DIEHARD, BEARING, MACHO, HERO, SLOW MATCH, WINTER SOLDIER.

MP :

Military Police, also known as SNOWDROP; while their official motto is "Assist, Protect, and Defend", their unofficial motto is "Kick Ass and Take Names!". See KATN, PM, AP, SP, QC, CID, OSI, NIS, FBI, CONSTABULARY, PROVOST GUARD. [aka: police, policeman, police officer, peace officer, sheriff, shrieve, bailiff, beadle, reeve, tipstaff, catchpole, marshal, lawman, patrolman, cop, bluecoat, copper, pig, narc, fuzz, bear / Smoky Bear, bull, flatfoot, heat, The Man, The Law, John Law, law dog, Deputy Dog, long arm of the law, state trooper, Texas Ranger, plainclothesman, inspector, gumshoe, dick, detective, constable, rookie, meter maid, security guard, square badge, nab, peeler, bobby, mountie, flic, gendarme, carabiniere, Cheka, Gestapo] [nb: a multi-generational lineage of police service is expressed by "tin in the blood", "tin blood", and "silver blood"; cf: GREEN BLOOD]

MPC :

MPC $1 (1964)

MPC $5 (1964)

Military Payment Certificate, or Military Payment Currency, also called "Funny Money" for its resemblance to gaming "play money"; a form of color-coded scrip [paper; not "script"] (also called "shinplaster") used by MIL-PERS stationed overseas during the period from WWII through the VIETNAM WAR, in lieu of American dollars (USD/US$), to help control inflation in the local economy. Technically known as "fiat money", it has no intrinsic value and is not convertible to any specie or commodity, being based only on the "trust" of the government. See CANDY, SLUSH FUND, CUMSHAW, SCROUNGE, MIDNIGHT REQUISITION, BAD PAPER, BENSON SILK, HARD TIMES TOKEN, LEGAL TENDER. [v: flying money, credit money, spirit money] Also, the abbreviation for Message Processing Center.

MR :

Military Region; being the redesignated regional Corps Tactical Zone (CTZ) areas: MR1 - MR4. Also, Memorandum for Record or Memorandum of Record; see TICKLER, SNOWFLAKE, RBI, PAPER BULLET, FORM, RAPPORTEUR, REPORT, ANNEX, RED TAPE, FILE 13. [v: dossier] [nb: "If it isn't documented then it doesn't exist!"]

MRAP :

(forthcoming); Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle

MRE :

MRE package

Meals Ready to Eat, also called "Meals Rejected by Everyone"; which replaced the three meals per day per person C-RATIONS with an MRE issue of four meals per day per person to obtain the same caloric value. This "new and improved" field food is neither "wet packed" (like C-RATIONS) nor "dry packed" (like LRRP-RATIONS), but is 'moist' packed in a microwavable package that includes a great deal of rubbish for postprandial disposal. Although microwave ovens are now available in many modern military vehicles, the MREs are not amenable to conventional heating from flame, mandating use of the chemical heat pack (if not eliminated during mission prep) or necessitating 'cold' consumption in remote or survival situations. Because most modern units are "light", "mobile", or "mechanized", the field troops find that the MRE diet is excessive, and many give away their extra rations to children and other needy civilians in their operational area. [nb: "We never repent having eaten too little." by Thomas Jefferson (1825)]

MRF :

Mobile Riverine Force Mekong
Delta patch

MRF Mekong Delta

Mobile Riverine Force; sometimes called "BROWN WATER Navy". In 1968, a combined US Navy/Army command assembled to combat the Viet Cong forces in the Mekong Delta, involving 2nd Brigade 9th Infantry Division and River Assault Flotilla 1. See CCB, ALPHA BOAT, TANGO BOAT, SEALORDS; compare JUNK FORCE, NAG.

MRRF :

Mobile Road Reaction Force

MSC :

Medical Service Corps, the administrative department for medical combat service support; known by the Navy as the Medical Administration Office.

MSEAADR :

Mainland SouthEast Asia Air Defense Region.

MSF :

Mobile Strike Force, also called MIKE FORCE or STRIKERS; operating under the Mobile Strike Force Command (MSFC). See MGF, CSF, SF, BLACKJACK; compare UNPFK.

MSG :

abbreviation for Master SerGeant, being the non-commissioned officer (NCO) grade (E-8) between Sergeant First Class (E-7) and Sergeant Major or Command Sergeant Major (E-9), and represented by three chevrons above three ROCKERs as sleeve rank insignia; this rank is rated equal to First Sergeant (1SG / FSG). See SARGE, BUCK, RIGHT ARM, FIRST SHIRT, TOP, NCO, SUPER GRADE, RATING, GRADE, RANK.

MSL :

Mean Sea Level, being the average height of the surface of the sea for all stages of the tide, and used as a reference for elevations. Compare AGL; see G [gravity]. [cf: geoid]

MSOS :

Marine Special Operations School; established 27 June 2007 with the stated intent by USMC of becoming the premier Foreign Internal Defense (FID) and Unconventional Warfare (UW) university in the entire Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. Compare Joint Special Operations University at USSOC, SWS, SWC&S.

MSQ :

RADAR (qv).

MSR :

Military Supply Route; also "Main Supply Route". See COMBAT LOADED, RED BALL, LOG; compare MLR.

MTB :

Motor Torpedo Boat; compare PT BOAT, GUNBOAT, MICKEY MOUSE BATTLESHIP; see BOAT.

MTO :

abbreviation for the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, being the WWII designation for the area encompassing Italy, Sicily, Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans; see ETO, NATO.

MTOE :

Modified Table of Organization and Equipment; see TO&E/TOE, TO, SPAGHETTI CHART.

MTT :

Mobile Training Team, an advisory element operating within a district or region to improve defenses and enhance skills of local forces; often a TDY assignment. See MAT.

MTV :

(forthcoming); Medium Tactical Vehicle; compare LMTV, see TRUCK.

MUC :

Meritorious Unit Commendation, effective 1 Jan 1944 for combat related service; issued in Army (red) version, in Navy / Marine Corps (blue, gold stripes) version, or in Coast Guard (blue, green, white stripes) version. Compare OUA; see UNIT CITATION, GONG.

MUD MOVER :

slang for any low-level attack aircraft, such as A-6 INTRUDER or A-10 WARTHOG.

MUFF DIVER :

a mock qualification badge ironically presented to paratroopers for sexual performance, especially cunnilingus; badge depicts a fully exposed naked woman spread across Army or Marine parachutist's WINGS. A similar Navy or Air Force pilot's badge was "awarded" to BUSH PILOTS. See CHOWING DOWN, LOVE HANDLES, HEAD, HUMMER, DAISY CHAIN, HAT TRICK, WINGS, BIB, TRICK, BUTTERFLY, FUCK, DIDDLY, HOOKUP, CHURNING BUTTER, BOOM-BOOM, SHORT-TIME, SHACK-JOB. [nb: a "red wing" variant is "awarded" for performing cunnilingus during menstruation] [aka: cunnilingus, cunny-delicious, rug / carpet muncher, eat / eating out, lickety-splitter, cunt licker, pussy eater, pussy chewer, cunt chomper, lip sucker, lick the cat, eat the beaver, taste tuna taco, go down / -on, pearl diver, deep dive, Aussie kiss (a French kiss down under)] [nb: 'lecher' derives from "to lick gluttonously"]

MUFTI :

civilian clothes worn by someone usually in uniform; the implication being that the clothes cannot hide the man, or that the man wears casual attire like a uniform would be worn. Origin obscure, but probably derived from the similarity of deportment between Muslim counselors and off-duty military officers. See DOG ROBBER, BEARING, CIVVIES, T-SHIRT, SKIVVIES, PARTY SUIT, FEATHERS, DRESS.

MUGR :

(mugger) Miniature Underwater Global positioning system Receiver; a waterproof tactical locator/plotter selectively issued to SEALs and other SOF elements; see GPS. [nb: in an effort to control costs and reduce waste, the DoD has instituted a policy of "non-duplication" in military procurement (Military Adaptable Commercial Item {MACI}), such that a mil-spec contract will NOT be let whenever a commercial "off the shelf" (COTS) product is "close enough for government work" and does not require special features; so some name brand items are now in logistical inventory]

MUJ :

(mooge) contraction of Mujahideen / Mujahedin / Mujaheddin, being a Muslim GUERRILLA fighting in and around the region of Afghanistan; also called "The Muj", as derived from "one who wages jihad". This term is more descriptive than derogatory, with its usage dependent upon tone and context, and upon which side the MUJ is fighting; it should be noted that these fighters take credit for toppling the USSR as a religious triumph, while America is given credit for causing the collapse of Soviet communism by economic means. See GULF WAR, ABSURDISTAN, RAGHEAD, SANDY, HAJJI, LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, INDIG. [aka: camel jockey, camel cowboy, goat roper, snake charmer, carpet pilot, rug rider, sand flea, sand monkey, sand nigger, desert darky, dune coon, tarsh, ali baba, ahab, aladdin, habib, zalama, zol]

MULE :

a small, lightweight, low profile, open frame, four-wheel drive utility vehicle (M-274) used in VN to rapidly transport up to a ton of equipment, weapons, and men over difficult terrain; probably inspired by the "dune buggy", and developed before the military imitations of the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), namely the Light Surveillance Vehicle (LAV) and Fast Attack Vehicle (FAV). The MULE was operated by a two-cylinder pull-cord engine, and could be propelled while the driver was prone; it was withdrawn from inventory due to inadequate wheel and axle performance. Compare CHAPARRAL, GAMMA GOAT.

MUNITIONS :

war materials, weapons and ammunition; derived from fortify or defend. Ordnance is marked blue (mock, dummy) for training, and white (live) for "war shot". Emptied munitions' cases were often recycled or reused, as in FORTIFICATION, BUNKER, REVETMENT, or SANDBAG. See AMMO, LINK AMMO, TRACER, COFRAM, DUMDUM, HOT SHOT, CARTRIDGE, SHELL, CALIBER, BEEHIVE, CANISTER, HE, HEAT, APHE, API, SABOT, WP, BOOBY-TRAP, IED, GRENADE, FRAG, BLOOPER, RIFLE GRENADE, POP SMOKE, FUZE, FUSE, C-4, IRON BOMB, BUTTERFLY BOMB, FAE, CBU, GBU, LGB, JDAM, SNAKE, SNAKES 'n' NAPES, NAPALM, BIG STUFF, HEAVY STUFF, STABALLOY, DU, STAND-OFF, FLAK, AIRBURST, DAISY CUTTER, COOK-OFF, WARHEAD, BRING SMOKE, LOCK 'n' LOAD, SILENCER, MAG, DRUM, BANDOLEER, MUSETTE, RACK, SUMP, DUMP, TOMB, CACHE, HEAVY DROP, DROPMASTER, LOADMASTER, SHORT-SHOT, COLLATERAL DAMAGE, EOD, UXO, DUD, ELDEST SON, CONTRABAND.

MURPHY's LAW :

any concise aphorism or succinct maxim, often representing some universal experience by an anonymous composer; often subdivided into variations (eg: Sarge's Corollary to MURPHY's LAW, or Doc's Contamination Theorem of MURPHY's LAW). Ostensibly derived from a fictitious bungling mechanic in the USN educational cartoons of 1950s; but actually originating with USAF Captain Edward Murphy Jr, who discovered that the deceleration gauges on Major John P. Stapp's rocket-sled test in December 1954 at Edwards AFB were installed wrong, and he proclaimed the first law: "if something can go wrong, it will". Over the next decade, MURPHY's Fundamental LAWs were created by scientists and engineers; but the VIETNAM WAR generated a new version: MURPHY's LAWs of Combat. Compare GREMLIN, BUG, PLAN B, SEAT OF THE PANTS, CATCH-22. [v: graffiti, samizdat ... political jokes were called "tiny revolutions" by George Orwell] [v: "Murphy" by Samuel Beckett (1938)]

MUSETTE / MUSETTE BAG :

a small bag or satchel with a shoulder strap, used for medical or military sundries; aka: haversack. Until the M-79 grenadier's vest was developed, this bag was primarily used for grenades and mines. Compare MED BAG, AWOL BAG, FLIGHT BAG, WAR BAG, DUFFEL BAG, BIVY. [nb: "rucksack" = back-sack; "knapsack" = bite/snap-up/eat, food sack; "kit-bag" = soldier's small bag/knapsack; "haversack" = single strap over one shoulder / musette] [cf: bundle, bindle/bindlea, swag, bluey, dilly bag, tucker-bag, bag, pouch, tote, sack, pack, grip, gripsack, overnighter, weekender, carpetbag, suitcase, portmanteau, Gladstone bag, traveling case, garment bag, Val-Pack, luggage; v: "scrip" wayfarer's bag or wallet; "viaticum" traveler's money and necessities]

MUSHROOM :

KITD-FOHS

NICKNAME for a pawn, tool, CAT'S-PAW, foil, stooge, or other clandestine operative, who was subject to NEED TO KNOW cutouts, being "kept in the dark and fed on horse shit" (KITD-FOHS), or "Watch 'em grow like MUSHROOMs when kept in the dark and fed a lot of shit!"; such is known as a "toadstool" in the Navy; see RUMOR, BRAVO SIERRA, SPOOK. [nb: mushroom is the general class of fleshy fungi, among which the toadstool is poisonous] Also, slang for a parabolic or round-top PARACHUTE. Also, slang for a civilian victim of COLLATERAL DAMAGE, so called for their tendency to suddenly pop-up in TARGET areas thought to be vacant or clear of noncombatants. [cf: "kindermorde" (slaughter of the innocent); nb: it is an irony of war that more civilians die during combat than do soldiers, sailors, and airmen; not just COLLATERAL DAMAGE from inadvertent propinquity, but due to starvation, disease, exposure and other mortal adversities]

MUSIC :

slang for RADAR jamming, BUG masking, or other ECM techniques, as "loud MUSIC" or "heavy MUSIC"; see NOISE, FANFARE, CHAFF. Also, organized sound having the forms of rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics; see BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS, TOOTER, BUGLE CALL, TATTOO, SALUTE, RUFFLES 'n' FLOURISHES, REVEILLE, RETREAT, TAPS, NO-DOZE, FACE THE MUSIC.

MUST :

Medical Unit Self-contained Transportable; see HOSPITAL.

MUSTANG :

originally any Naval Petty Officer advanced to commissioned officer RANK, as "promoted up through the hatch", but universally adopted for any commissioned officer having prior enlisted service, having been promoted by any means; see MAVERICK, UP THE HAWSEPIPE, BLUE BLOOD, OFFICER'S COUNTRY. Also, the P-51 fighter-bomber that succeeded the THUNDERBOLT, and was later designated F-51 / F-6; compare TWIN MUSTANG, see BIRD.

MUSTER :

to summon, gather, collect, or assemble a military unit for inspection or duty; see FALL-IN / FALL-OUT, CALL TO THE COLORS, RA, VOLUNTEER, TOTAL FORCE. Derived from show, display, demonstrate; related to "MUSTER roll" for roster, to "MUSTER out" for DISCHARGE, and to "pass MUSTER" for approval (used in the same sense of being found worthy as "cut the mustard"). [cf: warison; v: clarion call]

MUTINEER :

a soldier or sailor who rebels against duly constituted authority; that is, someone who commits "mutiny". See RIOT ACT, CALL ON THE CARPET, PETITION, DRUMHEAD. [v: sedition]

MUX :

MUltipleXor, also spelled "multiplexer"; being a transmitter, or system of transmission, that simultaneously sends two or more signals or messages over a single channel or circuit. Also, a stereoscopic device used in mapping that makes it possible to view pairs of aerial photographs in three dimensions.

MUZZLE :

the discharge end, or mouth, of a firearm, PISTOL, RIFLE, cannon, or gun; derived from snout. Many soldiers formed the habit of covering the MUZZLE of their RIFLES with a cap of 100 MPH TAPE, later replaced by a condom after the open-prong FLASH SUPPRESSOR was modified, which helped to keep the RIFLE barrel clean and dry; and this "muzzle capping" unwittingly imitated the practice of soldiers in previous centuries who plugged (tampion) their gun barrels when not in use. See BORESIGHT, SUPPRESSOR, MG, SMG, MAIN-GUN, SILENCER. [nb: when condoms were requisitioned during WWII, the reason given was for muzzle capping of SMALL ARMS rather than prophylaxis]

MilTerms
index

S-1:
ADMIN

S-2:
INTEL

S-3:
OPNS

S-4:
QM

S-5:
CA

S-6:
COMMO

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