Military Definitions - M

A to Z Blogging Challenge.  My topic is MILITARY DEFINITIONS.

M – Mike
morse code – dash dash

Meat Identifier – a dish or sauce that identifies the type of meat being served. For example, cranberry sauce indicates turkey, applesauce indicates pork chops.

Marine Corps – a branch of the US Navy, the Marine Corps was founded as an infantry unit aboard naval vessels and responsible for the security of the ship and its crew.  Capable of rapid deployment. The Marine Corps is often assigned to non-combat missions such as the evacuation of Americans from unstable countries and providing humanitarian relief during natural disasters. In larger conflicts, Marines get into and hold an area until larger units can be mobilized. The Marines' Hymn dates back to the 19th century and is the oldest official song in the US armed forces. The Marine motto Semper Fidelis means “always faithful” in Latin, often appearing as Semper Fi; also the name of the official march of the Corps.

Medic – military personnel who have been trained to at least an EMT-Basic level (16 week course in the US Army), and are responsible for providing first aid and frontline trauma care on the battlefield, and continuing medical care in the absence of a readily available physician, including care for disease and battle injuries.

MEPS – acronym for Military Entrance Processing Station.  There are 65 MEPS facilities throughout the US.  My son enlisted in the Navy thru the MEPS facility in San Diego CA.  He had to go three times to complete all of the requirements.

Merchant Marine - Fleets of US civilian and federally owned merchant vessels, managed by either the government or the private sector.  In times of peace, the USMM engages in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States.  In times of war, the USMM can be an auxiliary to the Navy, and can be called upon to deliver military personnel and materiel for the military.  The USMM Academy is one of the five military academies in the US.

MIA – acronym for missing in action.  A casualty classification assigned to armed services personnel and other combatants who are reported missing during wartime. They may have been killed, wounded, become a prisoner of war, or deserted.  If deceased, neither their remains nor grave has been positively identified.

Midnight requisition - to steal or scrounge supplies from another unit without their approval or knowledge, usually after business hours/dark.

Midshipman - an officer cadet or a commissioned officer candidate of the junior-most rank, in the US Navy.

Military - also called the armed forces. Forces authorized to use deadly force, and weapons, to support the interests of the state and some or all of its citizens. The task of the military is usually defined as defense of the state and its citizens, and the prosecution of war against another state.

Munition - military weapons, ammunition, equipment, and stores.