M
M or m: Meter
M1 Garand: The U.S. Army's primary battle rifle of WWII and the Korean conflict. It is semi-automatic, chambered in .30-06, and uses a top-loading 8 round en bloc clip that ejects after the last round is fired. This rifle is commonly called the Garand. (After the name of its inventor.) Not to be confused with the U.S. M1 Carbine, another semi-auto of the same era, which shoots a far less powerful pistol-class cartridge.
M1A1 Abrahms: The United State’s current main battle tank, with a 120mm cannon.
M1 Carbine: The U.S. Army semi-auto carbine issued during WWII and the Korean conflict. Mainly issued to officers and second echelon troops such as artillerymen, for self-defense. Shoots .30 U.S. Carbine, an intermediate (pistol class) .30 caliber cartridge. More than six million were manufactured, and several hundred thousand were released as surplus by the DCM in the 1960s. See also: M2 Carbine.
M1A: The civilian (semi-auto only) version of the U.S. Army M14 7.62mm NATO rifle. See my FAQ on this subject.
M14: U.S. Army issue 7.62mm NATO selective fire battle rifle. These rifles are still issued is small numbers, primarily to US Army designated marksmen and as US Navy deck rifles. The civilian semi-auto only equivalent is the M1A. See also: M21.
M16: U.S. Army issue 5.56mm NATO selective fire battle rifle. The current standard variant is the M16A2 that has improved sight and three shot burst control. The civilian semi-auto only equivalent is the AR-15.
M1911: The Model 1911 Colt semi-auto pistol (and clones thereof), usually chambered in .45 ACP. See my FAQ on this subject.
M2 Bradley: The U.S. Army's current tracked APC.
M2 Carbine: The selective fire variant of the U.S. M1 Carbine.
M21: The match grade sniper version of the U.S. Army M14 7.62mm NATO rifle
M203: The current U.S. Army issue 40mm grenade launcher. These single-shot launchers are mounted beneath the barrels of some M16 rifles and M4 carbines.
M240B: The current U.S. Army issue 7.62 mm NATO belt fed light machinegun.
M4: U.S. Army issue 5.56mm NATO selective fire carbine. (A shorter version of the M16 rifle, with a 14.5" barrel and collapsing stock.) Earlier issue M16 carbine variants had designations such as XM177E2 and CAR-15.)
M4gery: (Spoken "Em Forgery") Civilian (semi-auto only) version of the U.S. Army issue 5.56mm NATO carbine. (Typically with a 16" barrel instead of the military issue 14.5" barrel--to meet the U.S. 16" minimum rifle barrel length requirement--and a collapsing stock.)
M60: The semi-obsolete U.S. Army issue 7.62 mm NATO belt fed light machinegun. It utilized some design elements of the German MG-42 LMG.
M9: The U.S. Army issue version of the Beretta M92 semi-auto 9mm pistol.
M&A: Mergers and Acquisitions
MAC: Depending on context, Military Airlift Command or Military Armament Corporation. (The latter was the original manufacturer of the Ingram M-10 submachinegun--commonly called a "MAC-10", although that nomenclature was never used by the company.)
Mag: Depending on context, short for magazine, magnum, or magnesium.
Mag Dump: Expending an entire magazine of ammunition rapidly--in either semi - or full-automatic fire. Not a recommended tactic!
MAG-LITE: A popular American brand of sturdy flashlights with an aluminum casing.
maH: Mil-Amp Hours (Battery capacity rating.)
Mall Ninja: Someone that values style over substance. See also: Arm Chair Commando
MAM: Military Age Male
MAP: Minimum Advertised Price
MARC: Meal, Alternative Regionally Customized. An MRE-equivalent originally developed for WOT prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
MARPAT: MARine PATtern. The U.S.M.C's new "digital" pattern camouflage uniform, replacing the BDU.
MARS: Military Affiliate Radio System
MAST: Modernized Appropriate Sustainable Technology. Describes rebuilt, restored, updated, and modernized old technology from times past that frequently still closely resembles the original from the past but also incorporates modern knowledge, craftsmanship, technology, and/or materials to make it more functional and efficient -- technology that can still be repaired, rebuilt, and/or totally manufactured new by one or more of the various highly skilled and specialized cottage industries within your community or region This may include cottage industries and highly skilled craftsmen and technicians in nearby communities that are within your commuting distance. The MAST acronym was coined by Paul Olson.
MAT: Depending on context, Motion Activated Transmitter or Military Air Transport.
MBITR: Multi-Band Inter/Intra Team Radio (AN/PRC-148)
MBR: Main Battle Rifle
MBS: Mortgage Backed Security/Securities. See also: CMBS and RMBS
M-C-C-Ls: Murdering Commie Cannibal Looters (Coined by JWR)
MacGyver or MacGyvered: To improvise, using reading available household materials. (Term derived from the television series MacGyver.)
McMansion: The derogatory term used for a large, outwardly ostentatious house built on a small lot. See also: Contrapreneur and Flipping.
MCW/LRP: Meal, Cold Weather/Long Range Patrol (MCW/LRP)
M.D. or MD: In most contexts, Medical Doctor
MDR-TB: Moderately Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. See also: XDR-TB
ME: Muzzle Energy (Ballistics.)
MEDCAP: Medical Civic Action Programs .
Medevac: Medical Evacuation. (Typically via helicopter.)
Meds: Medications
MEK: Methyl ethyl ketone
MELIOS: Mini Eye-Safe Laser Infrared Observation Set (AN/PVS-6)
Meprolight: A maker of Tritium-lit sights and scopes
Meth: A contraction for methamphetamine.
METT-T: Mission,+Enemy,+Terrain,+Troops+Time Available
MEW: Mortgage Equity Withdrawal.
MFC: Military Fuel Container. The standard 20 liter plastic fuel can that replaced the traditional five gallon steel "Jerry" or "Blitz" can, for US military organizations. These new containers are commonly called "Scepter" cans, after the name of their main manufacturer.
mg: Milligram
MG: Depending on context, megagram or machinegun.
MGTEOTWAWKI: Multi-Generational The End of the World as we Know It. (A derivation of the TEOTWAWKI acronym coined by Mike Medintz) (Spoken “Tee-ought-walk-ee”).
MHSA: Mine Safety and Health Administration
MI or M.I.: In most contexts: Military Intelligence. In the context of Robert A. Heinlein's fictional writings: Mobile Infantry.
MIA: Missing In Action.
MICH: Modular/Integrated Communications Helmet
MIG Metal Inert Gas (welding.) Also called Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
MILES: Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System. Laser tag for grunts.
Military Crest: A position on a hill or mountain that is near the summit but low enough to avoid be seen "skylined" when standing.
Mil-Dot: A type of telescopic rifle sight scope reticle with precisely sized and positioned black dots spaced along the center of both the horizontal and vertical crosshairs. These dots allow accurate range estimation.
MIL-SPEC: Military specification. (A product made to the demanding standards of military organizations.)
Milsurp: Slang acronym for military surplus.
MIM: Metal Injection Molding
Mini-14: A 5.56mm NATO semi-auto carbine made by Ruger.
MIRV: Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle. See also: RV.
misc.survivalism: The Usenet newsgroup dedicated to survivalist topics (It has now sadly degenerated into endless flame wars.)
MIT: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
ML: Milliliters
MLM: Multi-Level Marketing
MLR: Main Line of Resistance
MLS: Multiple Listing Service (Real estate.)
MMG: Medium Machinegun.(Such as the M240.)
mmHg: Millimeters of Mercury (Measure of barometric pressure.)
MOA: Minute of Angle (1.047" at 100 yards
-a measurement of rifle accuracy)
MOAB: Mother of All Bailouts (Acronym coined by JWR in March, 2008.)
MOBEX: Mobilization Exercise.
Mods: Modifications
MOLLE: Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment
Molon Labe: Greek for "Come and Take [It]" --the rallying cry of the modern Second Amendment Movement. Also the title of a novel by Boston T. Party.
Money Pit: The Memsahib's beloved saddle horse.
Monoculture: A local or regional agricultural economy that is dependent on a single crop. (Such as corn in some parts of the Midwest.)
MOPP: Mission Oriented Protective Posture
MOS: Depending on context, Military Occupational Specialty or Metal Oxide Semiconductor (microcircuits).
Mouse Gun: Derisive term for a rifle chambered in 5.56mm NATO/.223 Remington. (JWR prefers .308 Winchesters.) See my FAQ on this subject.
MOUT: Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain
MPG or m.p.g.: Miles per gallon.
MPH or m.p.h.: Miles per hour.
MPS or Mps: Meters Per Second. See also: FPS.
MRE: Meal, Ready to Eat (U.S. Army field rations) a.k.a.: "Meals Rejected by Ethiopians", "Meals Rarely Eaten" and “Three lies for the price of one”—viz., “It isn’t a meal, it’s not ready, and you can’t eat it.”) See also: CM.
MREA: Midwest Renewable Energy Association
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MROD: Manual Reverse Osmosis Desalinator
MRSA: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
MS: Mint State (Coin Grade.) See also: AU.
MSA: Depending on context Mine Safety Administration or Metropolitan Statistical Area
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet(s). Used in US industry to identify toxic or otherwise dangerous materials.
MSG: Monosodium Glutamate
MSSA: Military Style Semiautomatic. The term used in New Zealand to designate paramilitary-looking rifles or shotguns.
MSM: Mainstream Media
MSR: Main Supply Route
MSRA: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (bacteria)
MSRP: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
MST: Mountain Standard Time.
MT or Mt: Megaton. Most commonly used in describing the yield of nuclear weapons.
MTBE: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether. A toxic chemical used to oxygenate gasoline. MTBE now contaminates the groundwater in most of California.
MTBF: Mean Time Between Failures. See also: UMTBF.
MTOE: Modified Table of Organization & Equipment
MTTR: Mean Time to Repair
MTV: Medium Tactical Vehicle (Steyr 5 Ton 6x6)
MURS: Multi Use Radio Service. This a VHF 2-way radio service that does not require a license. See also: FRS and GMRS.
MV: Muzzle Velocity (Ballistics.)
MVPA: Military Vehicle Preservation Association
MWP: Medieval Warm Period
MWR: Morale, Welfare and Recreation
MZB: Mutant Zombie Biker
M or m: Meter
M1 Garand: The U.S. Army's primary battle rifle of WWII and the Korean conflict. It is semi-automatic, chambered in .30-06, and uses a top-loading 8 round en bloc clip that ejects after the last round is fired. This rifle is commonly called the Garand. (After the name of its inventor.) Not to be confused with the U.S. M1 Carbine, another semi-auto of the same era, which shoots a far less powerful pistol-class cartridge.
M1A1 Abrahms: The United State’s current main battle tank, with a 120mm cannon.
M1 Carbine: The U.S. Army semi-auto carbine issued during WWII and the Korean conflict. Mainly issued to officers and second echelon troops such as artillerymen, for self-defense. Shoots .30 U.S. Carbine, an intermediate (pistol class) .30 caliber cartridge. More than six million were manufactured, and several hundred thousand were released as surplus by the DCM in the 1960s. See also: M2 Carbine.
M1A: The civilian (semi-auto only) version of the U.S. Army M14 7.62mm NATO rifle. See my FAQ on this subject.
M14: U.S. Army issue 7.62mm NATO selective fire battle rifle. These rifles are still issued is small numbers, primarily to US Army designated marksmen and as US Navy deck rifles. The civilian semi-auto only equivalent is the M1A. See also: M21.
M16: U.S. Army issue 5.56mm NATO selective fire battle rifle. The current standard variant is the M16A2 that has improved sight and three shot burst control. The civilian semi-auto only equivalent is the AR-15.
M1911: The Model 1911 Colt semi-auto pistol (and clones thereof), usually chambered in .45 ACP. See my FAQ on this subject.
M2 Bradley: The U.S. Army's current tracked APC.
M2 Carbine: The selective fire variant of the U.S. M1 Carbine.
M21: The match grade sniper version of the U.S. Army M14 7.62mm NATO rifle
M203: The current U.S. Army issue 40mm grenade launcher. These single-shot launchers are mounted beneath the barrels of some M16 rifles and M4 carbines.
M240B: The current U.S. Army issue 7.62 mm NATO belt fed light machinegun.
M4: U.S. Army issue 5.56mm NATO selective fire carbine. (A shorter version of the M16 rifle, with a 14.5" barrel and collapsing stock.) Earlier issue M16 carbine variants had designations such as XM177E2 and CAR-15.)
M4gery: (Spoken "Em Forgery") Civilian (semi-auto only) version of the U.S. Army issue 5.56mm NATO carbine. (Typically with a 16" barrel instead of the military issue 14.5" barrel--to meet the U.S. 16" minimum rifle barrel length requirement--and a collapsing stock.)
M60: The semi-obsolete U.S. Army issue 7.62 mm NATO belt fed light machinegun. It utilized some design elements of the German MG-42 LMG.
M9: The U.S. Army issue version of the Beretta M92 semi-auto 9mm pistol.
M&A: Mergers and Acquisitions
MAC: Depending on context, Military Airlift Command or Military Armament Corporation. (The latter was the original manufacturer of the Ingram M-10 submachinegun--commonly called a "MAC-10", although that nomenclature was never used by the company.)
Mag: Depending on context, short for magazine, magnum, or magnesium.
Mag Dump: Expending an entire magazine of ammunition rapidly--in either semi - or full-automatic fire. Not a recommended tactic!
MAG-LITE: A popular American brand of sturdy flashlights with an aluminum casing.
maH: Mil-Amp Hours (Battery capacity rating.)
Mall Ninja: Someone that values style over substance. See also: Arm Chair Commando
MAM: Military Age Male
MAP: Minimum Advertised Price
MARC: Meal, Alternative Regionally Customized. An MRE-equivalent originally developed for WOT prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
MARPAT: MARine PATtern. The U.S.M.C's new "digital" pattern camouflage uniform, replacing the BDU.
MARS: Military Affiliate Radio System
MAST: Modernized Appropriate Sustainable Technology. Describes rebuilt, restored, updated, and modernized old technology from times past that frequently still closely resembles the original from the past but also incorporates modern knowledge, craftsmanship, technology, and/or materials to make it more functional and efficient -- technology that can still be repaired, rebuilt, and/or totally manufactured new by one or more of the various highly skilled and specialized cottage industries within your community or region This may include cottage industries and highly skilled craftsmen and technicians in nearby communities that are within your commuting distance. The MAST acronym was coined by Paul Olson.
MAT: Depending on context, Motion Activated Transmitter or Military Air Transport.
MBITR: Multi-Band Inter/Intra Team Radio (AN/PRC-148)
MBR: Main Battle Rifle
MBS: Mortgage Backed Security/Securities. See also: CMBS and RMBS
M-C-C-Ls: Murdering Commie Cannibal Looters (Coined by JWR)
MacGyver or MacGyvered: To improvise, using reading available household materials. (Term derived from the television series MacGyver.)
McMansion: The derogatory term used for a large, outwardly ostentatious house built on a small lot. See also: Contrapreneur and Flipping.
MCW/LRP: Meal, Cold Weather/Long Range Patrol (MCW/LRP)
M.D. or MD: In most contexts, Medical Doctor
MDR-TB: Moderately Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. See also: XDR-TB
ME: Muzzle Energy (Ballistics.)
MEDCAP: Medical Civic Action Programs .
Medevac: Medical Evacuation. (Typically via helicopter.)
Meds: Medications
MEK: Methyl ethyl ketone
MELIOS: Mini Eye-Safe Laser Infrared Observation Set (AN/PVS-6)
Meprolight: A maker of Tritium-lit sights and scopes
Meth: A contraction for methamphetamine.
METT-T: Mission,+Enemy,+Terrain,+Troops+Time Available
MEW: Mortgage Equity Withdrawal.
MFC: Military Fuel Container. The standard 20 liter plastic fuel can that replaced the traditional five gallon steel "Jerry" or "Blitz" can, for US military organizations. These new containers are commonly called "Scepter" cans, after the name of their main manufacturer.
mg: Milligram
MG: Depending on context, megagram or machinegun.
MGTEOTWAWKI: Multi-Generational The End of the World as we Know It. (A derivation of the TEOTWAWKI acronym coined by Mike Medintz) (Spoken “Tee-ought-walk-ee”).
MHSA: Mine Safety and Health Administration
MI or M.I.: In most contexts: Military Intelligence. In the context of Robert A. Heinlein's fictional writings: Mobile Infantry.
MIA: Missing In Action.
MICH: Modular/Integrated Communications Helmet
MIG Metal Inert Gas (welding.) Also called Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
MILES: Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System. Laser tag for grunts.
Military Crest: A position on a hill or mountain that is near the summit but low enough to avoid be seen "skylined" when standing.
Mil-Dot: A type of telescopic rifle sight scope reticle with precisely sized and positioned black dots spaced along the center of both the horizontal and vertical crosshairs. These dots allow accurate range estimation.
MIL-SPEC: Military specification. (A product made to the demanding standards of military organizations.)
Milsurp: Slang acronym for military surplus.
MIM: Metal Injection Molding
Mini-14: A 5.56mm NATO semi-auto carbine made by Ruger.
MIRV: Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle. See also: RV.
misc.survivalism: The Usenet newsgroup dedicated to survivalist topics (It has now sadly degenerated into endless flame wars.)
MIT: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
ML: Milliliters
MLM: Multi-Level Marketing
MLR: Main Line of Resistance
MLS: Multiple Listing Service (Real estate.)
MMG: Medium Machinegun.(Such as the M240.)
mmHg: Millimeters of Mercury (Measure of barometric pressure.)
MOA: Minute of Angle (1.047" at 100 yards
-.gif)
MOAB: Mother of All Bailouts (Acronym coined by JWR in March, 2008.)
MOBEX: Mobilization Exercise.
Mods: Modifications
MOLLE: Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment
Molon Labe: Greek for "Come and Take [It]" --the rallying cry of the modern Second Amendment Movement. Also the title of a novel by Boston T. Party.
Money Pit: The Memsahib's beloved saddle horse.
Monoculture: A local or regional agricultural economy that is dependent on a single crop. (Such as corn in some parts of the Midwest.)
MOPP: Mission Oriented Protective Posture
MOS: Depending on context, Military Occupational Specialty or Metal Oxide Semiconductor (microcircuits).
Mouse Gun: Derisive term for a rifle chambered in 5.56mm NATO/.223 Remington. (JWR prefers .308 Winchesters.) See my FAQ on this subject.
MOUT: Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain
MPG or m.p.g.: Miles per gallon.
MPH or m.p.h.: Miles per hour.
MPS or Mps: Meters Per Second. See also: FPS.
MRE: Meal, Ready to Eat (U.S. Army field rations) a.k.a.: "Meals Rejected by Ethiopians", "Meals Rarely Eaten" and “Three lies for the price of one”—viz., “It isn’t a meal, it’s not ready, and you can’t eat it.”) See also: CM.
MREA: Midwest Renewable Energy Association
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MROD: Manual Reverse Osmosis Desalinator
MRSA: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
MS: Mint State (Coin Grade.) See also: AU.
MSA: Depending on context Mine Safety Administration or Metropolitan Statistical Area
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet(s). Used in US industry to identify toxic or otherwise dangerous materials.
MSG: Monosodium Glutamate
MSSA: Military Style Semiautomatic. The term used in New Zealand to designate paramilitary-looking rifles or shotguns.
MSM: Mainstream Media
MSR: Main Supply Route
MSRA: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (bacteria)
MSRP: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
MST: Mountain Standard Time.
MT or Mt: Megaton. Most commonly used in describing the yield of nuclear weapons.
MTBE: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether. A toxic chemical used to oxygenate gasoline. MTBE now contaminates the groundwater in most of California.
MTBF: Mean Time Between Failures. See also: UMTBF.
MTOE: Modified Table of Organization & Equipment
MTTR: Mean Time to Repair
MTV: Medium Tactical Vehicle (Steyr 5 Ton 6x6)
MURS: Multi Use Radio Service. This a VHF 2-way radio service that does not require a license. See also: FRS and GMRS.
MV: Muzzle Velocity (Ballistics.)
MVPA: Military Vehicle Preservation Association
MWP: Medieval Warm Period
MWR: Morale, Welfare and Recreation
MZB: Mutant Zombie Biker
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