Marine Corps Knowledge Practice

What does the "M" in MOOSEMUSS stand for in the Principles of War?

1. Mass

2. Mobility

3. Maneuver

4. Morale

The correct answer is: Mass

The "M" in MOOSEMUSS stands for Mass. In the context of the Principles of War, Mass refers to the concentration of combat power at the decisive point and time to achieve a decisive outcome. This principle emphasizes the importance of bringing significant force to bear against an enemy in a specific location to overwhelm them. Massing forces increases the likelihood of success by allowing for a more potent strike against the enemy, thus enhancing the operational effectiveness of military actions. In military strategy, effectively applying mass can involve not only the number of troops but also the aggregation of resources such as artillery, air support, and logistics, all coordinated to exploit a specific weakness in the enemy's defenses. This highlights why Mass is deemed fundamental in achieving victory in combat operations.