text: Military Terms
  line of departure — 1. In land warfare, a line designated to coordinate the departure of attack elements. (JP 3-
  31)Also called LD.
  line of effort — (DOD) In the context of planning, using the purpose (cause and effect) to focus efforts toward
  establishing operational and strategic conditions by linking multiple tasks and missions. (JP 5-0) Also called
  LOE. (Army) A line that links multiple tasks using the logic of purpose rather than geographical reference to
  focus efforts toward establishing a desired end state. (ADP 3-0)
  line of fire — 1. As it relates to the principle of the reciprocal laying of field artillery weapons, any line parallel to
  the azimuth of fire. 2. The direction of the line established by the tube or any line parallel to that line in the
  firing battery. (ATP 3-09.50)
  line of operation(s) — (DOD) A line that defines the interior or exterior orientation of the force in relation to the
  enemy or that connects actions on nodes and/or decisive points related in time and space to an objective(s).
  (JP 5-0) Also called LOO. (Army) A line that defines the directional orientation of a force in time and space in
  relation to the enemy and links the force with its base of operations and objectives. (ADP 3-0)
  line of sight — (Army) The unobstructed path from a Soldier’s weapon, weapon sight, electronic sending and
  receiving antennas, or piece of reconnaissance equipment from one point to another. (ATP 2-01.3)
  lines of patient drift — Natural routes along which wounded Soldiers may be expected to go back for medical
  care from a combat position. (ATP 4-02.2)
  link — (DOD) 1. A behavioral, physical, or functional relationship between nodes. 2. In communications, a
  general term used to indicate the existence of communications facilities between two points. 3. A maritime
  route, other than a coastal or transit route, which links any two or more routes. (JP 3-0)
  linkup — A type of enabling operation that involves the meeting of friendly ground forces, which occurs in a
  variety of circumstances. (FM 3-90)
  linkup point — A designated place where two forces are scheduled to meet. (FM 3-90)
  local haul — An operation in which vehicles can make two or more round trips per day based on distance and
  transit time. (ATP 4-11)
  local security — The low-level security activities conducted near a unit to prevent surprise by the enemy. (ADP
  3-90)
  locate — (DOD) In personnel recovery, the task where actions are taken to precisely find and authenticate the
  identity of isolated personnel. (JP 3-50)
  lodgment — (DOD) A designated area in a hostile or potentially hostile operational area that, when seized and
  held, makes the continuous landing of troops and materiel possible and provides maneuver space for
  subsequent operations. (JP 3-18)
  logistics — (DOD) Planning and executing the movement and support of forces. (JP 4-0) (Army) Planning and
  executing the movement and support of forces. It includes those aspects of military operations that deal with:
  design and development, acquisition, storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, evacuation and
  disposition of materiel, acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities, and
  acquisition or furnishing of services. (ADP 4-0)
  logistics over-the-shore operations — (DOD) The loading and unloading of ships without the benefit of deep
  draft-capable, fixed port facilities; or as a means of moving forces closer to tactical assembly areas dependent
  on threat force capabilities. (JP 4-01.6) Also called LOTS operations.
  logistics package — A grouping of multiple classes of supply and supply vehicles under the control of a single
  convoy commander. (FM 3-90) Also called LOGPAC. See also classes of supply.
  low visibility operations — (DOD) Sensitive operations wherein the diplomatic-military restrictions inherent in
  covert and clandestine operations are either not necessary or not feasible; actions are taken as required to
  limit exposure of those involved and/or their activities and with the knowledge that the action and/or
  sponsorship of the operation may preclude plausible denial by the initiating power. (JP 3-05)
  —M—
  main battle area — The area where the commander intends to deploy the bulk of the unit to defeat an attacking
  enemy. (FM 3-90) Also called MBA.
  main body — The principal part of a tactical command or formation. It does not include detached elements of
  the command, such as advance guards, flank guards, and covering forces. (ADP 3-90)
  main command post — A portion of a unit headquarters containing the majority of the staff designed to
  command and control current operations, conduct detailed analysis, and plan future operations. (FM 6-0)
  main effort — A designated subordinate unit whose mission at a given point in time is most critical to overall
  mission success. (ADP 3-0)