Military-age male (abbreviated as "MAM," plural "MAMs") is a term used to refer to men at ages where they are generally capable of military service. Typically used to describe males in the age range of 16-45, sometimes including men up to 60 years old.
History Usage in genocide A concerted effort was made by the Bosnian Serb Army of Republika Srpska to capture and execute all Bosniak men of military age in the Srebrenica massacre.
American usage American usage of the term began during the Vietnam War, when the American public and American military-industrial complex used the term to better redefine whom was a threat towards military action and response."
Usage in post-9/11 wars This term was commonly used in the Bush-era wars around the world and later in Obama- and Trump-era drone programs.
Usage in immigration rhetoric The term has also been used by the Republican Party against migrants crossing the Mexico–United States border.
Impact The usage of the term has been criticized as a propaganda effort intended to avert public criticism from the US Department of Defense, and for obfuscating and preventing proper oversight of US defense and foreign policies.
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