Crossword Genius

Military Engineering Services special dining facility (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mess

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'dining facility' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'military engineering services special' is the wordplay.
'military engineering services' becomes 'mes' (this might be a standard abbreviation of which I'm unaware).
'special' becomes 's' (common abbreviation as in Special Air Service).
'mes'+'s'='MESS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mess that I've seen before include "pickle" , "Meal" , "Disagreeable mixture" , "dog's dinner" , "Disorderly state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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