Crossword Genius

How military make advance and ruin church (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

march

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

'how military make advance' is the definition.
'march' can be an answer for 'advance' (march is a kind of advance). I am not sure about the 'how military make' bit.

'ruin church' is the wordplay.
'ruin' becomes 'mar' (I've seen this in another clue).
'church' becomes 'ch' (common abbreviation).
'mar'+'ch'='MARCH'

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for march that I've seen before include "Walk smartly" , "Parade" , "Month - proceed" , "Moving demonstration" , "Month, piece of music" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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