I guess the OP is really - how do they assign the names of the operations such as Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, etc.?
These catchy, strong names sound like they are formulated to appeal to the public, but there must be more to it than that, right? (granted it must be reasonable, like the Gulf War wouldn’t have “Mountain” in the title for obvious reasons…)(having said that, someone is bound to post a response listing all the important mountains in the Gulf region, blah blah blah)(and my response to them would be, “you’re not from around here, don’t you?”)(But I digress…).
Any guesses as to what this next one will be called? Operation Extermination?
The operation will have two phases. Phase one will be called “Operation: Human Shield.” Phase two is “Operation: Get Behind the Darkies.” (Don’t blame me; I heard it in a movie …)
The military usually has nothing to do with names like “Operation: Just Cause” or “Operation: Desert Storm.” That’s public relations – usually those names are proposed by the President for their sound-bite value.
AFAIK, real military operation names are generated at random for security purposes – it will probably be something like “Operation: Monkey Actual” or “Operation: Local Blender.” They will fall under the aegis of whatever Dubya decides to call this.
Back in the days of Desert Storm, I recall reporters discussing this issue. Apparently, the mission designations are determined randomly from a pre-selected list of names, probably by computer. Unfortunately, I’m having difficulty locating cites to back this up, but perhaps that information will help in your search.
it’s operation noble eagle. I think they have some failed madison avenue types who come up with the names. Remember “operation manhood”–the rescue of the mayaguez crew during Ford’s administration? I’ve taken to naming all of my operations things like “operation cocky philistine”–my day at the art museum, and “operation spastic colon”–the afternoon I toyed with the notion of driving up to New York to volunteer to help. Why should the defense department have all the fun?
BTW, don’t go to New York to volunteer to help–they don’t want any more amateurs and they have plenty of professionals. Don’t send food, either. Just send blood, money, and prayers.
I believe Noble Eagle refers to the defense of airports and such. Overseas military operations will have other names. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find mention of Noble Eagle anywhere on the web to give a cite.
I recall during the Gulf War everyone was saying “When Desert Shield becomes Desert Sword.” Of course it wound up being called Desert Storm so I don’t know who even came up with Desert Sword.
(Don’t blame me; I heard it in a movie …)