What will the military name the upcoming "Operation"?

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?

“Waking Giant”

The operation will have two phases. Phase one will be called “Operation: Human Shield.” Phase two is “Operation: Get Behind the Darkies.” :wink: (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.

You’re not required to repeat every indelicate joke you hear in a movie. Please be more circumspect in the future.

bibliophage
moderator GQ

I got quite a kick from “Operation: Local Blender”.

I like the name the Israelis gave to their response the '72 Olympic terrorists:

“the Wrath of God”

“Operation Koko B. Ware Says You’d Better Be-Ware”

MPSIMS is a better place for suggestions. What we can do here is answer the the question of how the names are chosen in practice.

bibliophage
moderator GQ

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.

Apologies, Biblio and others. I figured the South Park movie was safe ground.

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.

“Operation Risk”

Based on the board game of the same name.

Or “Operation Microsoft Flight Simulator”

Based on the fact that you can use that game to fly a plane into WTC! Believe it or not, they showed that on tv.

From NPR’s All Things Considered, August 23: Naming Military Operations (RealAudio file)

They could not pin down a specific person that makes the final decision on a name.

The name has been announced as “Operation Noble Eagle.”

Considering some of the ideas that have been circulating, including this

http://members-http-5.rwc1.sfba.home.net/biffsparky/WTC/

I think it’s oddly appropriate.

We will, after all, show the terrorists the bird.

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.

You’re right, dqa. From CNN

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.

According to this site, Desert Sword was the ground operation. It was subsequently renamed Desert Sabre. I believe Desert Storm was the air war.

Robin

I would not even begin to use the word “amateur” to describe those people who have come from all over to help in the rescue effort.

They gave a list of items they needed tonight, but I personally don’t have a lot of welting supplies laying around.

Operation Long Haul