# Why don't military operations have cryptic names any more? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 24, 2006, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025 "2006-05-24T13:43:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/1 "2006-05-24T13:43:07Z")
“Operation Desert Shield” . . . “Operation Desert Storm” . . . “Operation Enduring Freedom” . . . I recall Bush I called the Panama invasion “Operation Just Cause” . . . Time was, the name for a military operation was just the **opposite** of a marketing label. It was something random, so the enemy who intercepted a communication mentioning it wouldn’t automatically know what it was all about. D-Day was “Operation Overlord.” When my Dad was in Air Force intelligence he once worked on something called “Operation Tea Ball” (I still have no idea what that was). When/why did that change? Or does the military still use mysterious names for operations, but the publicly announced operations fall into a different category (one at which even generals might roll their eyes)? ---
**Author:** ![Phatlewt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a698b9/32.png) [@Phatlewt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phatlewt)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/2 "2006-05-24T13:50:58Z")
My first thought is that military operations these days are politcal operations. They are supposed to resonate with voters. People want to know why their tax dollars and fellow citizens lives are being spent on amilitary operation. The (elected) head of the military puts the supposed justification right in the name. Smaller operations still have military sounding names. Operation Phantom Fury (Fallujah 2004, after the more public Operation Vigilant Resolve) comes to mind. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/3 "2006-05-24T14:10:50Z")
Well, and for some other examples of military operations with cryptic names from Iraq, you have Operations: “Planet X” “Peninsula Strike” “Desert Scorpion” “Sidewinder” “Soda Mountain” “Iron Bullet” “Tyr” “Ivy Lightning” “Longstreet” “Tiger Clean Sweep” “Cajun Mousetrap” If you want a full list of Iraq operation names, along with a description of each operation, check here: [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq\_ongoing\_mil\_ops.htm](http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_ongoing_mil_ops.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Beware\_of\_Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/4 "2006-05-24T14:33:34Z")
The name that sums them all up is _Doonesbury_’s “Operation Frequent Manhood.” ---
**Author:** ![MMI](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/53a042/32.png) [@MMI](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MMI)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/5 "2006-05-24T16:34:53Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > “Operation Desert Shield” . . . “Operation Desert Storm” . . . “Operation Enduring Freedom” . . . I recall Bush I called the Panama invasion “Operation Just Cause” . . . > > Time was, the name for a military operation was just the **opposite** of a marketing label. It was something random, so the enemy who intercepted a communication mentioning it wouldn’t automatically know what it was all about. D-Day was “Operation Overlord.” When my Dad was in Air Force intelligence he once worked on something called “Operation Tea Ball” (I still have no idea what that was). When/why did that change? Or does the military still use mysterious names for operations, but the publicly announced operations fall into a different category (one at which even generals might roll their eyes)? The modern operations being described are more or less open (after all, we know about them). Who knows what the aforementioned were called prior to implementation, before they were ready for public consumption. The meaningful subportions of the above mentioned operations may have had the sort of mystery names you are looking for (Cobra II?). The for public consumption versions might as well have a propoganda name. Programs that are intended to remain under wraps still get obsure names, though, like ‘Tacit rainbow’ or ‘have blue’ for the stealth fighter development (iirc). And it should be noted that the 1943 (or was it '42?) version of Overlord, intended to rapidly establish a presence in western Europe and mop-up German units in the event of a German collapse had the mystical name “operation roundup” IIRC **Paul in Saudi** is the operation name expert. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/6 "2006-05-24T17:16:38Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > When my Dad was in Air Force intelligence he once worked on something called “Operation Tea Ball” (I still have no idea what that was). [Linebacker II: The Decisive Use of Air Power?](http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/aureview/1987/werrell.html) > [@](#): > > The Americans also introduced new equipment to give them a further edge over the North Vietnamese MiGs. A device that permitted US aircraft to identify North Vietnamese IFF (Combat Tree) was very helpful. In addition, a powerful radar and control system (Tea Ball) gave American airmen warning of the MiGs.\* > > \*These measures helped reverse the less-than-sensational Air Force exchange rate from 18 Air Force aircraft lost to 24 MiGs downed between February and July 1972 to 5:19 from August to 15 October. Karl Eschmann, “The Role of Tactical Air Support; Linebacker II,” Air Command and Staff College thesis, 1985, 28, 30 [AUL M431 122 E741r]. Under [General William L. Kirk](http://www.au.af.mil/au/goe/eaglebios/96bios/kirk96.htm). ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/7 "2006-05-24T18:05:44Z")
Obscure code names are meant to hide ones intentions from an enemy who is dangerous to you. America these days doesn’t go after dangerous enemies; we go after helpless victims. It doesn’t matter if they know what we intend, because they can’t seriously fight back. If they could, we wouldn’t attack them. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/8 "2006-05-24T18:11:46Z")
> [@Der Trihs](#): > > Obscure code names are meant to hide ones intentions from an enemy who is dangerous to you. America these days doesn’t go after dangerous enemies; we go after helpless victims. It doesn’t matter if they know what we intend, because they can’t seriously fight back. If they could, we wouldn’t attack them. Just curious, to prove our real manhood, should we go after China? Your point was valid until the last two lines. That was just insulting. Jim ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/9 "2006-05-24T18:27:02Z")
> [@What Exit?](#): > > Just curious, to prove our real manhood, should we go after China? We shouldn’t do anything to prove our manhood; that’s a stupid reason to do anything. > [@What Exit?](#): > > Your point was valid until the last two lines. That was just insulting. > > Jim No, accurate. Why do you think we chose Iraq as an invasion target over Iran, and still haven’t invaded them ? Why did we attack Iraq and not North Korea, despite calling them both part of the “Axis of Evil” ? Because they can fight back, and America is a nation of bullies and cowards and predators. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/10 "2006-05-24T18:29:15Z")
> [@Der Trihs](#): > > Because they can fight back, and America is a nation of bullies and cowards and predators. You go to far. That characterization fairly applies only to our current civilian leadership. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/11 "2006-05-24T18:34:29Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > You go to far. That characterization fairly applies only to our current civilian leadership. And who voted them in ? Who failed to vote them out, when given a chance ? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/12 "2006-05-24T18:34:54Z")
You don’t think we could have laid Iran or North Korea to waste with ease? If all we wanted to do was destroy there economy and infrastructure we could still do so with ease. IMO we attacked Iraq because This Bush was try to make up for some failure by Daddy in the first war with Iraq. But that is just my opinion. > [@](#): > > Because they can fight back, and America is a nation of bullies and cowards and predators. So where do you by your extra large brushes anyway? If we agree America is acting like a bully (I don’t) could you perhaps narrow the scope of your insult and say the current Administration is filled with bullies and cowards and predators. Maybe even try, “Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and a few others are bullies and cowards and predators.” Your statement is inflammatory and insulting to everyone who calls the USA home and probably some of our friends and allies. Jim ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/13 "2006-05-24T18:51:30Z")
> [@What Exit?](#): > > You don’t think we could have laid Iran or North Korea to waste with ease? Not without taking a lot more casualties. > [@What Exit?](#): > > If all we wanted to do was destroy there economy and infrastructure we could still do so with ease. But not conquer them with ease. > [@What Exit?](#): > > Your statement is inflammatory and insulting to everyone who calls the USA home and probably some of our friends and allies. Too bad. Don’t go conquering people who can’t fight back then. And I have no respect for anyone willing to be the friend or ally of America. ---
**Author:** ![saoirse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/14 "2006-05-24T19:00:46Z")
I think it has to do with the fact that the military is sharing these names with the public. I know that four days before D-Day, the crossword puzzle editor at (IIRC) the _Daily Mail_ was arrested and held (without being charged). The reason? The answer to 11-Across was “OVERLORD.” ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/15 "2006-05-24T19:01:31Z")
> [@Der Trihs](#): > > Not without taking a lot more casualties. Why? Neither had much ability to stop our Air Force and North Korea could be blasted by the Navy. > [@](#): > > But not conquer them with ease. Of course not, we couldn’t even conquer Iraq or Afghanistan with ease. So what is your point. > [@](#): > > Too bad. Don’t go conquering people who can’t fight back then. And I have no respect for anyone willing to be the friend or ally of America. Okay, I am hawkish and ex-Navy. So I stand guilty in your eyes. But how about some of my friends who protested the war from Day 1. Why are you calling them bullies and cowards and predators. How about the Millions who voted against Bush? Including me the Hawk. You don’t get your point across by making huge sweeping generalizations. By the way, I see you are in California. Is that California, USA? If so this make you a bully, coward or predator. Are you? Jim ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2006, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/16 "2006-05-24T19:14:15Z")
Y’know, it’s a common psychological problem. See, America is the the center of the universe, right? So if we’re not the bestest most free-est and most gosh-darn swellest country in the universe, well, be must be the most despicablest, cowardliest, and predatorest country in the universe. Because it’s all about America, right? The people who fall into the trap are the most provincial people in the world. And there’s nobody more provincial than an American who’s convinced America is evil. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2006, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/17 "2006-05-25T06:46:18Z")
> [@saoirse](#): > > I think it has to do with the fact that the military is sharing these names with the public. I know that four days before D-Day, the crossword puzzle editor at (IIRC) the _Daily Mail_ was arrested and held (without being charged). The reason? The answer to 11-Across was “OVERLORD.” Actually, there was more to it than that- the answers to the various other clues in the crossword were things like “Juno”, “Pluto”, and “Mulberry” (code-words for various aspects of the D-Day landings). [From Wikipedia:](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Normandy) > [@Wikipedia](#): > > In the weeks before the invasion it was noticed that the crossword of the British Daily Telegraph newspaper contained a surprisingly large number of words which were codewords relating to the invasion. MI5 first thought this was a coincidence; but when the word Mulberry was one of the crossword answers, MI5 then interviewed the compiler, a schoolmaster, but were convinced of his innocence. It was later revealed that the words were suggested by his pupils, and that they had heard nearby soldiers using them, without knowing what they meant. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2006, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/18 "2006-05-25T08:16:00Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > Y’know, it’s a common psychological problem. See, America is the the center of the universe, right? So if we’re not the bestest most free-est and most gosh-darn swellest country in the universe, well, be must be the most despicablest, cowardliest, and predatorest country in the universe. Because it’s all about America, right? And did I say any of that ? Quit putting words in my mouth. > [@Lemur866](#): > > The people who fall into the trap are the most provincial people in the world. And there’s nobody more provincial than an American who’s convinced America is evil. America is an evil country because it does evil things. The “provincial” people are the ones who don’t think America is doing evil, because they consider no one outside the borders of America to be human. We can bomb them, rape them, torture them, molest their children; it’s not evil, because we put less value on foreigners than we do American house pets. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2006, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/19 "2006-05-25T14:22:31Z")
> [@Der Trihs](#): > > The “provincial” people are the ones who don’t think America is doing evil, because they consider no one outside the borders of America to be human. We can bomb them, rape them, torture them, molest their children; it’s not evil, because we put less value on foreigners than we do American house pets. Cite? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2006, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025/20 "2006-05-25T14:29:02Z")
> [@Der Trihs](#): > > And did I say any of that ? Quit putting words in my mouth. > > America is an evil country because it does evil things. The “provincial” people are the ones who don’t think America is doing evil, because they consider no one outside the borders of America to be human. We can bomb them, rape them, torture them, molest their children; it’s not evil, because we put less value on foreigners than we do American house pets. So you couldn’t or wouldn’t answer my questions. Why don’t you invest in some new brushes that aren’t so broad. I recommend some fine art brushes like Potrait Artist use. Jim [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025.md?page=2)