Some Military Codenames

[Ben]

I like Winston Churchill's take on caution when picking codenames. :)

http://mentalfloss.com/article/89627/15-unexpected-military-operation-codenames

[Scout26]

Often American code names are from lists. List 1 - name one, List 2 name two.  They generally had the same first letters.  For example when we did REFORGERs in the fall/winter, they each had a codename.  1987 - Certain Strike, 1988 Certain Challenge, 1989- Centurion Shield.  List 1 was the code names for Europe (C - words)  List two was for the US Based units (S - words for III Corps units). 

Same with each spring when V Corps did it's major exercise it was always a C (Europe based) G (V Corps only) named exercise like "Caravan Guard" or "Certain Guardian".

Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Desert Saber were given those names because D - Middle East, S- Multinational Forces. 

Then there are those that are just made up locally like "All-American Tiger".  Some folks just have no imagination.

[Hawkmoon]

So when we invade Iran we can expect a name like Defiant Soufle?

[Ben]

Then there are those that are just made up locally like "All-American Tiger".  Some folks just have no imagination.

When we first started flying security sorties for National spacelifts out of Vandenberg, somebody there thought since we spent all our time over the ocean, and because my Aircraft Commander at the time was  female, she would like DOLPHIN 1. She about had a fit at the "namby pamby name" and they changed us to SABER 1. 

I kind of thought SABER 1 was a bit overdone for our little puddle jumper, but it was better than the first one. :)

[K Frame]

I have it on the highest authority -- people on the intardnet -- that the invasion of Iran will be Operation Oil Grab 2.

Seeing how we failed to grab the oil in Operation Oil Grab 1 I suspect that the outcome will be largely the same and we won't be seeing 25 cent a gallon gasoline any time soon.

[WLJ]

I have it on the highest authority -- people on the intardnet -- that the invasion of Iran will be Operation Oil Grab 2.

Seeing how we failed to grab the oil in Operation Oil Grab 1 I suspect that the outcome will be largely the same and we won't be seeing 25 cent a gallon gasoline any time soon.

How about Operation Walk Away and let the M.E. go back to the 14th century like so many of them want to do.
Don't buy any of their oil
Have Europe find other sources, of which there are many, including the US
Cut off all arms sales to the M.E. After they run out of planes and tanks let them go back to throwing stones at each other.

I know it isn't going to happen and it's not this simple but I can dream can't I?
The biggest, among many, fly in the ointment in doing this is China
 

[MechAg94]

I have it on the highest authority -- people on the intardnet -- that the invasion of Iran will be Operation Oil Grab 2.

Seeing how we failed to grab the oil in Operation Oil Grab 1 I suspect that the outcome will be largely the same and we won't be seeing 25 cent a gallon gasoline any time soon.

I am not really sure if I care as long as it doesn't turn into Occupation Democracy 2.

[MillCreek]

When we first started flying security sorties for National spacelifts out of Vandenberg, somebody there thought since we spent all our time over the ocean, and because my Aircraft Commander at the time was  female, she would like DOLPHIN 1. She about had a fit at the "namby pamby name" and they changed us to SABER 1. 

I kind of thought SABER 1 was a bit overdone for our little puddle jumper, but it was better than the first one. :)

I would have gone for TUNA SAFE.

[Ben]

I would have gone for TUNA SAFE.

She would have killed you with her teacup.

[Scout26]

TUNA HELPER then ??

[HankB]

So when we invade Iran we can expect a name like Defiant Soufle?

How about Dromedary Saddle?

[RoadKingLarry]

Some of the NATO designations for Soviet ships and equipment were amusing.

Muff Cob was always good for a chuckle.

[Angel Eyes]

Some of the NATO designations for Soviet ships and equipment were amusing.

Muff Cob was always good for a chuckle.

... as was the NATO designation for the MiG-15.

[Perd Hapley]

She would have killed you with her teacup.

https://youtu.be/16RdEtQL9EQ?t=21


I always assumed code names for operations were chosen as randomly as possible, for OPSEC. But the article keeps trying to find some rhyme or reason for them. 

[BobR]

Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Desert Saber were given those names because D - Middle East, S- Multinational Forces. 

 

But...but...Earnest Will?? E W

bob

[Hawkmoon]

But...but...Earnest Will?? E W

Named for George Will's older brother?

[Scout26]

But...but...Earnest Will?? E W

bob

Maybe because it was a 5th Fleet Naval Operation, or as a Diplomatic mission (re-flagging tankers), I don't know.

[Andiron]

... as was the NATO designation for the MiG-15.

Happy pride month...