Code name

A code name or cryptonym is a word or name used clandestinely to refer to another name or word. Codenames are often used for military purposes, or in espionage. They are also used in business, for example as the names of confidential projects.

Military Operations since Churchill

Throughout the Second World War, the British military has favored one-word codenames (Jubilee, Imperator). The Americans favored longer compound words (Overlord, Ironclad). Many examples of both type can be cited, as can exceptions.

Related Topics:
Jubilee - Imperator - Overlord - Ironclad

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Presently, British forces tend to use one-word names, Americans prefer two-word names. The Canadians and Australians use either. The French military currently prefer names drawn from nature (such as colors or the names of animals). The American CIA uses alphabetical prefixes to designate the part of the agency supporting an operation.

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In many cases with US the first word of the name has to do with the intent of the program, programs with HAVE as the first word, such as HAVE BLUE for the stealth fighter development, are developmental programs, not meant to produce a production aircraft. While programs that start with Senior, such as Senior Trend for the F-117, are for aircraft in testing meant to enter production.

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In the US, codenames are commonly set entirely in upper case. This is not done in other countries.

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This presents an opportunity for a bit of public-relations (Operation Just Cause), or for controversy over the naming choice (Operation Infinite Justice, renamed Operation Enduring Freedom). Computers are now used to aid in the selection. And further, there is a distinction between the secret names during former wars and the published names of recent ones. "Desert Shield" was what the build-up in Saudi Arabia was blatantly referred to in the press, before war was declared. During this time, "Desert Storm" was secret. When the war broke out, the name "Desert Storm" -- but not the tactical details -- was also broken to the press.

Related Topics:
Operation Just Cause - Operation Infinite Justice - Operation Enduring Freedom

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