Here Is How The Pentagon Comes Up With Code Words And Secret Project Nicknames

The Drive ^ | 8/12/19 | Tim McMillan

[Lower Deck]

So now you know.

[ASA Vet]

I still cringe when I hear someone inadvertently using what was an SCI codeword 50+ years ago.

[Alas Babylon!]

My favorite was Comfy Outhouse.

Here’s a list of many (mostly Air Force):

http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/codenames.html

Scroll down for long list.

[null and void]

Oh do share...

[DesertRhino]

These days all military operations have cheesy propaganda names. Just Cause, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, Deliberate Force, Falcon Freedom, etc.

WWII had Torch, Volcanic, Matterhorn, Boomerang, Watchtower, Overlord, etc.

Now all the names sound like they came from a committee of MPA’s from an Ivy in consultation with attorneys, PIOs, etc.

[bigbob]

Crossfire Hurricane came from the combined pen of Jagger and Richards....the Dartford bombing of 1943.

[PLMerite]

Yeah, I’ve had that happen, too.

[GreyFriar]

I don’t remember most of the SCI code word programs I knew about 40 years ago.

[Towed_Jumper]

I still remember many of the SCI code words from long ago...and also cringe when I hear one in public. Of course, as on old 05G, it was my business to listen for them spoken on unsecured phone lines! ;>)

[trebb]

Same here - spent 39 years around them (24 in uniform and 15 as a DOD civilian...)
I remember sitting up when I first saw an article about a 1010 sync pattern for crypto gear...of course the x-letter (couldn’t bring myself to type the number of letters...) words were always straight from the dictionary so they wouldn’t stand out.

[Rembrandt]

Save yourself and don’t ever read “The Puzzle Palace.”

[ASA Vet]

I've had a copy for decades.

The first time I heard of the book was reading an order directing all personal to respond to questions regarding the book with, "No Comment."

[Nailbiter]

flr

[ASA Vet]

I had an Air Force friend in Bangkok. His AFSC was similar to our O5G MOS. He asked me directly once what our unit was as he never heard any telephone communications from us.

I told him we just repair radios, and seldom need to talk to anyone except in face to face conversation.

[gnarledmaw]

I still cringe when I hear see someone inadvertently intentionally using what was an SCI codeword...and HRC traded a number I knew to the Chinese and anyone else that wanted to know.

I still cant believe she isn't swinging from a branch at the WH.

(Hoooo! Patience, patience...serenity now...serenity now...hommmmmmmmm)

[Salvavida]

I actually got a nick name project up and running after DJT took office, but a senior organization took it over and ran with it. Still running as far as I know......