New Name for Battle Against Islamic State: Operation Inherent Resolve

The Pentagon finally has a name for the operation against the Islamic State: Inherent Resolve.

A press release from U.S. Central Command said the name “is intended to reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S. and partner nations in the region and around the globe to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community.”

“It also symbolizes the willingness and dedication of coalition members to work closely with our friends in the region and apply all available dimensions of national power necessary – diplomatic, informational, military, economic – to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL.”

At the Pentagon this afternoon, press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby wouldn’t confirm reports that the Defense Department had voted against the op name before relenting.

“But it is — that’s the name. It’s out there. And that’s what we’re calling it, and now we’re moving forward,” he said.

Inherent Resolve will be retroactively applied back to Aug. 8.

“I mean, the name, we believe — first of all, we — we talked about this name with our coalition partners, as well, you know, so that — that everybody had visibility on it and that there — and that there was a general sense of — of approval of it,” Kirby said.

“And what it says, what it means, and for us what it means is that we are going to stay resolved and determined to get after this threat. We’re going to do it in as fulsome a way as we can. And we’re going to do it for as long as required,” he continued.

“And the last thing I’d say is, we’re going to do it in partnership. And I think that’s where the inherent comes in, in the name. We’re going to do it in partnership with other nations, and there are some 60 now that are involved in this effort in various forms and fashions, but it’s very much a multinational, multilateral approach. And I think that’s what the name signifies.”

I am lying when I say this operation does not have a name. It has a name Operation Hey That’s My Humvee

— Fake Admiral Kirby (@zorching) September 25, 2014