Anti-Islamic State campaign gets a name: 'Inherent Resolve'

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- "Operation Inherent Resolve" is the authorized name for the mission against Islamic State.

The name, following in the traditions of identifying military missions, like "Operation Desert Storm," was confirmed Wednesday by Col. Ed Thomas, spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

It had been noted that previous campaigns had names, and the mission to combat the Ebola virus in West Africa is known as Operation United Assistance, but the fight by 1,400 U.S. military personnel and others in the U.S.-led coalition had not.

The code names have no official significance, but are useful to media when identifying military missions, and to the Pentagon for budgeting purposes and the designation of awards.