🌍 What’s in a codeword? How military operations are named

With 39 operations in 46 countries, the UK Armed Forces are deployed all around the globe to keep the UK safe. But why are operations named the way they are?

Operation CABRIT

Operation NEWCOMBE

Operation TOSCA…

… to name a few — but why are they named this way?

Whilst it may seem that each operation undergoes a complicated naming process, this is not the case.

A RAF Typhoon refuels from a RAF Voyager on Operation SHADER.

🤷‍♂️ How does it work?

From pen to paper, the process for naming an operation or exercise follows a simple step-by-step process, as outlined below:

1. A sponsor will approach the Ministry of Defence (MOD), requesting a codeword for an operation or exercise. The MOD holds a database of words that can be used, and the codeword will most likely only be used once unless there is no likelihood of confusing two uses of the same codeword.

A sponsor is a person who wishes to have a codeword generated for them for an exercise or operation — this is not just for military. The process will be undertaken by the Ministry of Defence to ensure they are given the correct codeword.

2. A database of words is held, and if a sponsor requests one or more codewords, then the list of available words is randomly generated, which will give the sponsor the opportunity to choose from the list of words available.

3. The sponsor then decides which codeword they’ll use, with that choice being noted and aligned with what the sponsor is intending to use the codeword for. The other words are then kept for the next sponsor who wishes to have a generated codeword supplied to them.

The crew of HMS Chiddingfold firing a Heavy Machine Gun during live-fire training while on Operation KIPION.

4. The sponsor retains responsibility for ensuring the words are both culturally appropriate and appropriate for the operation or exercise in question. The sponsor also retains responsibility for deciding the classification of the codeword once in use.

5. If a sponsor requests particular codewords, a check will be undertaken to see if that word is still available, and if they ask for codewords with a particular theme then they can be searched online and cross-checked to confirm whether these are available.

6. The choice is then up to the sponsor for the codeword that they wish to use, and once a word has been used once, then it is likely it will not be used again.

A British soldier during an exercise on Operation CABRIT in Poland.

Yes it's as simple as that

All operation and exercise names are a showcase and testament to the commitment of the Armed Forces to the safety and security of the UK.

The Armed Forces are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to keep Britain safe at home and abroad.

Find out where else the UK Armed Forces are deployed here👇