Published: 1 December 2008
Air & Space Power Journal - Winter 2008

Code Names: Deciphering U.S. Military Plans, Programs and Operations in the 9/11 World by William M. Arkin. Steerforth Press (http://www.steerforth.com), 25 Lebanon Street, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, 2005, 624 pages, $27.95 (hardcover).

In the post-9/11 era, much has changed in the way the United States and other Western countries operate as they fight the global war on terrorism. Within this environment, government agencies, defense organizations, and intelligence communities have set up programs and operations that support national interests; many are highly classified and not meant for the general public. A common, accepted means of providing a level of secrecy involves assigning code names to them.

William Arkin, a military analyst with NBC News and an independent journalist with impressive credentials, has taken on this massive subject with a solitary vengeance stretched out over years. The result is his book Code Names. Arkin’s premise is that too many of these activities and relations hide behind a cover of national secrecy, that no one knows their long-term implications, and that almost no discussion or debate exists on the home front. Equally damning is the fact that America has similar arrangements with other nations who respond bilaterally and unilaterally in similar fashion. If the United States wants to remain the beacon of democracy and fairness to its citizens and the rest of the world, this situation is more than Arkin is willing to accept. He strongly believes that an informed citizenry is a prerequisite to wise decision making by world leaders.

The code-naming of US military operations began in the Second World War, primarily for reasons of operational security. As the complexity of the war expanded, compilation of code-word lists numbering in the tens of thousands uniquely identified a vast range of operations and projects. After the war, code-naming became the norm during the prolonged Cold War—but done with the intention of garnering public support for the war. Although a fair number of these names have carried over into present times, efforts have occurred to restrict their use and limit their exposure. According to Arkin, the government and military have gone over the top after 9/11 by shutting down the openness that was standard operating procedure for so many years.

In this book, Arkin lists over 3,000 code names of sensitive military programs and operations, using a variety of sources to put together his entries. At the same time, he takes pains not to divulge any information that would cause grave damage to national security or put at risk any individuals associated with the projects. Despite such assurances, a number of senior national security and military officials have not welcomed his revelations with open arms.

Arkin divides this comprehensive book into four parts. Part 1, “Cast of Characters,” includes brief descriptions of the main US government departments, agencies, commands, and organizations mentioned in the code-names dictionary. Part 2, “Country-by-Country Directory,” highlights US military and intelligence relations worldwide, breaking each country down by US command, agreements, assistance, bases and access, forces deployed, and applicable code names. Part 3, “Code Names Dictionary,” is an alphabetical listing of all the names in the book. Part 4 is a combination acronym list and extended glossary.

Despite being a thorn in many backsides, Arkin is qualified to write on the topic. After serving as an intelligence officer in the US Army, he became a recognized defense and intelligence analyst. A prolific writer, he has authored or coauthored 10 books, over 500 articles, and numerous chapters for publications. His best seller, Nuclear Battlefields: Global Links in the Arms Race (Ballinger, 1985), revealed locations of all US and foreign nuclear bases worldwide. Arkin also has served as the senior military adviser to Human Rights Watch and as an adjunct faculty member at Air University’s School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.

Who should or who will read this book? Arguably, its exposure of closely controlled programs, missions, and relations make it a must-read for people opposed to US policies, including many of our opponents on the international scene. More than likely, even these individuals won’t be able to read this work cover to cover. In essence Code Names is a gigantic index, just as the author intended. Dedicated readers, including students of national security policies, will look for specific topics in small doses or cover sections of interest in a measured, incremental approach.

Dr. Frank P. Donnini, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, Retired
Newport News, Virginia

Disclaimer

The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.

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