Operation Inherent Resolve

As of 15 October 2014, the U.S. military operation name Operation Inherent Resolve officially refers to the US's military actions against ISIL, including both the campaign in Iraq and the campaign in Syria.



Unlike their coalition partners, and unlike previous America combat operations, no name was originally given to the 2014 conflict against ISIS by the U.S. government. The decision to keep the conflict nameless drew considerable media criticism. U.S. Service members remain ineligible for Campaign Medals and other service decorations due to the continuing ambiguous nature of the continuing U.S. involvement in Iraq.

The CENTCOM news release noted:


 * According to CENTCOM officials, the name INHERENT RESOLVE 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.