US Central Command dubbed the aerial offensive against ISIS “Operation Inherent Resolve,” applying the name retroactively to all operations in Iraq and Syria since Aug. 8, officials announced. The name signifies that “we are going to stay resolved and determined to get after this threat,” Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby explained in an Oct. 15 press briefing. “We’re going to do it in partnership, and I think that’s where the ‘inherent’ comes in the name,” Kirby added, noting that a total of 60 countries are now “involved in this effort in various forms.” CENTCOM stressed that Inherent Resolve will continue to be a broad coalition effort, but “diplomatic, informational, military, [and] economic” means also will be required to “degrade and ultimately destroy” ISIS, according to the release.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.