Definition: (DOD) In intelligence usage, appraisal of an item of
information in terms of credibility, reliability, pertinency, and accuracy.
Appraisal is accomplished at several stages within the intelligence cycle with
progressively different contexts. Initial evaluations, made by case officers and
report officers, are focused upon the reliability of the source and the accuracy
of the information as judged by data available at or close to their operational
levels. Later evaluations, by intelligence analysts, are primarily concerned
with verifying accuracy of information and may, in effect, convert information
into intelligence. Appraisal or evaluation of items of information or
intelligence is indicated by a standard letter-number system. The evaluation of
the reliability of sources is designated by a letter from A through F, and the
accuracy of the information is designated by numeral 1 through 6. These are two
entirely independent appraisals, and these separate appraisals are indicated in
accordance with the system indicated below. Thus, information adjudged to be
"probably true" received from a "usually reliable source" is designated "B-2" or
"B2," while information of which the "truth cannot be judged" received from a
"usually reliable source" is designated "B-6" or "B6."Reliability of Source
Accuracy of InformationA--Completely reliable 1--Confirmed by other
sourcesB--Usually reliable 2--Probably trueC--Fairly reliable 3--Possibly
trueD--Not usually reliable 4--DoubtfulE--Unreliable 5--ImprobableF--Reliability
cannot be judged 6--Truth cannot be judgedSee also intelligence cycle;
operational evaluation; technical evaluation.
