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44 targets when necessary. Normally, targeting changes are needed due to adverse weather, assessment requirements, or modification of priorities. The ability to quickly recommend good alternate targets is very important to the flexibility of air and space power. Combat operations targeteers should be aware of all significant information for targets on the current ATO, desired effects and objectives, all guidance, ROEs, and weaponeering lookup tables as appropriate. More on this topic can be found in the next chapter. The rational use of force relies on the capability to identify adversary entities as a precursor to taking action against them, especially if doing so entails the use of force. CID of all battlespace entities is thus a critical enabling capability in any use, or potential use, of military force. Identifying adversary or enemy entities is essential, of course, but so is identifying friendly and neutral entities. “Blue force tracking” (BFT) is a core function of CID. BFT is the employment of techniques to identify and track US, allied, and coalition forces for the purpose of providing commanders enhanced situational awareness and reducing fratricide. For more information on CID and BFT, see AFTTP 3-1.1 (Secret), Appendix 2. Results and Products of the Phase This is the phase in which targets are actually struck (or otherwise affected) and direct effects are created. Other products include physical damage assessments and MISREPs, used in helping make physical damage and other assessments. Assessment Purpose of the Phase Assessment is the measure of progress in a campaign or operation, the means of telling whether desired effects are being created and objectives achieved, and of evaluating what needs to be done next. Effective planning and execution require continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of friendly and enemy action. Consequently, assessment is much more than “battle damage” or “combat assessment,” as it has traditionally been presented—and more than just an intelligence function that takes place after execution has concluded. Planning for it begins prior to commencement of operations, takes place throughout planning and execution, and continues after the conflict is over. It is a central part of an effects-based approach to conflict. It consists of four distinct levels: tactical assessment (which includes assessment of physical damage), component-level operational assessment, CFC-level operational assessment, and national-level assessment. Each lower level feeds the levels above it and provides a basis for broader-based evaluation of progress. This subject is treated in detail in Chapter Four.