JP 3-60, page 116

Appendix D D-8 JP 3-60 are to determine degree of success in achieving objectives and to formulate any required follow-up actions, or to indicate readiness to move on to new tasks in the path to achieving the overall JFC objectives. (4) BDA requires more than post-strike imagery. Although in some situations a single data source may be adequate to perform BDA, in most cases, the use of “all-source” information is critical to providing accurate BDA. The following sources assist in conducting comprehensive BDA: (a) GEOINT, including tactical and/or unmanned aerial vehicle platforms. (b) In-flight reports and MISREPs containing both executed ATO and pilot BDA. (c) Aircraft/weapon system video and/or data. (d) SIGINT. (e) HUMINT, to include direct reporting by forward air/ground observers, tactical air control parties, SOF, etc. (f) MASINT. (g) Open source intelligence. (h) End of MISREPs for surface-to-surface fires. (i) Indigo reports for cruise missiles. (j) Technical intelligence. (k) Counterintelligence. For additional information on the BDA process, see DIA publications DI-2820-4-03, Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) Quick Guide, and DI 2800-2-YR, Critical Elements of Selected Generic Installations (Critical Elements Handbook). e. Estimated Assessments. The current CA process relies on phased BDA analysis to assess combat effectiveness. If no data is available for a target, the assessment is usually left blank or unknown. Based on the BDA scenario and commander’s guidance, analysts may try to provide a prediction of the estimated damage for both individual targets and target systems based on the initial predictions as place holders for the probabilities of success, a process facilitated by the precision and reliability of many modern weapon systems. As the operation is executed, the predictions for individual target elements are updated continually with the latest available information on the action taken. Such updates might be final, definitive BDA or it may be information, which, while not definitive, helps refine the estimate (e.g., confirmation that a joint direct attack munitions successfully dropped through the clouds on the programmed coordinates). Combining latest information on individual