Glossary · Glossary
Positive identification
The reasonable certainty that a proposed target is a legitimate military objective before force is applied. Achieving PID typically requires corroborating evidence, often including a human-verifiable visual confirmation. Positive identification is the reasonable certainty a target is legitimate before force is used; for an operator it is both a legal requirement and the discipline that prevents fratricide and civilian harm.
The reasonable certainty that a proposed target is a legitimate military objective before force is applied. Achieving PID typically requires corroborating evidence, often including a human-verifiable visual confirmation.
Why it matters
Positive identification is the reasonable certainty a target is legitimate before force is used; for an operator it is both a legal requirement and the discipline that prevents fratricide and civilian harm.
Standards & authorities
- Law of War (DoD Law of War Manual)
Related in glossary
Frequently asked
What is Positive identification?
The reasonable certainty that a proposed target is a legitimate military objective before force is applied. Achieving PID typically requires corroborating evidence, often including a human-verifiable visual confirmation.
Why does Positive identification matter for defense and counter-UAS operators?
Positive identification is the reasonable certainty a target is legitimate before force is used; for an operator it is both a legal requirement and the discipline that prevents fratricide and civilian harm.
What standard or authority governs Positive identification?
Positive identification is defined or governed by Law of War (DoD Law of War Manual).