ARRC JOURNAL
THE LOST ART OF BATTLE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
WO1 Andrew Herrity( GBR-A), SSgt Marco Orru( ITA-A), Sgt John Viviani( GBR-A), Bdr James Cheetham( GBR-A)
There was a time in history when commanders could observe the effect of their orders for themselves, watching from either the front line or within visual range as their forces engaged the enemy. As warfare and technology has advanced, commanders are not always able to observe the effects of actions for themselves. Instead they rely on the staff to conduct analysis of effects beyond line of sight, in order to furnish them with Battle Damage Assessment( BDA) to enable decisions to be made. This article will examine how we should re-learn the lost art of BDA in the post-counter insurgency( COIN) operational environment – for HQ ARRC this is an essential part of Corps recalibration. The manner in which we conduct BDA directly contributes to mission success.
BDA is the process of analysing the reported damage or influence resulting from the application of force( lethal and / or nonlethal) against a target. BDA supports reattack recommendations and is used to determine the selection of follow-on targets. Understanding the commander’ s objectives and desired end sates is the first and most important step.
Phase 1 BDA
On a modern battlefield the tempo of a fast-moving fight, resource constrained collection capabilities and conflicting / competing priorities complicate the collection of data that can be used for BDA. BDA will always be confined and tempered by the availability of“ wet ware”, the analyst’ s brain power to make judgments based on individual expertise.
Pre-Strike Collection required. Long term pattern of life and target monitoring and pre strike collection immediately prior to the strike. [ This may became increasingly difficult in a rapidly evolving or large-scale campaign.]
Weapon system video is not available eg TLAM / Stormshadow / GMLRS or Naval Gunfire Support
BDA carried out at DIFC using alternate sources
Phase 2 BDA
Phase 3 BDA
The BDA Cycle
Phase 1 BDA Disseminated Through PJHQ
Kinetic Strike
Weapon system video or organic ISR is available eg Non stand off weapon
Phase 1 BDA Disseminated Through PJHQ
Phase 2 BDA carried out at DIFC using:
• Phase 1 BDA
• ELINT, SIGINT, IMINT, OSINT, HUMINT
• Allied sources Note that Phase 2 BDA will include a reassessment of Phase 1 BDA
Phase 3 BDA carried out by DIFC to include reassessment of original TSA Product and conclusions
BDA carried out at ACC ISRD, LCC or onboard QE Carrier
The conditions that define the achievement of military objectives for any operation, provide the criteria for the conduct of BDA. Within the D3A 1 targeting process BDA formally takes place during phase 4( assess). Within HQ ARRC, BDA is collated by the ARRC Intelligence Support to Targeting( IST) cell( part of the G2 Branch) and is disseminated to the HQ to inform decision making. The BDA process provides an estimate of success and is a truly pan-HQ activity, both in terms of input and output.
Process of Battle Damage Assessment
In order for the IST cell to conduct timely and accurate BDA it is imperative that all internal stakeholders, as well as subordinate and higher formations, provide timely and accurate BDA to the force. This information enables the IST Cell, in conjunction with the Joint Fires and Influence Branch( JFIB) to close the targeting cycle on a given target and propose potential targets up to 96hrs prior to delivery of effects, or provide the commander with a reattack recommendation if the desired effect has not been achieved.
The BDA Analyst collates and reviews all post-strike Phase 1 BDA reports. For this to be successful the analyst must be involved in the planning of ISR collection in order to ensure BDA is collected post-
1 Decide, detect and track, deliver and assess.
68 ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS