Source and Information Reliability Matrix
From Army FM 2-22.3 Appendix B
Source Reliability
Reliability ratings range from "Reliable" (A) to "Unreliable" (E). In every instance the rating is based on previous reporting from that source. If there has been no previous reporting, the source must be rated as "F". An "F" rating does not necessarily mean that the source cannot be trusted, but that there is no reporting history and therefore no basis for making a determination.
Table B-1: Evaluation of Source Reliability
| Rating | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | Reliable | No doubt of authenticity, trustworthiness, or competency; has a history of complete reliability |
| B | Usually Reliable | Minor doubt about authenticity, trustworthiness, or competency; has a history of valid information most of the time |
| C | Fairly Reliable | Doubt of authenticity, trustworthiness, or competency but has provided valid information in the past |
| D | Not Usually Reliable | Significant doubt about authenticity, trustworthiness, or competency but has provided valid information in the past |
| E | Unreliable | Lacking in authenticity, trustworthiness, and competency; history of invalid information |
| F | Cannot Be Judged | No basis exists for evaluating the reliability of the source |
Information Content
The highest degree of confidence in reported information is given to that which has been confirmed by outside sources, "1". The degree of confidence decreases if the information is not confirmed, and/or does not seem to make sense. The lowest evaluated rating of "5" means that the information is considered to be false. A rating of "6" does not necessarily mean false information, but is generally used to indicate that no determination can be made since the information is completely new.
Table B-2: Evaluation of Information Content
| Rating | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirmed | Confirmed by other independent sources; logical in itself; consistent with other information on the subject |
| 2 | Probably True | Not confirmed; logical in itself; consistent with other information on the subject |
| 3 | Possibly True | Not confirmed; reasonably logical in itself; agrees with some other information on the subject |
| 4 | Doubtfully True | Not confirmed; possible but not logical; no other information on the subject |
| 5 | Improbable | Not confirmed; not logical in itself; contradicted by other information on the subject |
| 6 | Cannot Be Judged | No basis exists for evaluating the validity of the information |
Usage Notes
- Source Reliability (A-F): Based on the historical track record and credibility of the information source
- Information Content (1-6): Based on the logical consistency and confirmation status of the specific information provided
- Combined Rating: Typically expressed as a combination (e.g., "B2" = Usually Reliable source providing Probably True information)
- "Cannot Be Judged" Ratings: Used when insufficient information exists to make a proper assessment, not necessarily indicating poor quality
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