Which term refers to determining the friendly or hostile character of an unknown detected contact?

• A. Classification
• B. Identification
• C. Discrimination
• D. Surveil

Answer: (B)

Determining whether a detected contact is friendly or hostile is identification. After a contact is detected and its general type is assessed, identification brings in identity information—such as IFF responses, cooperative sensor data, and corroboration from other platforms—to decide if the contact belongs to friends, is neutral, or is hostile. This determination directly informs engagement decisions and ROE, helping avoid fratricide and ensure proper response. Classification tells you what the target is (for example, aircraft vs. missile) but not its allegiance. Discrimination focuses on separating multiple contacts or distinguishing threats from decoys within sensor data, not on identifying friend versus foe. Surveil is about continuous observation and tracking, not final identity.