A reader asked the author about whether the words "possible" and "probable" should still be used to indicate 20 percent and 80 percent confidence, respectively. In the past, the signals intelligence Reporters' Style Manual suggested terms to indicate various levels of confidence, but today "the Reporting Board recommends that reporters use validity terms in a way that they themselves are comfortable with and can defend if questions arise about their reports."
Jun 20, 2005
Mar 01, 2018