Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO)

Read from the scan by GLM-OCR; expect the odd misread word.

AFR 200-2

15-19

e. Location of Observer(s). Exact latitude and longitude of each observer, and/or geographical position. A position with reference to a known landmark also should be given in electrical reports, such as "2mi N of Deeville;" "3mi SW of Blue Lake." Typographical errors or "garbling" often result in electrically transmitted messages, making location plots difficult or impossible.

Example: 89 45N,192 71W for 39 45N,102 21W.

f. Identifying Information on Observer(s):

(1) Civilian—Name, age, mailing address, occupation.

(2) Military—Name, grade, organization duty, and estimate of reliability.

g. Weather and Winds-Aloft Conditions at Time and Place of Sightings:

(1) Observer(s) account of weather conditions.

(2) Report from nearest AWS or U.S. Weather Bureau Office of wind direction and velocity in degrees and knots at surface, 6,000' , 10,000' , 16,000' 20,000' , 30,000' , 50,000' , and 80,000' if available.

(3) Ceiling.

(4) Visibility.

(5) Amount of cloud cover.

(6) Thunderstorms in area and quadrant in which located.

h. Any other unusual activity or condition, meteorological, astronomical, or otherwise, which might account for the sighting.

i. Interception or identification action taken (such action may be taken whenever feasible, complying with existing air defense directives).

j. Location, approximate altitude, and general direction of flight of any air traffic in the area at time of sighting.

k. Position title and comments of the preparing officer, including his preliminary analysis of the possible cause of the sighting(s).

1. Existence of physical evidence, such as materials and photographs.

16. Negative or Inapplicable Data. Even though the source does not provide or has not been asked for specific information by an interviewer, do not use the words "negative" or "unknown" until all logical leads to obtain the information outlined under paragraph 15 have been exhausted. For example, information on weather conditions in the area, as requested in paragraph 15g, may be obtained from the local military or civilian weather facility. Use the

phrase "not applicable" (N/A) only when the question does not apply to the particular sighting being investigated.

17. Comments of Preparing Officer. The preparing officer will make a preliminary analysis, and a comment on the possible cause or identity of the object being reported, together with a statement supporting his comment and analysis. Every effort will be made to obtain pertinent items of information and to test all possible leads, clues, and hypotheses concerning the identity or explanation of the sighting. (See paragraph 5.) The preparing officer receiving the report initially is in a much better position to conduct an "on-the-spot" survey or followup than subsequent investigative personnel and analysts who may be far removed from the area, and who may arrive too late to obtain vital data or the missing information necessary for firm conclusions.

18. Classification. Do not classify reports unless data requested in paragraph 15 require classification. Classify reports primarily to protect:

a. Names of sources reporting UFO's and other principals involved, if so requested by these persons or considered necessary;

b. Intelligence, investigative, intercept, or analytical methods or procedures;

c. Location of radar and other classified sites, units, and equipment;

d. Information on certain types, characteristics, and capabilities of classified aircraft, missiles, or devices that may be involved in the sighting.

19. Reporting Physical Evidence. Report promptly the existence of physical evidence (photographic or material):

a. Photographic:

(1) Still Photographs. Forward the negative and two prints. Title the prints and the negatives, or indicate the place, time, and date of the incident.

(2) Motion Pictures. Obtain the original film. Examine the film strip for apparent cuts, alterations, obliterations, or defects. Include in the report comment on any irregularities, particularly if received from other than official sources.

(3) Supplemental Photographic Information. Negatives and prints, in themselves, often are insufficient to provide certain valid data or to permit firm conclusions. (See AFM 200-9-a