Which CDM level is the casualty analysis level used when levels 1-4 do not generate a low CDE and aircrew will not strike at this level?

• A. CDE level 1
• B. CDE level 3
• C. CDE level 5
• D. CDE level 2

Answer: (C)

In the CDM framework, decisions escalate through levels to assess potential collateral damage before an airstrike. Levels one through four aim to produce a low collateral damage estimate (CDE); if any of those levels indicates a favorable (low) CDE, the operation can proceed or be adjusted accordingly. When none of these lower levels yields a low CDE and the aircrew would not strike at that level, the process moves to the casualty analysis level. That level is specifically for evaluating likely casualties and overall risk, serving as the final step in the assessment when earlier levels don’t show a permissible outcome. Therefore, the casualty analysis level used in this scenario is level five, matching the description of performing casualty analysis when levels 1–4 do not generate a low CDE and the operation would not proceed at that level.