TA Terminology Flashcards
- Definition of Target
Target is anything of military, economic, political, or psychological value that has been nominated or validated to be attacked for purpose of destruction, degradation, removal or surveillance
- Definition of Target Complex
Major element of a target subsystem. A complex consist of related facilities in activities that are located in the same general vicinity. (i.e port, Airfields, generating plants, etc)
- Definition of Target system
A diverse and synchronized apparatus that provides a specific product or service, often over a wide geographical area
- What are the three examples of target systems?
Bulk electrical power supply, bulk petroleum supply, and mass communications
- Definition of target acquisition
Part of combat intelligence. Identification and locations of targets for the purpose of the evaluation, analysis, and employment of unconventional forces for target destruction
- Definition of target evaluation
The examination of targets to determine their military, economic or psychological importance and their relative priority of attack
- What does CARVER stand for?
Criticality Accessibility Recuperability Vulnerability Effect Recognizability
- What is criticality?
the target value. A target is critical when its destruction or damage has a significant impact on the output of the targeted system
- What is Accessibility?
The ease with target can be reached, either physically or by fire. A target is accessible when an action element can physically infiltrate the target, or can be hit by direct or indirect fire
- What needs to be considered when evaluating accessibility?
The use of standoff weapon should always be considered. Survivability of the attacker is usually most closely correlated to a target’s accessibility
- What is Recuperability?
A measure of the time required to replace, repair, or bypass the destruction or damage inflicted on the target
- What factors influence the recuperability?
a) Sources and age of the targeted components
b) Availability of spare parts
c) Existence of economic embargoes
d) Technical resources of the enemy nation
- What is Vulnerability?
A measure of the ability of the action element to damage the target using available asset (both material and human assets)
- What factors influence the Vulnerability?
a) The nature and construction of the target
b) The amount of damage required
c) Availability of asset (manpower, equipment, transportation, and etc)
- What is effect on the population?
Positive or negative influence on the population as a result of the action take. Effect considers public reaction in the vicinity of the target. Consider the domestic, and international reaction as well
- What is recognizability?
The degree to which a target can be recognized under varying weather, light, and seasonal conditions without confusion with other target
- Definition of strategic target
Targets that are identified because their effect on nation’s economy, defense and capabilities
- Definition of Tactical target
Targets that will have a direct impact on the military
- Definition of Confidence target
Targets that may be destroyed or interdicted with a high rate of success
- Definition of targets of opportunities
Targets which were not targeted and the success is with the attacking element
- Definition of Interdiction
To destroy, cut, damage, stop or hamper an enemy’s support system with the use of explosives or small arms fire
How many people should evaluate a CARVER matrix?
At least 3
Types of targets
Railroads Highways Waterways Airways Communications Electrical power POL Water supply
Priority of targets for railroads
Division headquarters/signal links Yards Terminals Control centers Tracks and structures Locomotives Rolling Stocks
Where should track destruction of railroads occur?
Curves, switches, frogs, or crossovers
Minimum gap in railroad destruction
20 feet
Most critical factor in railroad tunnel destruction
Type of rock
Three types of locomotives
Diesel-electric
Electric
Steam
Where are highway systems most vulnerable?
Where the enemy cannot reestablish movement by making a short detour
Most critical part of waterway systems
Ports, dams and locks
Major factors to consider for waterway systems
Tide, small boat operations, surface swimming, beach profiles, currents
When and Where should explosives be placed on vessels?
When moored
Wharf side
Critical components of a vessel
Propeller shaft
Rudder
Water cooling intake
Types of cranes in harbor operations
Container crane
Jib (Cargo) crane
How can airway systems be targeted
Airfields
Parked aircraft
Ground facilities
Interdiction priority for airway systems
Runways Taxi ways Terminals Hangars Field depot/storage Radar and communication
Way to target electrical power supply of any target catagory
Back-up generators
Priority of destruction for communications
Local telephone network Switching centers Signal transfer points control centers Net control centers Central offices Transmission/media facilities
How can bulk electrical power supply be interdicted?
Destroying power generation stations
What must one do before attacking a power system?
Study the “Grid”
Three main components of a power system
Generation station
Transmission and control
Distribution
Priority of attack on nuclear and fossil fuel power plants
Turbine-generator assembly Generator step-up unit Condensers Boilers Reactors Plant control room Outside elements (switchyards, condensers pumps, pylons)
Priority of attack on hydroelectric power plants
Turbine-generator assembly Generator step-up unit Exposed penstocks Plant control room Outside elements (switchyards, condensers pumps, pylons)
How many flow lines are POL systems divided into?
2
Traditional petroleum
Natural gas
Special consideration for pipelines
Air surveillance
Analysis priorities for POL systems
Production
Long distance transportation/transmission
Refinery
Distribution
Components of DA form 2203
Standard form Situation sketch map Critical dimensions of the top, end and side view sketches Calculation of charges Firing systems to be used
Components of Special operations mission planning folder
Mission tasking packet
Target intelligence packet
Plan of execution
Should Special operation target folders be more detailed than NATO folders?
YES
What are given maximum consideration in the field of target analysis
Target of opportunity
Asset survivability
What do you need to include with a carver matrix
Legend of values
Sources for a list of potential targets
Actual command Libraries National intelligence summaries Technical intelligence bulletins Magazines Newspapers
Do strategic or tactical targets generally require less expenditure of forces and material?
Tactical
Attack priorities for POL systems
Refining
Transportation/Transmission
Production
Distribution
Profitable POL targets
Fuel storage tanks
Pipelines
Refueling systems for tank trucks
Rail car/Vessels
Priorities within a POL refining area
Main distillation unit Steam plants Water supply Electrical power supply Central control facility room
Overall objective when attacking a water supply system
Curtailment of services by slowing or crippling industrial activity where water is essential (Firefighting, Irrigation, Sanitation)
POL transmission/transport component priorities
Input terminals Pipeline stations Pipeline bridges Central control facilities room Bulk storage sites Pipelines
Water systems analysis priority
Collection
Transmission
Treatment
Distribution
Water systems attack priority
Treatment
Collection
Transmission
Distribution
Can you contaminate water by CBR?
No
Targets within water systems
Pumping stations
Gating and aqueducts
Desalination plants
