targeting Flashcards
Targeting
The process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the appropriate response to them, considering operational requirements and capabilities.
The process of fusing Intel and Ops
Main Objective
Identifying resources (targets) the enemy can least afford to lose or that provide him with the greatest advantage.
Tasks of Fires WFF
- Targeting
- Operations process
- Fires support
- Airspace planning and management
- Electromagnetic spectrum management
- Multinational integration Rehearsals
- Air and missiles defense planning and integration
Execute fires across all domains
Employing
- Surface-to-surface fires
- Air-to-surface fires
- Surface-to-air fires
- Cyberspace operations and EW
- Space operations
- Multinational fires
- Special Operations
- Information operations
Evaluate the Threat
TGT Overview
Joint Targeting Cycle
- End State and Commander’s Objectives
- Target Development and Prioritization
- Capabilities Analysis
- Commander’s Decision and Force Assignment
- Mission Planningand Force Execution
- Assessment
Joint Integrated Prioritizing Targeting List (JIPTL)
SOF/HVI Targeting
Dynamic Targeting
“Kill Chain”
- Find- Intelligence Collection, Detection
- Fix- Focus sensors, locate, identify, determine time available
- Track- Prioritize intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; maintain track; update time available
- Target- Deconflict; target area clearance; risk assessment; select method; decide
- Engage- Order engagement, transmit order; monitor/manage; strike
- Assess- Assess; report attacks; re-attack recommendations
Targeting
- Both a joint and component level command function
- Determines desired effects necessary to accomplish JFC objectives
- selects targets that achieve those effects
- selects or tasks the means to best engage those targets
Principles of Targeting
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Focused
- Achieving JFC’s objective
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Effects-based
- Produce specific effects (physical, functional, or psychological)
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Interdisciplinary
- Operators, intelligence, legal, geospatial, etc.
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Systematic
- Achieve effects in a systematic manner
Framing: Joint Targeting and Planning
The joint targeting process supports planning by providing commanders and component-level planners with a methodology, access, and information concerning targets as expressed with the commander’s objectives, guidance, and intent.
Framing: Delineation of Responsibilities
Each level of a joint force has certain authorities and responsibilities relative to joint targeting and planning.
Commands, organizations and agencies must ensure that SO targeting and planning are integrate and deconflicted in all aspects of planning for the full range of activities required for conducting joint operations.
Framing: SOF Targeting Responsibility
SOF CDRs and staffs must understand the geographic combatant CDR’s joint operation planning process, organization for planning, and have knowledge of the CC planning and targeting supporting organizational structures.
Planning includes campaign planning, deliberate planning, and crisis action planning (CAP).
Purpose of Targeting
To integrate and synchronize fires (the use of available weapons systems to create specific lethal or non-lethal effects on a target) into joint operations.
Links desired effects to actions and tasks.
Categories of Target Functions (FIVE-O)
A target is an entity or object considered for possible engagement or other action. It may be an facility, individual, virtual, equipment, or organization identified for possible action to support the commander’s objectives, guidance, and end state.
Targeting Categories/Scheduling
- Deliberate Targeting- prosecutes planning targets, known to exist with engagement scheduled to create effects which support JFC objectives
- Dynamic Targeting- Prosecutes targets of opportunity and changes to planned targets or objectives.
Deliberate Targeting
Scheduled- Prosecuted at a specific time
On-call- Actions planned, but not for specific delivery time
Dynamic Targeting
- Unplanned- Known to exist in operational environment
- Unanticipated- Unknown or not expected
Targeting Categories/ Scheduling
Joint Targeting Cycle
An iterative process that is not time-constrained, and steps may occur concurrently, but it provides a helpful framework to describe the steps that must be satisfied to successfully conduct joint targeting.
Joint Targeting Cycle
Joint Targeting Cycle Phase 1
End State and Commander’s Objective
Determines desired/undesired effects
Sets targeting priorities
Specifies damage criteria
Sets collection requirements
Establishes restrictions
Development of relevant, observable, responsive, and resourced measures (MOE and MOP)
Target Development and Prioritization Steps
- Target System Analysis
- Entity-level target development
- Target list management
Target System Analysis (TSA)
All-source examination of potential target systems to determine relevance to stated objectives, military importance and priority of attack.
It is an open-ended analytic process produced through the intelligence production process using national and theater validated requirements as a foundation.
Entity-level Target Development
Progresses target from initial ID to execution level detail.
Simultaneously conducted across the Joint Force.
Target Development Nomination (TDN) Entities submitted by analysts from across the joint force as a result of TSA and target development.
Target List Management
Begins when a target is nominated for target development and ends with the creation and maintenance of a prioritized target list
Includes
Vetting- optional in joint targeting
Validation
Listing
Nomination
Prioritization
Candidate Target List (CTL)
A list of objects or entities submitted by CC, appropriate agencies, or the joint force CDR’s staff for further development and inclusion on the joint target list and/or restricted target list, or moved to the no strike list.
Restricted Target List (RTL)
A list of restricted targets nominated by elements of the joint force and approved by the joint force commander. This list also includes restricted targets directed by higher authorities.
No-Strike List (NSL)
A list of objects or entities characterized as protected from the effects of military operations under international law and/or rules of engagement. Attacking these may violate the law of armed conflict or interfere with friendly relations with indigenous personnel or governments.
Joint Target List (JTL)
A consolidated list of selected targets, upon which there are no restrictions placed, considered to have significance in the joint force commander’s operational area.
Target Nomination List (TNL)
A target consolidated list of targets made up of the multiple candidate target lists. A prioritized list of targets drawn from the joint target list and nominated by component commanders, appropriate agencies, or the joint force commander’s staff for inclusion on the joint integrated prioritized target list.
Joint Integrated Prioritized Target List (JIPTL)
A prioritized list of targets approved and maintained by the JFC. Targets and priorities are derived from the recommendations of components and other appropriate agencies, in conjunction with their proposed operations supporting the JFC’s objectives and guidance.
Capabilities Analysis
Evaluating available capabilities with desired effects to determine appropriate options
Target Vulnerability Analysis
Capabilities Assignment
Feasibility Assessment
Effects Estimate
Target Vulnerability Analysis
Building on the critical targets elements identified in Phase 2, target vulnerability analysis reveals all aspects of the target that, if engaged, would result in a reduction in the target’s ability to perform its function its function for the adversary.
Capabilities Assignment
Weaponeering is accomplished in this step for all lethal capabilities and some nonlethal capabilities from other mission areas.
Once capabilities are assigned to vulnerabilities, a list of these asset target interactions (ATIs) is created and evaluated in the next step.
Feasibility Assessment
Each of the ATIs must be evaluated for feasibility.
Effects Estimate
Each feasible ATI should have first, second, and higher order effects identified. Sometimes this is done by a command’s red team. Collateral damage is a second order effect.
Weaponeering
Selecting weapon/system to inflict damage or effect
Based on objectives and desired lethal and non-lethal effects
Collateral Damage Estimation (CDE)
Unintended or incidental damage to persons or objects which are not lawful targets.
Conducted before operations
TGT is weaponeered to balance accomplishing the mission with the risks to US forces and the risk for collateral damage.
Facilitates risk estimation and mitigation.
CMD’s Decision and Force Assignment
Integrates previous phases of JTC and fuses capabilities analysis with available forces, sensors, and weapon systems
Provides vital link between planning and ops
Five steps in CMD’s Decision and Force Assignment
- Consolidate Target Development and Capabilities Analysis Results
- Assemble Data on Friendly Force Status, Factoring in Operational Limitations and Apportionment Guidance
- Assign Forces to Specific Targets and Supporting Missions
- Present Joint Targeting Recommendations to the JFC for Approval
- Issue Tasking Orders to Forces
- Consolidate Target Development and Capabilities Analysis Results
Targeting personnel assemble the necessary data from the work done in phases 2 and 3. To make this complex data more useful to their planning counterparts, targeting personnel should prepare summary files and worksheets. Target files should contain four types of information.
Target development data
capabilities analysis or # of assets required
CDE
Attrition calculations
Assemble Data on Friendly Force Status, Factoring in Operation Limitations and Apportionment Guidance
Current status and availability of friendly forces and munitions.
Apportionment affects how the force assignment team tasks dual or multi-role platforms, sequences force activities, and directs force package to operate in different parts of OA.
Assigning Forces to Specific Targets and Supporting Missions
Timing, event sequencing, and interaction of combat forces with supporting assets become crucial in crafting an effective and actionable CONOPS and fire support plan.
Present Joint Targeting Recommendations to the JFC for Approval
CDR’s decision in phase 4 is: to either approve the draft JIPTL, approve targets to be added to or removed from the JIPTL, or approves a particular way or ways of engaging a particular target or targets
Issue Tasking Orders to Forces
Issue orders.
Mission Planning and Force Execution
Performed at the operational and tactical levels
OPORD/FRAGO/ATO (Air Tasking Order) Input
DMPI (Desired Mean Point of Impact)
Weapons
Attack timing
BDA Tasking
JFC support to units
Target materials
Support relationships
Deconfliction
Dynamic targeting/ TST guidance
Target Engagement Authority (TEA)
The Authority to direct fires against approved targets. CDE level will dictate the appropriate TEA.
Does not apply to units operating under different ROEs.
Positive Identification (PID)
The reasonable certainty that a functionality and geospatially defined object of attack is a legitimate target IAW the law of war and applicable ROE.
It is an inherent responsibility of all commanders, observers, air battle managers, weapons directors, attack controllers, weapon systems operators, intelligence analysts, and targeting personnel to
Established PID and to accurately locate targets
Identify potential collateral concerns prior to munitions release and target engagement
Apply the Collateral Damage Methodology
Assessment
Measures progress toward mission accomplishment.
Provides.
Status of OE
benchmark for validating actions
weapons system performance
allows CDR’s to adjust operations
In general, the level at which a specified operation, task, or action is planned and executed should be the level at which it is assessed.
Combat Assessment
BDA
Munitions effectiveness assessment
Re-attack recommendations
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)
The estimate of target damage or effect which is based on physical damage assessment, change assessment, and functional damage assessment.
BDA is conducted post operations to evaluate the effects of the actions conducted on the target. It facilitates advising the CDR on the measures of effectiveness and the measure of performance (MOE & MOP).
BDA 1
A physical damage assessment is an estimate of the quantitative extent of physical damage to target element based on observed or interpreted damage.
Initial Reports- Visual observation from a single source.
BDA 2
Functional damage assessment is an estimate of the degradation or destruction of the functional/operational capability of a target to perform its intended mission.
Amplifies the initial analysis.
Target’s normal level of operation must be quantified.
Assessment must include an estimation of the time required for recuperation or replacement of the target’s function.
BDA 3
Functional Assessment of Higher-Level Target System is a broad assessment of the overall impact on an adversary target system relative to the targeting objectives established.
Conducted at the combatant command or national-level by fusing all phases I and II BDA reporting.
Munitions Effectiveness Assessment (MEA)
The G-3, in coordination with the fires cells, develops the munitions effectiveness assessment by determining the effectiveness of munitions, weapons systems, and tactics.
The assessment of the military force applied in terms of the weapons system and munitions effectiveness to determine and recommend any required changes to the methodology, tactics, weapons system, munitions, fusing, and/or weapon delivery parameters to increase force effectiveness.
Purpose is to compare actual effectiveness with perceived effectiveness calculated during phase 3 (capability assessment.
Future Targeting or Re-attack Recommendations
Merge the picture of what was done (BDA) with how it was done (MEA) and compares the result with predetermined MOEs that were developed in phase 1 (End State and CDR’s Objectives).
Assessment Metrics
- Measures of Effectiveness (MOE)
- Criteron used to assess changes in system behavior, capability, or operational environment that is tied to measuring the attainment of an end state, an objective, or the creation of an effect.
- It measures the relevance of actions being performed.
- Are we doing the right things?
- Measures of Performance (MOP)
- Criterion used to assess friendly actions that is tied to measuring task accomplishment (tactical tasks).
- Metrics should be: relevant, measurable, responsive, and resourced
- Are we doing things right?
Service Component Targeting Cycles
Decide
Detect
Deliver
Assess
Purpose of Joint Targeting
To provide the Joint Forces Commander with a target list to support the joint force campaign objectives or a subordinate component commanders supporting objectives.
Components, of which SOF is one, must understand the Joint Targeting Cycle to achieve the effects necessary to accomplish the JFC objectives.
Strategic Targets
Vital to friendly objectives and the adversary’s overall political, military, and economic operations or psychological stability.
Operational Targets
Critical to the adversary’s capability to conduct battles on a relatively local scale. Such targets may include logistics and C4I functions to support and direct tactical operations.
Tactical Targets
Affect the adversary’s capability to conduct battles on a relatively localized basis.
Target Analysis Focus
Targeting
The Process of selecting targets and matching the appropriate response to them, considering operational requirements and capabilities.
Fusion of Intel and Ops
Main Objective of Targeting
To identify resources the enemy can least afford to lose, or those that provide him with the greatest advantage.
Army Targeting Guidelines
Focused- on achieving the CDR’s objectives
Effects-based- Creates specific desired effects through lethal and nonlethal actions. Seeks to create desired effects with the least risk and expenditure of time and resources.
Interdisciplinary- Targeting is a command function that requires the participation of many disciplines.
Systematic- A targeting methodology is a rational and iterative process that methodically analyzes, prioritizes, and assigns assets against targets.
Directs- Lethal and nonlethal actions to create desired effects
Targeting Guidelines
Focused
Fully developed TVA
Collection Management that is developed in conjunction with friendly COA
Every target nominated must contribute to attaining the CDR’s objectives.
To achieve efficiently those objectives within the parameters set by CDR’s guidance.
Target Guidelines
Effects-based
Target taxonomy
CDE
Incorporate IO Planner into COADEV
Art of targeting seeks to achieve desired effects with the lease risk and expenditure of time and resources
Targeting Guidelines
Interdisciplinary
Facilitated through FUSION meetings
Fully understanding of available assets
Fully developed collection management
Entails participation from all elements/assets of unit staff, special staff, other agencies, organizations, and multinational partners
Targeting Guidelines
Systematic
Fully developed TVA
Fully developed Collection Management to include cueing, redundancy, mix, and integration
Prioritized HPTL
Methodology is a rational and iterative process that methodically analyzes, prioritizes, and assigns assets against targets systematically to achieve those effects that will contribute to achieving the CDR’s Objectives.
Targeting Guidelines
Directs
Synchronization of all available assets
Facilitated through FUSION Meetings
HPTs detected
Targeting Terms
Non-Lethal Fires
Target Characteristics
Physical- generally discernible to the five sense
Functional- describe what the target does and how is does it
Cognitive- describe how targets process information or exercise control functions
Environmental- describes the effect of the environment on the target
Temporal- describes the target’s vulnerability to detection, attack, or other engagement in relation to the time available
Target Types
High Value Targets (HVT)- a target the enemy commander requires for the successful completion of the mission.
High Payoff Targets (HPT)- a target whose loss to the enemy will significantly contribute to the success of the friendly course of action.
High Value Individual (HVI)- a person of interest who must be identified, surveilled, tracked, and influenced through the use of information or fires
Time Sensitive Targets (TST)- A target or set of targets requiring immediate response because it is a highly lucrative, fleeting target of opportunity or it poses a danger to friendly forces
No-strike- objects or entities characterized as protect from the effects of military operations under international law and/or ROE.
Restricted Target List (RTL)- valid target that has specified restrictions placed on the actions authorize against it due to operational considerations.
Decide, Detect, Deliver, and Assess (D3A)
Integral part of the decision cycle from receipt of the mission through OPORD execution.
As decisions are made in planning future operations, current operations staff elements execute detection and attack of targets on the basis or prior decisions.
Decide Principles
Provides the overall focus and sets priorities for intelligence collection and attack planning.
Draws heavily on a detailed IPB and continuous assessment of the situation
Products of the Decide Phase
HPTL
ISR Plan
Target selection standards (TSS)
Attack guidance Matrix (AGM)
Target Selection Standards (TSS)
Address accuracy or other specific criteria that must be met before targets can be attacked.
Criteria applied to enemy activity and used in deciding whether the activity is a target.
TSS nominations in two categories
- Targets- meet accuracy and timeliness requirements for attack
- Suspected targets- must be confirmed before an attack
Attack Guidance Matrix (AGM)
A matrix which addresses which targets will be attacks, how, when, and the desired effects; allows a staff to propose the most efficient available attack option.
Targeting Team Tasks
Target Value Analysis (TVA)
Identifies potential HVT sets associated with critical enemy functions that could interfere with the friendly COA or that are key to enemy success.
Target Development
The systematic examination of potential target systems and their components, individual targets, and target elements to determine the necessary type and duration of action that must be exerted on each target to create the required effects consistent with the commander’s objectives.
Intelligence Collection vs Targeting
- Targeting requires working down to the primary source
- Target requires specificity; Intel collection does not
- Control the questioning to extract targeting/relevant information
- Information/Intelligence is collected and reported to higher for analysis and dissemination
Four products of Target development
- Target Development Nominations
- Target Folders
- Collection and exploitation requirements
- Target briefs
Target Vetting
Assesses the accuracy of the supporting intelligence to targeting
Establishes a reasonable level of confidence in a candidate target’s functional characterization.
Does not include an assessment of compliance with the law of war or ROE
Target Validation
Ensures all vetted targets meet the objectives and criteria outlined in the commander’s guidance, and ensures compliance with the law of war and ROE.
Detect Principles
- Determines accurate, identifiable, and timely requirements for collection systems
- Focus on HPTs and PIRs
- Mobile HPTs must be detected and tracked to maintain current location
- Fire Cells tells the S2 the degree of accuracy required and dwell time for a target to be eligible for attack (TSS)
- Update the HPTL and AGM
- ISR Synchronization Matrix
Deliver
Function executes the target guidance and supports the commander’s battle plan once the HPTs have been located and identified.
Assess Step
The determination of the effectiveness of force employment during military operations.
Target Taxonomy
Establishes terms of reference for analysts, targeteers, planners, and operators to effectively decompose an adversary or potential adversary into its understandable (smallest) part.
Center of Gravity (COG) analysis
- A source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act
- Purpose of performing COG analysis is to determine and evaluate the enemy’s critical vulnerabilities (CV) for exploitation
- Results are later used during COA development to exploit identified vulnerabilities
- Vulnerabilities= HVT
Critical Factors
Critical Capabilities- Means that is considered a crucial enabler for a center of gravity to function as much and is essential to the accomplishment of the specified or assumed objectives
Critical Requirement- An essential condition, resource, and means for a critical capability to be fully operational.
Critical Vulnerability- An aspect of a critical requirement which is deficient or vulnerable to direct or indirect attack that will create decisive or significant effects.
Prioritizing Targets
- *C**riticality
- *A**ccessibility
- *R**ecouperability
- *V**ulnerability
- *E**ffects
- *R**ecognizability
Evaluation Criteria
Purpose of CARVER is to determine the military importance of target Components, the priority of attacks, and weapons required to obtain a desired effect on a target or set of targets.
Target Value Analysis
Quantifies the relative value of HVTs with each other in relation to a particular enemy COA.
- ID Threats
- Analyze the threat- ID critical
- Capabilities (CC)
- Requirements (CR)
- Vulnerable (CV)
- ID HVT and develop HVTL
- Conduct a detailed analysis for the friendly COA
- Analyze the HVTL and ID HPTs
- Develop HPTL
