ADP-3-19 FIRES Warfighting Function Download
Page 34 of 52
Chapter 3 3-6 ADP 3-19 31 July 2019 An integrating process consists of a series of steps that incorporate multiple disciplines to achieve a specific end. For example, during planning, the MDMP integrates the commander and staff in a series of steps to produce a plan or order. Key integrating processes that occur throughout the operations process include: Intelligence preparation of the battlefield. Information collection. Targeting. Risk management. Knowledge management. These processes drive decisions, resource allocation, and critical staff actions throughout the operations process. For further discussion on the other integrating processes, see ADP 5-0. 3-33. Targeting is the process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the appropriate response to them, considering operational requirements and capabilities (JP 3-0). Targeting helps integrate and synchronize fires with other Army and joint functions (C2, intelligence, movement and maneuver, protection, sustainment, and information). Targeting encompasses many processes, all linked and logically guided by the joint targeting cycle. Units may use the Army targeting process or the joint targeting cycle as appropriate according to organizational echelon to integrate and synchronize fires into operations, creating the desired effects in time and space. Using targeting, fires cells recommend targeting guidance to the commander, develop targets, select targets for attack, and coordinate, integrate, and assign allocated joint, interagency, and multi-national fires to specific targets and target systems (see ATP 3-60 and JP 3-60 for more information on the Army targeting process and the joint targeting cycle). 3-34. The decide, detect, deliver, and assess (D3A) methodology is a process which allows tactical level commanders to engage targets within their OE. When a target presents which the tactical level commander is unable to engage either due to range or capability, the target is nominated to a higher HQ for potential prosecution their assets. 3-35. A goal of targeting is to leverage a systematic method to remove key capabilities from the enemy to set favorable conditions. In addition to the removal of key systems or equipment, targeting in the deep area is the most effective means to influence enemy capabilities and set favorable force ratios enabling subordinate formations to realize mission success. Targeting is a synchronizing function to support the management of operational tempo and reach. 3-36. Targeting in support of deep operations enables the commander and staff to take initiative when selecting high-payoff targets in support of operations against the enemy’s uncommitted forces or key systems. Through targeting, the commander prioritizes resources, solves emerging problem sets, synchronizes the staff and subordinate unit operations, and manages the overall tempo of operations. Detailed planning and integration across all warfighting functions allows the application of joint fire support and effects in the deep area, which facilitates surprise, concentration, and audacity. Effective integration, synchronization, and employment of joint fire support and joint targeting is essential to creating conditions that provide the supported commander freedom of action. 3-37. Since many joint capabilities are not organic to Army forces, commanders and staffs plan, coordinate, and integrate joint and unified action partner capabilities in a multi-domain approach to operations. Integration and synchronization between the Army targeting process of D3A and joint targeting cycle are critical in securing joint and unified partner capabilities for Army commanders whose organizations operate at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of warfare. 3-38. The LCC may request Joint fires from the JFC through the joint targeting cycle. In certain situations, the JFC may task the LCC to provide surface to surface fires in support of a JFC target. 3-39. At the LCC level, outputs from the Joint targeting cycle are translated into actions conducted by tactical units. LCCs also contribute to the joint targeting cycle by nominating their own targets specific to their own environment and mission within the JFC’s intent. Such targets could be outside their own AO. 3-40. The paragraphs below will outline the Army targeting process, the joint targeting cycle, how the Army targeting process integrates into the joint targeting cycle, and how targeting influences planning for all warfighting functions.