ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Planning 07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 115 TARGETING 2-348. This section is derived from JP 3-60, ADP 3-19, FM 3-09, and ATP 3-60. 2-349. 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 is continuously refined and adjusted between the commander and staff as an operation unfolds. A target is an entity or object that performs a function for the threat considered for possible engagement or other action (JP 3-60). Targets include a wide array of mobile and stationary forces, equipment, and capabilities that a threat can use to conduct operations. 2-350. Targeting creates effects systematically. A targeting methodology is a rational and iterative process that methodically analyzes, prioritizes, and assigns assets against targets systematically to create those effects that contribute to achieving the commander's objectives. If the desired effects are not created, targets may be considered again in the process or operations may be modified. 2-351. The Army uses the decide, detect, deliver, assess (D3A) methodology as the primary targeting methodology. D3A optimizes integration and synchronization of maneuver, fire support, intelligence, command and control, and information-related capabilities from task force through corps level operations. Successful targeting requires the commander and staff understand the functions and ethical decision making associated with targeting. 2-352. The joint force uses the joint targeting cycle, which is a six-phase iterative process that is not time- constrained nor rigidly sequential, as some steps in various phases may be conducted concurrently. Phases of the joint targeting cycle are— Phase 1—Commander's objectives, targeting guidance, and intent Phase 2—Target development and prioritization Phase 3—Capabilities analysis Phase 4—Commander's decision and force assignment Phase 5—Mission planning and force execution Phase 6—Combat assessment TARGETING GUIDELINES 2-353. Targeting focuses on efficiently achieving the commander's objectives within parameters set at the operational level, such as directed limitations, rules of engagement, rules for the use of force, the law of war, and other guidance given by the commander. Every target nominated must contribute to the mission. 2-354. Targeting seeks to create specific desired effects through lethal and nonlethal actions. Target analysis encompasses all possible means to create desired effects, drawing from all available capabilities. The art of targeting seeks to create desired effects with the least risk and expenditure of time and resources. It directs lethal and nonlethal actions to create desired effects. Targeting is a fundamental task of the fires warfighting function that encompasses many disciplines and requires participation from many staff elements and components. TARGET GUIDANCE 2-355. A commander's targeting guidance must be clear and simple to enhance understanding. The guidance must be easily understood by all warfighting functions. Targeting guidance must focus on essential threat capabilities and functions that could interfere with achieving friendly objectives. 2-356. A commander's targeting guidance describes the desired effects from fires, physical attack, cyberspace electromagnetic activities, and other information-related capabilities against threat operations. An effect is 1. The physical or behavioral state of a system that results from an action, a set of actions, or another effect. 2. The result, outcome, or consequence of an action. 3. A change to a condition, behavior, or degree of freedom (JP 3-0). Targeting enables the commander—through various lethal and nonlethal capabilities—the ability to produce the desired effects. Capabilities associated with one desired effect may also contribute to other desired effects. For example, delay can result from disrupting, diverting, or