AFDD 2-1.9, page 18

8 Examining these stages in light of the air tasking cycle and its relationship to deliberate targeting, described in Chapter Two, it is easy to see that targeting is absolutely integral to the tasking process. Further detail concerning the joint targeting process can be found in Joint Publication (JP) 3-60, Joint Targeting. TYPES OF TARGETING There are two basic types of targeting: deliberate and dynamic. Deliberate targeting is the procedure for prosecuting targets that are detected, identified, and developed in sufficient time to schedule actions against them in tasking cycle products such as the air and space tasking order (ATO). Targets prosecuted as part of deliberate targeting are known to exist in an operating area and have missions or actions scheduled against them, or have concepts of operations (CONOPS) developed to prosecute them with pre-planned on-call missions. Examples may range from targets on joint target lists in the joint air and space operations plan (JAOP) to new targets developed in sufficient time to list in an ATO. The deliberate targeting procedure is an integral part of the air tasking cycle, although aspects of it take place outside the tasking process per se. Deliberate targeting is discussed further in Chapter Two. Dynamic targeting is the procedure for prosecuting targets that are not detected, identified, or developed in time to be included in deliberate targeting, and therefore have not had actions scheduled against them. Targets prosecuted as part of dynamic targeting are previously unanticipated, unplanned, or newly detected and are generally of such importance to a component, the CFC, or higher authority that they warrant prosecution within the current execution period. If the target is not critical or time- sensitive enough to warrant prosecution during the current execution period, the target may be developed for prosecution during a later execution period. Analysis of the target may also determine that no action is needed. Dynamic targeting is covered further in Chapter Three. Target “Sensitivity.” Certain targets require special care or caution in treatment because failure to target them or to target them properly can lead to major adverse consequences. Examples might include leadership targets that must be handled sensitively due to potential political repercussions, targets located in areas with a high risk of collateral civilian damage, or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) facilities, where improper targeting can lead to major long-term environmental damage. Such targets are often characterized as “sensitive” in one respect or another, but calling them “sensitive targets” is incorrect, since the “sensitivity” is attributed to them by us and is not an intrinsic characteristic. Nonetheless, the manner in which they are targeted is sensitive and may require coordination with and approval from the CFC or higher authorities. In most cases, it is best to establish criteria for engaging such targets in as much detail as possible during planning, before combat commences. These considerations are covered further in Chapter Two.