AFDD 2-1.9, page 19

9 “Time-sensitivity” is a somewhat different matter. Many targets may be fleeting; many may be critical to operations. Those that are both present one of the biggest targeting challenges faced by the joint force. Advances in surveillance technology and weaponry make it possible in some instances to detect, track, and engage high-priority targets in real time, or to thwart emerging enemy actions before they become dangerous to the joint force. Joint doctrine calls the targets prosecuted in this manner “time-sensitive targets” (TST): “those targets requiring immediate response because they pose (or will soon pose) a danger to friendly forces or are highly lucrative, fleeting targets of opportunity.” (JP 1-02) The CFC provides specific guidance and priorities for TSTs within the operational area. Examples might be things like a weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-capable combat vessel that was just detected approaching the joint force, a sought-after enemy national leader whose location was just identified; an enemy aircraft detected approaching friendly high-value assets, or an intermediate- range ballistic missile launch. The CFC designates TSTs. However, there may be other targets requiring “time-sensitive” treatment, which are of concern primarily to the CFC’s component commanders (vital to their schemes of maneuver or immediately threatening their forces, for instance) that the CFC may not deem to be TSTs. These targets are prosecuted using the same dynamic targeting methodology as TSTs, even though they may not be designated as such and even though their prosecution may be tasked and tracked by different elements in the combined air and space operations center (CAOC). TST prosecution is a special form of dynamic targeting and is covered further in Chapter Three. Targeting is the shared responsibility of operations personnel, planners, and intelligence analysts at all levels of command within a joint force. Targeting and attack functions are accomplished in accordance with the LOAC and international agreements and conventions, as well as rules of engagement (ROE) approved by the President and Secretary of Defense for a particular operation. Military commanders, planners, and legal experts must consider the desired end state and political aims when making targeting decisions. These issues are dealt with further in Appendix A. TARGETING AND TARGETING-RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES The combined forces air and space component commander (CFACC) has the following targeting responsibilities: › Plan, coordinate, integrate, task, and direct the joint air and space effort in accordance with the CFC’s guidance and joint force objectives. › Develop a JAOP derived from the CFC’s broader objectives for the operation, and guidance regarding the roles, missions, tasks, and responsibilities of joint air and space capabilities and forces. This responsibility is further elaborated in Chapter Two. › After consulting with other component commanders, recommend apportionment of the joint air effort that should be devoted to various air operations for a given period of time (see Chapter Two).