AFDD 2-1.9, page 36

26 The ATO articulates tasking for joint air and space operations for a specific period of time, normally 24 hours. Detailed planning generally begins 72 hours prior the start of execution to properly assess the progress of operations, anticipate enemy actions, make needed adjustments to strategy, and enable integration of all components’ requirements. The actual length of the tasking cycle may vary from theater to theater. Length will be based upon CFC guidance, CFACC direction, and theater needs. The length should be specified in theater standard operating procedures or other directives. If it is modified for a particular contingency, this should be specified in the CFC’s operations plan (OPLAN) or the CFACC’s JAOP. The net result of this part of the tasking cycle—and of deliberate targeting efforts—is that there are usually five ATOs in various stages of progress at any one time. (This is illustrated in figure 2.3.) › At least one ATO undergoing assessment at various levels. › One currently being executed. › One in production. › One in detailed planning (target development and weaponeering). › One in strategy development (objectives and guidance). Some assets may not operate within the established cycle. These include most space assets, which are tasked via the space tasking order, although some theater- specific space operations will probably be included in the daily ATO for the sake of situational awareness, integration, and synchronization. Special operations function within a 96-hour planning cycle, but will more often operate within or drive the dynamic targeting process. Certain information operations (IO) capabilities operate within a 96- hour cycle as well, and it is critical for CAOC planners to know if special operations forces (SOF) and IO personnel will assist with targeting. Intertheater air mobility assets are others that do not necessarily operate within the tasking cycle. In large operations, the existence of differing planning cycles among components can lead to increased complexity in the process. Most component planning cycles are approximately 72-96 hours. However, the requirement within the air tasking cycle to manage as many as five separate ATOs drives the requirement for discipline to manage defined inputs and outputs during particular slices of time. The CAOC combat plans division (CPD) should work closely with the air mobility division (AMD) to determine how intertheater mobility is integrated into the ATO. Some long-range combat assets based outside the theater of operations but operating within the joint operations area may be airborne on a tasked mission before the ATO that covers their weapons’ times over target is published. These assets require the most current draft ATO information and all updates that affect their missions. Other missions that are not under the CFACC’s control may be included in the ATO to provide visibility and assist coordination and deconfliction. Deliberate targeting supports every phase of the joint air estimate process and the air tasking cycle and is interwoven throughout the phases up to and including ATO production and dissemination. Effective deliberate targeting comes at a high cost in