AFDD 2-1.9, page 39

29 AIR TASKING CYCLE PHASES AND THEIR PRODUCTS Objectives, Effects, and Guidance Purpose of the Phase Clear understanding of the commander’s objectives and guidance is essential for effective tasking and targeting. As mentioned in Chapter One, objectives are the clearly defined, decisive, attainable, and measurable goals toward which every military operation should be directed. They provide focus for those at all stages of the tasking cycle and give targeting personnel the overarching purpose for their efforts. Guidance sets limits and boundaries on the objectives and how they are attained. It establishes constraints—things we must do—and restraints—things we must not do. Together, the two embody a commander’s intent for military operations. This phase starts with CFC guidance to the joint force components. The CFC consults with his component commanders, decides on modifications to their COAs or schemes of maneuver, and issues guidance and intent. This has been done in various ways in different conflicts, but an emerging best practice is that used during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) by the CFC. He established a single board to provide a forum for review of campaign progress, his intent, component schemes of maneuver, and macro-level targeting priorities. The overarching purpose of this board is to integrate (not just synchronize and coordinate) component efforts at the operational, scheme-of-maneuver level. The board can thus be called a joint integration board (JIB) or a combined integration board (CIB). This board would replace and expand the scope of the joint targeting coordination board (JTCB), established as an option in joint doctrine. The J/CIB would occur earlier in the cycle and focus more at the operational, “scheme of maneuver” level than the JTCB. The CFC determines whether a J/CIB will be held and defines its role. In general, however, each J/CIB should cover four broad topics: › Assessment of campaign progress since the last meeting (usually the last 24 hours), with recommendations for future action. › Broad guidance for the next 72 hours issued by the CFC. › Major operations (schemes of maneuver) over the next 48 hours, briefed by each of the components. › Macro-level review and guidance on joint maneuver and fires (including especially targeting and ISR priorities) over the next 24 hours, to help guide joint dynamic targeting efforts for the upcoming execution period. The CFC will normally delegate the authority to conduct execution planning, coordination, and deconfliction associated with joint air targeting to the CFACC and will ensure that this process is a joint effort. The CFACC must possess a sufficient command and control (C2) infrastructure, adequate facilities, and ready availability of