AFDD 2-1.9, page 44

34 Targets for consideration come from a variety of sources. Many are developed pre- conflict and confirmed during planning. These may or may not come from a theater joint target list (JTL) maintained in peacetime. JTLs are consolidated lists of selected targets considered to have military significance in a combatant commander’s area of responsibility. Many more are suggested during JAOP development or by the SD as the air and space component’s strategy evolves during a conflict. Many are derived by the CAOC’s targeteers themselves, as target analysis suggests the means of achieving desired effects. Many targets are nominated by other joint force components in order to help achieve their desired effects. Upon dissemination of the AOD, and based on CFC guidance, components begin to develop their nominations for inclusion in the next ATO. Some targets may be suggested by government agencies outside the DOD or by foreign governments. The product of target analysis is a list of proposed target nominations designed to achieve the effects determined in earlier stages of planning (such as JAOP development or the objectives, effect, and guidance stage of the tasking cycle), which will then be validated. Other products may include creation of or additions to no-strike or restricted target lists (see “products of the phase,” below). Target research within the tasking cycle often entails studying previously unidentified or unlocated targets. Responsibility for the research lies primarily, but not solely, with the ISRD, which uses federated aid and reachback (see Chapter Five and Appendix B) to ensure that the CAOC obtains, analyzes, and disseminates the information it needs for further target development. The CAOC’s information warfare element may also be crucial to target research, especially in helping understand battlespace communications and intelligence systems as well as human factors. Much ISRD effort must also be put into determining the status of previously struck targets, enemy recovery and recuperation efforts, and changes in enemy tactics, processes, and strategy. This information is critical in validating the effectiveness of friendly action. It helps shape ongoing target development within the tasking cycle by showing where re-strikes or other further action may be required. It is also crucial to the SD’s efforts to identify needed changes in the overall air and space strategy. Target vetting leverages the expertise of the national intelligence community to verify the accuracy and fidelity of the intelligence and analysis used to develop the target. Additionally, vetting reviews individual targets’ compliance with the LOAC and ROE. See Appendix A for further discussion of LOAC and ROE requirements. Target validation ensures all vetted targets achieve the effects and objectives outlined in a commander’s guidance and are coordinated and deconflicted with agencies and activities that might present a conflict with the proposed action. It also determines whether a target remains a viable element of the target system. During the development effort, the targets may also require review and approval based on the sensitive target approval and review process, coordinated through the combatant commander to national authorities. This phase is done by targeteers within the CPD