AFDD 2-1.9, page 46

36 …the nature of warfare has changed. When cities were struck in past wars, none doubted that civilians, embassies, hospitals, and schools would be in harm’s way. Today, our ability to strike precisely has created the impression that sensitive sites can be safe in the middle of a war zone. Our desire to protect innocents in the line of fire has added an enormous burden on all of us that we accept. It is our job to do our best to ensure that only appropriate targets be struck. —George Tenet Former Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) Remarks to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, 22 The first three stages result in what might be called “target allocation”—working interactively with other elements in the CAOC to determine which targets “make the cut” on the given day’s ATO. This is not always an easy decision, especially in conflicts where resources are limited and/or the target lists are lengthy. Still, it is a vital part of what the CPD does. The final stage produces a list of validated target nominations that will be submitted to higher authority for approval on target nomination lists. Target Nomination. Once targets are identified and validated, they are nominated through proper channels for approval. Historically, this has often entailed deliberation through a high-level coordinating body such as a JTCB, but evolving best practice (including practice in OIF) suggests that detailed targeting functions should be delegated to components (as joint doctrine permits), leaving commanders free to concentrate on integrating the joint force scheme of maneuver in a JIB. Once all of the component, allied, and agency target nominations for a given ATO are received, the TET prioritizes the nominated targets and places them in a target nomination list (TNL) based on the commander’s objectives. The TET then vets the TNLs through the appropriate coordinating bodies representing the joint force components and other required agencies to ensure their requirements are supported, joint force priorities are met, and desired effects are achieved. If targeting functions are delegated appropriately, the final deconfliction and coordination of components’ nominations should be at a target coordination meeting run by the TET. Component representatives should be prepared to justify target selections, since not all targets may be struck based on the CFC’s apportionment decision and the CFACC’s target allocation. If differences arise and cannot be resolved at the meeting, the issue should be coordinated at higher levels for resolution. The meeting should not generally address mating of specific weapons to targets, but it should consider non- kinetic options and initiate the planning and coordination needed for those options. Additionally, the meeting may address the availability of certain “high demand” weapons or munitions on a particular ATO. However, the availability of weapons or capability