s2underground_search · Manuals
Military manual AFDD 2-1.9 Page 81 of 130 text: pdf

AFDD 2-1.9, page 81

Targeting

Air Force Doctrine Document: Targeting

DTIC ADA454614 public copy

Page 81 of AFDD 2-1.9
Searchable page text (OCR / PDF)
71 Ideally, target development should support an OPLAN or CONPLAN, which provides required targeting guidance and forms the basis for a JAOP that can be used in actual conflict. In reality, the US often enters contingencies without established deliberate planning products, or those that exist require extensive modification when an actual contingency arises. Obviously, it is impossible to have a plan for every conceivable contingency, but waiting to conduct target development until a contingency develops will put planners at a huge disadvantage. Targeteers must utilize existing IPB products to identify areas and subjects that may be of concern in the future. Even without established plans to guide them, targeteers should always seek out as much guidance from commanders as they can. Target development should always be geared toward achieving certain valid objectives, and all effects and actions that targeteers recommend should support those objectives. In some targeting methodologies, such as TSA discussed in Chapter Two, targeteers derive notional objectives based on tasks their theater is likely to receive and they base their target development on these objectives. Such a technique can be used even where formal TSA methodologies are not implemented. Target Folders Target development results in the creation of a target folder (either electronic or physical) which includes the justification for considering the entity a target and detailed information on the target to guide further planning efforts. Each target should have a single target folder. Because theater JIOC and other Services have targeteers supporting deliberate and contingency planning efforts, it is important for AIS targeteers to coordinate with these organizations to avoid duplication of effort when building target folders. This is especially important when clear planning guidance is lacking or a delineation of duties among the Service and functional commands has not yet been properly established. Joint Target List Once targeteers have adequately developed targets and target systems to determine the causal linkages that help to achieve specific effects and objectives, they must nominate them for inclusion in the appropriate JTL for a specific plan or contingency. Normally the combatant command’s J-2 maintains this list. Communication between AIS targeteers and the J-2 is critical to ensure effective prosecution of specific targets once hostilities begin. Methods of nomination vary with each theater. In the event J-2 is not maintaining the JTLs for whatever reason, the AIS or AOG should maintain the lists itself, in accordance with any applicable combatant command directives. No-Strike and Restricted Target Lists During targeting efforts, targeteers nominate targets for inclusion on NSLs and RTLs. Like JTLs, these lists are usually maintained by the J-2. See Chapter Two for details. Building them in peacetime will help reduce the possibility of attacking entities that are