AFDP 3-60, page 10

Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-60, Targeting 7 may require special consideration and caution. Sensitive Target. These are targets for which planned actions warrant Presidential or SecWar approval. Sensitive target criteria are normally delineated by JFCs in plans, orders, or ROE.12 High-Value Target (HVT). A target the enemy requires for the successful completion of the mission. The loss of HVTs would be expected to seriously degrade important enemy capabilities or functions. HVT lists should describe the relative value of each target to be nominated for target development and further identify high-payoff targets (HPTs). High-Payoff Target (HPT). A target whose loss to the enemy could significantly contribute to the success of the friendly course of action. Given their importance, the JFC and components prioritize these targets. This list also identifies these HPTs by time and space, which is vital to a commander within a given OA. Time-Sensitive Target (TST). A TST is a JFC-validated target or set of targets requiring immediate response because it is a highly lucrative, fleeting target of opportunity or it poses (or could soon pose) a danger to friendly forces. This target is considered a special type of HPT. The air component commander synchronizes maneuver fires against TSTs within their targeting process. Subsequently, the dynamic targeting process, which occurs during execution of the air tasking cycle, is often used to specifically engage TSTs. Component-Critical Target (CCT). These targets are HPTs that pose a threat to their mission or force for cross-component execution. They are considered a type of HPT and are nominated by Component commanders as TSTs. NUCLEAR TARGETING Nothing discussed within this document, including the law of war (LoW) and targeting implications, precludes the use of nuclear weapons. Nuclear targeting mirrors conventional targeting principles, with consideration given to the specific weapon’s effects. Commanders should assess the military and political impact a nuclear strike would have on operations.13 Nuclear planning guidance issued at the CCDR level is based on national-level political considerations and is influenced by the military mission. USAF targeteers assigned to US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) conduct nuclear planning in coordination with supported CCDRs and certain allied commanders. However, the supported commander does not control the decision to use nuclear weapons. Effects-based targeting should account for the potential use of nuclear weapons across the conflict continuum. Nuclear weapons’ effects should be understood in relation to the conventional operations they support or are supported by. 12 For additional information on sensitive targets, see CJCSI 3122.06, Sensitive Target Approval and Review (STAR) Process. 13 For additional information on operating in CBRN environments, see AFDP 3-40, Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction Operations, and JP 3-11, Operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Environments.